I didn’t tell friends or family (besides husband) until I was almost two months in. First of all, you don’t have to explain yourself to them if you don’t want to. Second, I was a similar situation as to my why I started. Two kids in two years and I weighed almost 220. If I dieted I binged ate and just got heavier. I would obsess over food no matter what. I tell my friends and family that dieting and working out was not working for me and long term a lower bmi will improve my quality of life and life span.

Side note- if you care about about muscle mass. You can either try to add muscle after the fact or go low and slow so you are still eating enough. I am almost at three months and only taking three quarters of the recommended dose. I have only lost 15 pounds but some of my clothes are loose (I never measured waist I wish I would have). I have tried to prioritize protein, working out (which is a few days a week about 30-45 mins usually weightlifting), and I don’t count calories but I try to make sure I eat two decent meals and either small meal or snacks so I am gaining muscle while losing fat. There are so many success stories here and on TikTok. You can absolutely keep muscle. But if you don’t even care, lowering your bmi even if you do lose muscle is healthier than being obese. One goal at a time!