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How to you tell someone they need to lose weight?

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Replies

  • Therealobi1
    Therealobi1 Posts: 3,262 Member
    My nurse was the one who told me I was obese. She told me to control my portions and get in 30 mins of exercise a day just by walking, She told me many of issues I was experiencing would go if I lost weight
    I really didn't pay much attention to her, I thought I was just stressed and overworked
    Along came group holiday and I decided to lose weight for that. Now I am less tired, blood pressure fine, no daily heart burn...
    She was right I just wasn't listening to her.
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    There are different stages of readiness for change. If someone is in one of the early changes, there is not much you can do except try to move them down the path a little.

    Since this is kind of my job, I try to take a practical approach. First of all, I always treat people with respect and I try to assess where they are in terms of both readiness for change and having the knowledge/tools to effect change.

    I have one advantage in that I am not some 20-something athlete who has always been 10%-15% body fat. I know exactly what it is like to struggle with job stress, busy schedules, physical issues, stress eating, you name it. So I can give them practical tips and tools, based on both research and personal experience.

    I never talk down to people. They know they are overweight, and they often know in general what they need to do. So I talk to them with empathy and support. I acknowledge their challenges and struggles. Even if I know they are probably not ready to fully commit, I give them straight, matter-of-fact reasons why losing weight can improve their health, backed by research and presented in a way that emphasizes the practical benefits for them individually.

    I do hit the exercise component hard. I do that because, even if they cannot lose a substantial amount of weight right now, they can improve their fitness. I know that with almost 100% certainty. And regular exercise will improve their overall health, regardless of whether they lose any weight. Sometimes the increased self confidence and self esteem that comes with feeling more fit can be just the catalyst to push them to take their diet more seriously.