AITA for refusing to stop posting progress photos?
Picture a triumphant cyclist, pedaling through sweat and determination, shedding nearly 100 pounds and sharing the journey online. For one Reddit user, their weight loss saga transformed their Twitter into a vibrant log of progress photos and cycling wins. But when a friend’s battle with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) collides with these posts, a once-close bond frays, sparking a heated debate over social media boundaries and personal triggers.
This story dives into the messy intersection of personal triumph and a friend’s mental health struggles. The OP’s thoughtful heads-up to their friend Ann couldn’t prevent tension, raising the question: should they censor their joy to protect her feelings, or is Ann projecting her issues onto their success? It’s a tale of self-improvement, sensitivity, and the limits of friendship that’s sure to stir readers.
‘AITA for refusing to stop posting progress photos?’
Celebrating personal milestones on social media can feel like shouting from a mountaintop, but for the OP, it’s stirred unexpected conflict. Their friend Ann, grappling with Binge Eating Disorder , finds the OP’s weight loss posts triggering, despite being warned. The OP’s refusal to alter their content highlights a clash between self-expression and empathy for a friend’s mental health.
Dr. Cynthia Bulik, an eating disorder expert, notes, “Social media can amplify triggers for those with eating disorders, but individuals must manage their own exposure” (National Eating Disorders Association). The OP’s courtesy in warning Ann was thoughtful, but Ann’s choice to keep following, then blame the OP, shifts responsibility. A 2022 study found 65% of people with eating disorders report social media as a trigger, yet self-curating feeds is key .
The broader issue is navigating friendships when personal goals and mental health collide. Ann’s accusation of the OP’s “obsessive” behavior may reflect her own struggles, not the OP’s healthy approach. Dr. Bulik suggests open dialogue and professional support for managing triggers. The OP could reaffirm their care for Ann while maintaining their posts, suggesting she mute or unfollow.
Here’s the comments of Reddit users:
Reddit brought the heat with a mix of cheers for the OP’s progress and shade for Ann’s reaction—served with a side of wit, because it’s Reddit! Here’s what the community had to say:
![[Reddit User] - NTA.. If people read stuff you publish, that’s on them. You're not forcing them to do anything.. Her comment about you destroying your body does sound like projection for what it’s worth.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/271370c-02.png)
![[Reddit User] - Congratulations on the transformation! NTA. Sounds like she just isn't happy you are improving yourself and she isn't. She told me that it wasn't fair of me to make her a second-class friend by saying 'you need to either deal with this content or stop following me.'](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/271370c-06.png)
These Reddit takes are a lively mix of support and skepticism, but do they nail the issue? Is Ann’s reaction fair, or is she dodging responsibility for her triggers?
This social media showdown reveals the tricky balance of celebrating personal wins while respecting others’ struggles. The OP’s weight loss journey is a triumph, but Ann’s pain complicates their friendship. Should personal posts bend to others’ triggers, or is curating one’s feed the answer? Have you ever clashed with a friend over social media content? Share your stories and thoughts below—let’s unpack this digital drama!
