Talking to a loved one about obesity can be a difficult conversation. Obesity affects nearly 42% of the American adult population, so the chances that you know someone who is suffering from this disease is very high. In most cases, your loved one likely knows they are overweight and are aware of the complications of carrying around extra weight.
Yet, it can be frustrating for you as the outsider if your loved one, whether a spouse, a parent, a child, or a friend, isn’t taking the necessary steps to get healthy and lose weight. And this is where you believe you should step in and provide some nudging “in the right direction.” So how do you begin talking to a loved one about obesity and the consequences of their weight?
8 Tips for Talking to a Loved One About Obesity
1. Define your relationship
Before you begin talking to a loved one about obesity, you need to understand your relationship. Just because you are siblings doesn’t mean that the conversation will be well received. You want to be sure that this conversation coming from you won’t create a rift in your relationship.
2. Set aside a time to talk that works for both of you
No one wants to be blind-sided by a serious conversation. If you begin talking to a loved one about obesity and their weight without priming them, the conversation can feel like a personal attack. Therefore, we recommend setting aside a mutually beneficial time to discuss this topic. This will ensure you both go into the discussion prepared to talk about this emotionally charged subject.
3. Speak candidly and from a place of love.
With obesity comes a list of health problems. When speaking to a loved one about obesity and their weight, be sure to express your worries from a place of love and empathy. Emphasize that this conversation stems from a concern for their health, not out of judgment about their appearance.