Broaching the subject of weight loss with a loved might cause tension so always begin the conversation with tact and understanding. Your loved ones are more likely to respond positively to your pleas when you focus on overall health and wellness, rather than concerns about appearance. By using your words gently, it's possible to have a positive effect on encouraging loved ones to lose weight and get healthy.
Step 1
Focus on your loved one's health, rather than weight. When talking about weight loss, stay on track and list the reasons you're worried about her health, such as future heart problems, diabetes and a shortened life span. If you focus on her weight alone, it could make her feel offended and self-conscious. A preoccupation with weight and appearance could potentially lead to an eating disorder.
Step 2
Offer to make changes together. Note that you'd also like to lose weight so your loved one doesn't feel isolated by your words. Instead, a promise to exercise and eat a healthful diet helps your loved one feel supported and less alone in her fight to lose weight. Talk about your own goals, whether they be weight loss, better overall health or other reasons to change your habits.
Step 3
Arrange for daily exercise together. When your loved one knows that she's held accountable to you, she might be less likely to skip a session at the gym or daily exercise at home. Attend the gym together, arrange for daily walks or borrow fitness DVDs from the library to help your friend or family member stay motivated to exercise at least 30 minutes daily.
Step 4
Remove temptations from your loved one's life. If eating out is her weakness, offer to stay in and cook a healthful meal together instead. If she tends to graze in the pantry, purchase healthier foods to replace unhealthful snacks. By removing the temptation altogether, you increase your loved one's resolve and chances for overall success. Ask that your loved one contacts you when her resolve becomes weak to allow you to offer support whenever necessary.
Step 5
Recognize both small and large accomplishments to help your loved one stay motivated. Whether it's a week of daily exercise or the dropping of a dress size, each weight loss milestone should be celebrated as a way to keep your loved one on track. Just avoid rewarding milestones with food because it confuses food with emotions. Instead, send a congratulatory email, take her out for pedicures or rent a movie.
