Family Support for Weight Loss

• Threats: Using threats will only serve to anger the overweight family member. Nothing positive can come from it.
• Don’t conceal food.
• The overweight family member will find the food sooner or later and be resentful.
• Don't attack or lecture.
• Avoid talking down to the overweight family member. This will make them feel worse about themselves not better.
• Don’t expect perfection.
• Weight is something that’s managed not cured. Be patient and compassionate if there is a setback.
• Don’t avoid social activities due to the overweight family member’s weight. This will cause the person’s self-esteem to plummet and create resentment towards the family

• Be positive: Always be willing to provide an encouraging word and pat on the back.
• Keep a relaxed atmosphere at home. This allows plenty of time for the overweight family member to devote to eating right and exercising more.
• Be an exercise partner.
  
• Forgive lapses. The overweight family member feels badly enough as it is, no need to make them feel worse by coming down on them. Stay positive and move forward.