How/When, if ever to tell someone he/she is obese.

psuskifan

It is funny in our culture that if someone is addicted to cocaine or drinking, or is smoking two packs a day that it is fair game. Just look on this board for example. Someone says "Hey guys I am having a lot of trouble losing weight, I drink 5-8 drinks a night, but I work out a lot and I don't think I want to cut back." People jump on that in seconds.

Its odd that if you have a friend who is killing themselves/destroying their life via substance abuse its "OK" even right to confront them about it while if you have a friend who is 250 pounds overweight and has arguably a higher risk of doing harm to themselves the topic is insulting and taboo.

My in laws are doctors and the above the really frustrates them. Weight related illness and death in this country is an epidemic, but we don't have a "War on Fat"

Also in reading these posts, yes people know they are fat, just like they know drinking 40 drinks a week is a lot, but do either of those groups (and now we switch to the individuals) completely understand the health consequences.

bcattoes

If telling people they are fat works, then why are there so many fat people?

The media bombards us with messages about this every day, either directly or indirectly. Fat-shaming is everywhere. How can anyone NOT know they are fat if they are?

I lived fat-shaming every day of my young life, and guess what: no one needed to tell me I was fat. The shaming/bullying was stressful which led me to eat more. How's that for a counterproductive effect?

I don't think the OP was talking about shaming/bullying. It's possible to talk to someone about their weight without shaming or bullying them.

And clearly not everyone knows because there are posts in this thread from those that didn't. I was never obese, but I too was in denial about just how much weight I'd put on until I saw some Christmas photots. There are also fairly frequent posts on MFP asking "Why didn't someone tell me" from those that didn't realize just how fat they'd become.

Being obese can cause as many health problems as smoking. But people rarely have a problem asking someone to stop smoking.

BeingAwesome247

It is funny in our culture that if someone is addicted to cocaine or drinking, or is smoking two packs a day that it is fair game. Just look on this board for example. Someone says "Hey guys I am having a lot of trouble losing weight, I drink 5-8 drinks a night, but I work out a lot and I don't think I want to cut back." People jump on that in seconds.

Its odd that if you have a friend who is killing themselves/destroying their life via substance abuse its "OK" even right to confront them about it while if you have a friend who is 250 pounds overweight and has arguably a higher risk of doing harm to themselves the topic is insulting and taboo.

My in laws are doctors and the above the really frustrates them. Weight related illness and death in this country is an epidemic, but we don't have a "War on Fat"

Also in reading these posts, yes people know they are fat, just like they know drinking 40 drinks a week is a lot, but do either of those groups (and now we switch to the individuals) completely understand the health consequences.

It use to be offensive to harp on people about smoking cigarettes.....now it's the norm....only a matter of time

know_your_worth

Mirrors exist. Clothes shops exist. Seats they cannot get into exist. Turnstiles that they cannot get through exist. Small cruel kids exist. Tactless adults exist. Endless TV shows with impossibly skinny actresses exist. The biggest loser exists. The Internet exists.

You do not have to add to their unhappiness by mentioning it. Believe me, they already know.

^this.

slkehl

If people want to talk about it, they'll start the conversation.

slkehl

The people who claim that "everyone" who is fat is fully aware of that fact are awfully presumptuous about their opinions.

The word in the title is obese, which means they aren't just a little overweight...

monicalosesweight

if you don't really know them, it's not your place to say anything. The reality is that most people know they've gained weight. Now, if they bring it up...be sympathetic and give pointers...this worked for me....

If they are a friend, there is no need to be mean and say "You're obese. You're getting fat." That's just wrong. I think saying something like "Wow! I found this fantastic recipe for cooking broccoli" and then sending an emailed picture may be a nicer way of sharing healthy ideas. You can talk about your fantastic journey and mention how you found this cool website (MFP). If they appear to be enjoying the conversation, ask "Do you want me to send it to you?" Basically, be nice and you'll definitely be able to help a friend. No one wants to be preached at and pestered day after day. But, friends love to share recipes and ideas and they love to do stuff together...so invite a friend for a nice walk at the local park instead of a movie - move! Basically, it's not in what you say but in what you do that makes a difference. I have lots of friends on campus but I don't criticize them, I just get excited and share ideas of what seems to work for me and try to encourage them to stay active. I actually just met someone on campus who emailed me and wanted the information to this website...just losing my 15 pounds had made her think that maybe she can do it too!

pawoodhull

You can see by my weight loss line I started this whole process at 386. I think that gives me some perspective on this question. In my opinion, for what it's worth, I think the only time a non-family member or very best friend can tell someone they are obese is if the obese person is asking for advice or opinions related to their weight. Otherwise, keep you mouth shut. They know they are obese, it's not going to be a surprise. It's only going to cause embarassement and hurt feelings.

And, as we all lose weight, it's really tempting to see someone who needs to lose and want to reach out and say "hey! I'm doing this, so can you!". Resist the temptation. That is the same thing as above. May be for a different reason, but it's still the same thing.

needamulligan

I would say that the rule is don't say anything unless asked. Most of us know full well that our jeans are getting tighter or a favorite outfit no longer fits. These are the daily reminders that we are gaining weight.

If I say to you, "wow! you've lost so much weight" or "what are you doing to get in shape" I'm inviting you to tell about your experience. Only then is it ok to tell me all about what worked for you. You know as well as anybody, nobody can make us change our bad habits. We have to be ready. When we are we might just initiate the conversation.

soulfulsally

Unless the person is blind and has a sensory dysfunction, I don't see how they wouldn't know they're obese. If the person wants to change, they will. They could very well already be doing it little by little. If you care about the wellbeing of someone who is obese, just walk the walk. Be an example of healthy living. Something you casually do or say related to your healthy lifestyle could spark a conversation on weight loss.

Sarge516

I didn't read all of the previous replies, but I don't think anyone who is obese is ever unaware of the fact. Telling them is rude and unnecessary IMO. If they want help, and want to change, they will ask for help or attempt on their own.

You can't force someone to lose weight or get healthy anymore than you can force someone to quit smoking or drinking.

ndfaninaz

Now, this is only my opinion, but I think the only time to tell someone they are obese is if you are their doctor, and they're your patient. Then it's relevant.

ImaFitMormon

He/she already knows.

tyrantduck

I would say never. If they don't realize it themselves or ask for help, don't call them out on it.

For example, I've been mobidly obese for about 5 1/2 years now. I just didn't care. Now that I've pulled my head out of my butt, I've decided to do something about it and I've been exercising 60-90 minutes per day 5 days per week and upping the intensity every now and then to continue challenging myself. My entire family even acknowledged how big I got, but they knew that I wouldn't do anything unless I made the decision to do it. They were right. Now they all support me in my weight loss journey and it's a great feeling.

If you just come right out and tell someone that they're obese... no matter how you word it, even if it's paired with "it's just because i care about you and i'm concerned", you will sound like a complete douche canoe to that person, regardless of who it is. They have to want to lose the weight first, and just offer any support and help you can. But NEVER let the word "obese" come out of your mouth. Let them say it first.

bluefox9er

people who are obese KNOW they are obese. what gives anyone the high ground to tell them that????

RME.

bcattoes

Now, this is only my opinion, but I think the only time to tell someone they are obese is if you are their doctor, and they're your patient. Then it's relevant.

So it's not relevant if your spouse, child, mother, father, best friend, etc. has at serious medical problem? I must say I disagree.

b1t3m3

I don't think you should say anything to someone you're not close with. You don't know what people are going through. I have a friend who was super slim and fit, but developed thyroid issues, and is now quite heavy and really really struggles with it. She's fully aware, she's really really active, and she's working with her doctor to bring her weight down and get her thyroid under control. I have absolutely no understanding of what she's going through.

But, close friends and family members are fair. I was bugging my dad about his weight the other day, reminding him that his father died of heart disease. I think he took it well, and we're going to start working out together.

QueenofScott

Most people are pretty aware that they are overweight or obese. I don't think it's helpful to point it out to them; rather it is very hurtful and embarrassing. They are ony going to change when they are ready to change for the,selves. Just my opinion....

Lisah8969

I echo what others have said that the two people in your example you can't approach with well intentioned advice. What you can do for these two is be an example. Let them see you and your progress. For the person at the gym who possibly you don't interact with as much, smile and make chit chat with him/her. Make yourself approachable in case they want to ask advice from you about your success. You can't push it on them, but you can be ready if they want to ask about it.

Family members, you can approach...tactfully and if needed, forcefully b/c you love them and need them to be around for as long as possible.

psuskifan

I would say never. If they don't realize it themselves or ask for help, don't call them out on it.

For example, I've been mobidly obese for about 5 1/2 years now. I just didn't care. Now that I've pulled my head out of my butt, I've decided to do something about it and I've been exercising 60-90 minutes per day 5 days per week and upping the intensity every now and then to continue challenging myself. My entire family even acknowledged how big I got, but they knew that I wouldn't do anything unless I made the decision to do it. They were right. Now they all support me in my weight loss journey and it's a great feeling.

If you just come right out and tell someone that they're obese... no matter how you word it, even if it's paired with "it's just because i care about you and i'm concerned", you will sound like a complete douche canoe to that person, regardless of who it is. They have to want to lose the weight first, and just offer any support and help you can. But NEVER let the word "obese" come out of your mouth. Let them say it first.

I see what you are saying, but what would your family have done if you were putting down half a bottle of whiskey a day? Likewise, do you think everyone who is morbidly obese totally comprehends the consequences of diabetes, heart failure, etc. Everyone has a different situation, but I can tell you that if I had a close friend who was 250 pounds overweight they would get a "Don't you want to see your kid graduate from high school" talk.