10 Things That Adults Often Struggle With If They Grew Up Overweight (4 of 6)

Feeling Self-Conscious About Eating Around Others

Growing up overweight meant potentially being watched or judged every time you eat. Adults who had this experience may still feel uneasy eating in public or around people they are unfamiliar with. They may avoid certain foods, play down their appetite, or worry about being scrutinized. That lingering self-consciousness doesn’t just come from the meal or food itself. It comes from old memories of negative comments, teasing, or being made to feel guilty for simply existing in a larger body.

Comparing Themselves to Others Constantly

Kids who felt different from their peers often developed a habit of self-comparison to measure whether they belonged. As adults, this can show up as constantly evaluating other people’s bodies, success, or lifestyles to determine their own value. It’s exhausting and often damaging, but it stems from years of being told, directly or indirectly, that they didn’t measure up.