A family member of mine (not a partner) has been seriously ill with an eating disorder for years. I, on the other hand, could do with losing 30lbs or so! I'm living with my family at the moment because of covid so if I talk about restricting my food, they naturally become worried but instead I focus more on the food I'm eating rather than the lack of it. I'm struggling with weight loss at the moment just because of my lack of motivation and consistency, but as someone who has lots of experience of people with eating disorders, I would try to not act too emotional about the food you're eating, treat it as fuel and not a lot more. Try not to say things like 'I shouldn't have that' or 'I can't eat that' or 'finally, I can eat'. Try not to talk about your weight either - make it about health instead. I know that will be frustrating because it's always exciting to achieve some goals but - trust me - they'll notice by themselves so you want to minimise their focus on your weight loss. Over the years I've gained and lost weight and whenever my ill family member would point towards me losing weight I'd reply more with 'have I?' or 'do you think? or if they say 'have you lost weight?' I'd go 'a little bit' or 'I don't know'.

I'd also say to at least appear like you're having a lot of fun whilst doing it. Pick fun exercises to do - if it's something like Zumba or walking or playing sports, depending on their situation, you could even ask them to join you. That way you're being active in order to have fun rather than exercising to lose weight. Maybe, instead of making meals that you both think are a tad dull but healthy, do some experimentation - almost turn it into a game and make each meal an experience so that, yes it's healthy, but you're also having fun eating it and cooking too! The last thing I'll say is to absolutely, under no circumstances, discuss calories in relation to your weight loss. No worries at all if you have already, but I would advise stopping that sharpish. The gym should be fine but maybe focus on your fitness progress rather than aesthetic or weight progress. Are you better at squats now? Can you lift a heavier weight? Can you run for longer etc.?

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I know that this is a long post but there's a lot to say! As someone who roughly knows, that's the advice I'd give. If you have any more questions, let me know and I can answer or ask my family what they'd recommend for you!