I am 50+, never posted over here, but do lurk now and then.
The silence, maybe, they simply weren't sure what to say, so figured saying nothing was a better option.
One of the great things, I have come to learn to love about being 50+ is I'm getting old now, been there done that. I'm over a lot of things. I'm going to do some things for me, and just for me!
And I don't give 2 hoots what anyone thinks.
On the other hand, after a lot of practice at this journey, I've figured out lots of less threatening, or confrontational or whatever ways to deflect or get around comments like that.
A simple, "I'm in the mood for chicken and fresh veggies today." Or, "I'm working on healthier choices." Leave the weight loss out of the equation. Somehow making it more about healthier choices and leaving the "diet/losing" thing out of the conversation/equation, has a way of diffusing all the emotions.
Actually, as you continue to make good choices, and have successes, people will quit questioning you and will admire and be proud of you. It does take some time, but it does work.
Ironically, the more you do it and the better you get at it, the more people around you will support you. For instance, having lost and maintained for over a year now, when my kids, call and ask me to come and spend the night and watch the grandbabes, they ask me, if I need anything food wise. They do this knowing I'm dedicated, and they do it with love and respect for my hard work and dedication.
I do appreciate it, but I'm good bringing my own things. Both have easy access to Subway for supper, and I drag along my own breakfast stuff in my lunch box, and left a 4 cup coffee pot and a pound of my favorite organic coffee in the freezer at my youngest sons house, cuz they don't drink coffee and didn't even have a pot! *faints*