You might want your spouse to drop some extra pounds if he has added on some weight over the years. The same is probably true if you are successfully losing weight but your spouse is not. It is never a bad idea to gently encourage a loved one to lose weight. According to the Mayo Clinic, as many as one-third of all Americans are now classified as obese. Get your spouse to lose weight using positive methods rather than pointing out that he is getting fat.
Step 1
Start to cook healthier meals. You might not always be able to control what your spouse eats when she is away from home, but you can help to make certain that she is eating healthy meals when sitting at your table. Prepare meals that are low in fat and offer a healthy number of calories. Home-cooked meals will benefit your entire family.
Step 2
Stop buying junk food. Your spouse will be less likely to snack on chips, baked goods and soda if there are none in the house. Purchase healthier snacks and beverages for your family the next time you make a trip to the supermarket. Set a good example for your spouse and avoid any junk food yourself.
Step 3
Ask your spouse to join you in a fun physical activity. Do not demand that he join the gym or go for a jog with you. See if he would like to go for a walk around the neighborhood with you or play a lighthearted game of basketball. Plan a family outing to a local park or bicycling trail. You can find lots of enjoyable ways to be active with your spouse.
Step 4
Discuss the healthful benefits of eating a more nutritious diet and being more active. Never mention the words "lose weight" in the conversation. Talk to your spouse about the need for both of you to maintain a healthy balance between smart food choices and regular activity. If you have children, remind your spouse that the two of you need to take the steps to maintain good health for your family.
Step 5
Praise your spouse for her efforts. You might be responsible for motivating her to lose weight at first, but if you do not continue to be encouraging, she might not stick with her weight-loss plan for long. Tell your spouse how proud you are of her. Take notice when her clothes fit better or when she passes up that cheeseburger for a salad.
Step 6
Make the time to go with your spouse to an appointment to see his doctor, especially if you are concerned about his weight. He might be more inclined to listen to a doctor telling him to lose weight. Go along to provide support for your spouse so that you, your spouse and his doctor can all work together to plan a safe and practical way for him to lose weight.
Tips and Warnings
- Make the commitment as a family not to eat out for several weeks. This will give you all the opportunity to find healthy ways to eat rather than opting for fast food and restaurants.
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