Providing Obesity Support

You may think that you are doing the person a favor by pointing out the health benefits of losing weight. Be assured, the person who is obese knows good and well that he or she is obese. They did not choose to be obese. Here are ideas on how to provide top-notch support for someone dealing with obesity issues.

One of the best ways to be supportive of someone who is obese is to invite the person on outings and social occasions. Isolation can be a very serious issue with the morbidly obese. Many obese people, especially if they have recently gained a lot of weight, are extremely self-conscious. Inviting the person to a social occasion, or just a day spent with a friend, will help that person overcome being so self-conscious. Even if the person doesn't accept the invitation, at least he or she knows that you care. You might think that you are saving that person embarrassment by not including him or her, but it simply adds to the feeling of isolation.

Another tip when aiming to help someone severely obese is to refrain from making remarks on food or drink choices. You may mean well and have nothing but the best of intentions, but commenting on the food and drink choices of an obese person can be deeply offensive, even if you intend it as a compliment. The message you send is that they aren't capable of making good choices for themselves and that they have to be reminded if and when they do make a good choice. There are much more subtle ways to help your friend or loved one make the correct food and exercise choices. One is to be a good role model yourself, and to invite the obese person to exercise with you.

Finding clothing that is flattering and fits well is another area in which many severely obese people need assistance. It is hard for anyone who doesn't fit the mold to find clothes that fit well and are flattering (that is coming from someone who is both obese and very short). Why not help that person find clothes that help that person feel like a human being again? The obese person will likely gain much self-esteem and be more prepared to take control of other areas of his or her life. Looking as good as possible is vital to self-esteem.

As mentioned earlier, isolation is a major issue with many obese people. Sometimes obese people feel so overcome and helpless not only by their obesity, but by other circumstances in their life as well. As a result, he or she might feel isolated. It may not be enough to personally go out of your way to invite the person along. You also might find yourself having to become his or her personal cheerleader as well, and encourage the person to get out, meet new people, and try new things. Sometimes trying a new hobby with a friend or meeting new people through a mutual friend might make all of the difference in the world.

In addition to being a good role model when it comes to trying new things and being social, it is also necessary to be a good role model when it comes to diet. Even if you can put away two desserts without gaining a pound doesn't make it right. It is especially cruel to do something of the sort in front of someone struggling with his or her weight. Unfortunately, eating is but one part of the equation.

You will also need to be a good role model when it comes to exercise. By participating in low-impact, no competitive workouts with your obese friend, you will help put him or her on the right track. One of the best exercises is simply walking. Why not keep help your obese friend or family member moving by taking the time to walk every day with him or her? Having a good exercise companion may mean the difference between failure and success.

It is also important to realize that diet and exercise are just part of the equation. Overeating, whether it is fast food, junk food, or food that is actually good for you, can be brought on by stress. If you can help the obese person in your life better deal with the stresses in his or her life, chances are that their eating habits will improve. You don't want to add to the stress by continually lecturing them on their increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and the like. Instead, take care of your own health as well by concentration on reducing your stress as well. It is yet another great opportunity for you to enjoy your time with your obese friend or loved one. A trip to a spa, exercise, and getting together with friends and loved ones all reduce stress.

It can be easy to jump to conclusions that the person is continuously eating unhealthy food, but that isn't always the case. While it could very well be true that the person gained all of that weight due to eating a lot of fast food, junk food, and desserts; that might be only part of the problem. He or she might not feel full and continually overeat normal meals and not get enough exercise. More likely than not, it is a combination of all of the above. To make matters worse, it is much harder to get weight off than it is to put it on. Even if the person is well intentioned and is working on their eating and exercising habits, it may take months or even years to truly see results. It is very easy to become discouraged and resort back to old habits. Once again, that is why it is so vital that you, as a concerned friend or loved one; act as a good support system.

Unfortunately, it isn't like drug or alcohol abuse in the sense that you can't simply stop eating. Everyone needs to eat. Don't make an obese person feel self-conscious when he or she eats. That person may go out of his or her way to eat very little or nothing at all in the presence of others, only to be very hungry later. It just fuels poor eating habits. If someone you love and/or care about is obese, it is important to remember that all obese people are worthy of respect and love. It is not your place to judge, as everyone's experience is unique. Providing obesity support for someone you love can be tricky, but it can also help strengthen any relationship.