Progressive Martial Arts Blog A Modern Martial Arts Blog

What YOU Can Do to Help Someone Lose Weight.

A 2009 study by Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index showed that 63.1% of adults in the U.S. were either overweight or obese in 2009. Many of us are conscious of our weight and the fact that you are reading this blog means that you are probably aware of this epidemic.

The question that I want to ask you today is this: How can you help someone lose weight without adversely affecting your relationship with them? Helping someone to lose weight is a difficult challenge under the best of circumstances. Here are some tips:

1. Empathy. They probably already know that they need to lose some weight, and may have even tried to lose it in the past and failed. These experiences may cause them to feel ashamed and have low self-esteem. These insecurities are counterproductive to weight control.

2. Strategy. Remember, this is a sensitive issue. It is probably better to approach them in terms of health risk rather than appearance. This is generally a better motivator and doesn’t affect self-esteem as negatively.

3. Communicate. Discussing weight control efforts in a non-confrontational manner is best. Be honest, direct, and devoid of ridicule. Keep your jibes and dirty looks to yourself.

4. Patience. People with weight to lose may not be willing or able to lose weight just because you think they should. You have to wait for them to want to do it for themselves. All you can do is express your concern and offer your help.

5. Release. Once you’ve discussed the issue, there is little more you can do. Do not nag as this is intrusive and counterproductive.

6. Personalization. Losing weight is a complex issue and needs to be tailored to the individual. Don’t oversimplify or be judgmental. They need to find what techniques will work best for them.

7. Cooperate. They will need help. Not many people have the determination and self-discipline to lose weight on their own. Plan activities that aren’t food-dependent and that you can do together. Martial arts is a phenomenal way to lose weight, learn something useful and have a blast while doing it. Join a martial arts program with them. Offer to watch their children while they attend a martial arts program.

8. The bottom line. The best way to assist your loved one with the on-going challenges of weight control is to show them that you accept them just the way they are. Help them to be the best they can be, which will promote self-esteem and self-worth. This in itself may be enough to break the cycle that has prevented weight loss in the past.