How do you tell somebody you love—your spouse, your friend, your parent—that they need to lose weight?
Or what if you’re on the receiving end of that message?
A recent article in Shape magazine explored the issues of breaking the news to a loved one, or receiving such news. Telling the people you love that they need to shed some weight can be a hard thing to do, and may come across as hurtful, but it could also give them the push they need to start living a healthy lifestyle. It could even save a life.
Selfless love is the key. If someone close to you needs to lose weight, say so graciously, making it clear that you love them. Weight loss coach Caryl Ehrlich suggests, “Instead of outwardly saying ‘you need to lose weight,’ you could say ‘I love you just the way you are and I want you around for a long time for me and the kids, so you might want to eat in a healthier way.”
And before bringing it up, ask yourself how you would want to hear such news.
What if you’re the one being told to lose weight? Talk about it. Define expectations—and determine whether or not they’re realistic. And ask your partner, friend, or family member for support if you should act on their suggestion; they might be willing to help you pursue a new, vibrant life!
At LetsLose, we believe that spiritual encouragement is vital to the weight loss journey. If you’re not sure how to tell someone that they need to begin this journey, remember the teaching of Jesus as you search for the right words: “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” (Luke 6:31 ESV)