Obesity is a growing problem in the United States, and one that's threatening the lives of millions of individuals. Obesity rates among both children and adults continue to rise, and the health risks are significant. Obese individuals are likely to develop high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes and an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke. For the loved ones surrounding an obese individual, the health concerns may be enough to prompt them into action. When that happens, it is important to know the proper way to provide support.
Step 1
Educate yourself on obesity. Understanding the problem you are trying to combat is important, and the knowledge you gather could be helpful to any obese individuals whom you aim to help. It may be that the obese person does not understand the health ramifications of his condition, and informing him about the dangers he faces may help spur him to action.
Step 2
Offer to work alongside this individual so that she knows she has someone on her side. Offer to be a workout partner or accountability partner. Make yourself available for trips to the grocery store to pick out healthy foods, and try to be a source of encouragement. Help the individual to feel as though she is not going through this alone--this can raise morale and make weight loss efforts more successful.
Step 3
Make yourself available to talk. In many cases, some of the factors that lead to obesity are emotional. Obesity itself can have an emotional impact, including a greater risk of depression and low self-esteem. Allow your loved one to discuss his feelings, whether positive or negative. Present yourself in a nonjudgmental manner and be sincere in your efforts to understand his point of view. Offer words of encouragement through this discussion and help reinforce his resolve to change.
Step 4
Promote an active lifestyle. No matter what age an obese individual is, she will need to integrate activity into her daily to lose weight and develop a healthy body. Simple activities for older individuals can include walking outside, swimming or simply using a pedometer to achieve a set number of steps in a day. Children can be active by spending less time indoors and getting involved in recreational sport leagues. Playing outside is a common form of exercise many children can enjoy, and it will improve their metabolism and calories burned while promoting an active, healthy lifestyle.
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