Someone actually asked me this today

She came up and complimented me on all the weight lost and then asked, "How'd you do it?  Did you just stop eating like a pig?!" Then she laughed.

This person has always been nice, struggles a bit with her own weight (though never been morbidly obese) and it caught me totally off guard.  I was stupified for a min and then said, "Well, I am on a severe calorie re"stricted diet. I don't lose on a 1200-1400 cal/day diet so I had to go extremely low to shed the weight."  She complimented my looks again and left but I was left wondering if I should have showed my offense more, so she would realize how rude that was or if I should just let that slide?  

What is wrong with people?!

You know, I say, cut her some slack.  I think she is just uncomfortable with her own eating and her own weight.  It is all about her, not you at all.  People are funny, we say things from an ego-centric perspective all the time.  If she is a nice person most of the time, and this is out of character, I would just let it be.

I agree with Elina...  It sounds like this person was putting her food issues on you.  I'm sorry that happened.

Oh my gosh, that is a terrible thing to say. I'm sorry this happened to you.

One possibility is that she was actually thinking about her own habits when she said that. Try hearing it this way,"How'd you do it? Did you just stop eating like me?" The laughter could either have been that she thought it was funny or sudden embarrassment when she realised how what she'd said might be taken.

Over the years I've said some incredibly stupid and/or awkward things. Maybe it was just one of those times for her.

I tend to agree with what you're all saying because she is self-critical and it would make sense.

I just don't know why everyone can't think before they speak. It makes me feel defensive of the "old me" and my currently overweight friends/family.

I say incredibly inappropriate things sometimes but I try to not offend people. I have a twisted sarcastic sense of humor and somtimes it comes across so wrong. I don't think she meant it about you , probably more about her and how she eats.

I have a feeling I'd really love you in person!

Well come on down to Houston and we can hang out! lol

I'm the same way.

I think it's very possible she was attempting to be funny and was including herself in the question, without realizing how lame and hurtful she was being.