Why "like" a weight gain?

Posted on July 29, 2014

I've gone back and forth on the idea of "liking" weight gains here on dietbet. Is is a positive thing? Is it unsportsman-like to do it? I've been really torn, but finally made the decision to go ahead and do it. Recently, someone caused me to question my decision again, suggesting that it's not really something I should "like".

I disagree. Here are two reasons why:

1. "Liking" the weight gain update shows the person who did the gaining that his or her efforts are noticed. Sometimes I don't have the time to make a comment, or I just don't have anything to say. However, I CAN take a moment to use the "like" to say, "hey, I saw your update. Your efforts do matter."

2. I believe that documenting a weigh-in, even with a gain, is a positive. We could just as easily choose not to post when we gain weight and just ignore it. This is a problem because ignoring weight gain just leads to more gains. Even if you have gained weight, you are showing a success by acknowledging it!

So, I will continue to "like" the weight gains as well as the losses. I've shown several gains this month, but I am choosing to be accountable to myself by posting both my gains and losses.

Keep up the great effort everyone!

Comment Now!

Ceri

07/30/2014 1:34AM

Totally agree! I've been liking a lot of quick updates. And while that may come across as wanting to be popular, I only do it to make sure everyone feels acknowledged in their efforts to lose weight. I don't 'like' the weigh-ins, because that will take me too much time, and I'm worried people will take a 'like' the wrong way. Anyway, really LIKE your blog.

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shawn p.

07/29/2014 8:02PM

Good post. perhaps dietbet can add a button that says "support" OR "don't give up"
Just a thought....

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Laura Kate

That would be fantastic!

Elizabeth D.

07/29/2014 4:20PM

Whenever I post a weight gain, I'm looking for the 'dislike'/thumbs down! ;)

I'll admit, I'm one of the people that looks at a 'like' at a weight gain and thinks - "Really? You're happy someone gained weight? That sucks." So, thanks for the clarification! Nice to hear the friendly motivation behind it.

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Cheri H.

07/29/2014 1:08PM

I would not take a "like" to my posting of a weight gain as mean spirited, but I would appreciate a supportive clarification. I would not "like" someone else's weight gain, unless I was sure they would not take as a jeering remark. I would post a weight gain, to hold myself accountable in the game. I may or may not included an explanation such as "I blew it", or "I have added muscle". Judging is tricky; there could be a bad reason for the weight gain or a good one. With all that said, no wonder you have gone back and forth about this issue! The short answer is, a "like" is sometimes not enough.

Laura Kate

Very true. That's why I try not to "like" a weight gain unless it is a group of people, or I have time to make a comment. I just know that I feel better when someone acknowledges my update and, with "liking" being the only quick option, I'd rather have that than feel ignored.

Jeannine Potato

07/29/2014 7:27AM

I always figured that those who "liked" a weight gain were mindlessly liking every post to try to get their name down for the person who 'liked' the most posts lol.

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Laura Kate

I suppose that could be. I try not to mindlessyy like anything. Personally, I think having an award for the person who "likes" the most stuff is dumb. I think it's better to spend our time working out or with friends than trying to win that thing.

Erin H.

07/29/2014 6:52AM

Agreed! It can be so hard to document the gain. In the past I've become so frustrated with myself that I put off facing the truth (even though I saw it on the scale) and refuse to document it until it's back to a loss. Then I end up giving up because it gets harder and harder to do!

In all likelihood some people will still question that you like it, but who cares? Awesome job on being supportive!

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Sydney

07/29/2014 6:40AM

I agreed. I have not posted my weight day days in my quick weight update, but in my personal logs I document them, assess what I ate which caused the weight gain, which for me has usually been the result of eating something with a lot of sodium. I'll start liking the weight gain!

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Harley L.

07/29/2014 6:34AM

Absolutely understood and agreed.

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Complexicality

07/29/2014 6:17AM

Your 2nd point is so true. We really should weigh in no matter what because everything is a part of the journey. Gains and all.