Helping an obese loved one, friend or family member lose weight can feel frustrating. You and your friends or other family members might worry that your attempts to help the obese person will come off as patronizing or preachy. At the same time, seeing them remain unhealthy and unmotivated to get in shape can be painful. Ultimately, helping obese people lose weight requires practicing patience, being positive and encouraging and maintaining a clear, ongoing interest in their physical and emotional well-being.
Step 1
Set fitness and health goals with them. Even if you're in fairly good shape, you and other members of the person's support team probably can find areas of your fitness or health you'd like to improve. Perhaps you want to exercise more, eat more fiber-rich foods or cut back on sodium. Setting goals with obese people can help them feel as if they are not going it alone and inspire them to get in shape.
Step 2
Offer to baby-sit their children while they exercise. People often want to exercise but feel they can't when they have young children at home. Block out two or three hours a week to help out, and ask others to help as well.
Step 3
Eat meals together. Invite your dieting friends or family members over for healthy meals that you prepare together, or go to restaurants with them and help them make sensible choices.
Step 4
Exercise with them. People who haven't exercised in a while, especially if they are obese, might be hesitant to get moving. Having workout buddies can motivate obese people to exercise and help them stave off boredom. Start slowly by taking walks or bike rides together, then progress to more intense exercise.
Step 5
Schedule regular check-in times. Call your friend or family member once or twice a week or meet in person, and ask other members of the person's support team to do the same. Ask him about his weight-loss successes and obstacles. Give him encouragement and praise him for his accomplishments, no matter how small he might feel they are.
Step 6
Tell them to call when cravings strike. People sometimes snack or even binge eat when they're bored, sad or stressed. Talk your friend through her cravings or invite her to go for a walk or to come to your home to watch a movie.
Tips and Warnings
- Encourage your obese loved ones, friends or family members to consult their health care practitioner before starting a diet or exercise program.
Member Comments