When you’re fat, you absolutely dread them. They mean being reminded multiple times (stepping on the scale, the doctor telling you) that you’re not thin. That you have a lot more work to go.

When you’re thinner, you mind them a whole lot less. Sure, getting poked and prodded still suck. The doctor saying “wow! Your BMI went from obese to healthy,” a weird back-handed compliment, feels good in a weird way. But him telling you what awesome shape you’re in and you’re an inspiration? TOTALLY AWESOME.