7 Tips to Help a Loved One Lose Weight
Watching a loved one struggle with weight can be incredibly challenging. Excess weight not only impacts a person’s energy levels but also limits their ability to travel and participate in activities they enjoy. Over time, being overweight or obese can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, it significantly increases the risk of various major health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer.
Offering the right kind of support can be instrumental in helping your loved one embark on a weight loss journey and become their healthiest, happiest self. Here are some ways to boost their weight loss motivation
Focus on the health benefits
When initiating a conversation about weight loss, it’s crucial to focus on the physical and mental health benefits of exercise rather than appearance or food. Avoid making comments such as, “I notice you’ve been eating a lot,” or “you seem to be gaining a lot of weight.” Instead, express concern for the person’s health and quality of life using phrases like, “I’m concerned about your high blood pressure,” or “I don’t want your health to suffer.”
Emphasise that adopting a healthy eating plan and workout routine like the Curves Circuit can significantly lower the risk of disease and provide numerous health benefits associated with exercise. By framing the discussion around health and well-being rather than appearance, you create a supportive and non-judgmental environment conducive to initiating positive change.
Do not offer personal weight loss tips
It might seem counterintuitive, but it’s generally best to refrain from suggesting specific weight loss tips, even if you’ve found success with them yourself. Your loved one likely already knows the kinds of strategies she should be implementing for weight loss. What she truly needs from you and others in her life is motivation to embark on a workout plan, which comes in the form of support and encouragement. Instead of offering advice, focus on providing the emotional support and encouragement she needs to take the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
Show love
Indeed, along with weight gain, feelings of shame and low self-esteem can often arise. As your loved one embarks on a weight loss journey, it’s crucial to remind her that your love for her is unconditional. Be there to offer support and encouragement every step of the way.
If she wants to discuss her progress or share details about her workout plan or healthy diet, listen attentively with plenty of love and support. Providing empathy and compassion to someone striving to get in shape or lose weight is one of the most effective ways to help them achieve their fitness goals. Your unwavering support can make a significant difference in her journey towards better health and well-being.
Avoid judgement
The experience of judgement about appearance is all too common in our society, particularly for those struggling with weight. Additionally, individuals often become their own harshest critics. Research indicates that perceived judgement regarding weight can significantly hinder weight loss motivation and efforts. For instance, in one study, researchers discovered that overweight patients who felt judged by their primary care providers were less likely to achieve successful weight loss compared to those who did not perceive judgement.
It’s essential to avoid making comments that could contribute to feelings of judgement or inadequacy. Remarks such as, “you’d be so much prettier if you lost weight,” or “you’ll be more likely to get the job if you lose a few pounds,” can be incredibly hurtful and counterproductive. Instead, focus on offering support, understanding, and encouragement, recognizing the individual’s efforts and progress towards their health and well-being goals.
Don’t misinterpret joking about weight
It’s important to recognize that some individuals struggling with excess weight may use self-deprecating humour as a defence mechanism or to alleviate tension. However, this doesn’t necessarily indicate that the person is comfortable with their weight, nor does it make it acceptable for others to make similar jokes.
Instead of joining in on self-deprecating humour, you can use these lighthearted moments as an opportunity to provide weight loss motivation. For example, if they make a joke about needing to get back in shape, you could suggest joining you at Curves one day to try out the full-body workout. By gently steering the conversation towards healthier options and offering support without judgement, you can help encourage positive changes in their fitness journey.
Share in the celebrations
Losing weight through a whole-body workout plan and healthy eating regimen can bring about a renewed energy and enthusiasm for the things a person loves to do. Here are some ideas to celebrate milestones along the weight loss journey:
1. Museum Visit: If she loves museums, invite her to celebrate her first 10 pounds lost by visiting her favourite one together.
2. Shopping Trip:Suggest a shopping trip to her favourite store to celebrate her progress and perhaps invest in some new, flattering clothes that make her feel confident.
3.Healthy Cooking Class:Take a healthy cooking class together to learn new recipes and cooking techniques that support her weight loss goals while enjoying quality time together.
4. Wellness Getaway: Plan a wellness getaway to relax and rejuvenate, perhaps at a spa retreat or wellness resort, to reward her hard work and commitment to her health.
5. New Workout Clothes: Invest in some new workout clothes as a reward for her dedication to her fitness journey. Stylish and comfortable workout attire can boost motivation and make exercise more enjoyable.
By celebrating milestones with activities that align with her interests and promote healthy habits, you can reinforce her progress and encourage continued success on her weight loss journey.
