A HEAVY ISSUE

How do you talk to a loved one about their weight without hurting their feelings? Here's advice on how to handle the conversation with sensitivity and understanding 

- SUZY WALKER

IT’S a difficult situation – someone you love is overweight and you’re concerned about their health, but you’re not sure how to talk to them about it.

Is it ever okay to tell someone they need to lose weight? It can so easily be taken as fat-shaming and as going against the body positivity movement that aims to promote a positive view of all bodies regardless of size and shape.

It can be difficult when we only want the best for someone we care about but notice that their eating habits have put them on a path that could easily lead to health issues such as diabetes, heart problems and high blood pressure.

It’s tricky because it’s not only about health – it’s also an emotional issue. Here experts offer advice about how to have the conversation. 

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME AND PLACE

“This is a delicate conversation,” says British communication coach Amy Carroll. “Don’t assume that just by say- ing, ‘Hey, I’m concerned about your weight’, that you’re being helpful. It’s arrogant to think that people who are overweight have not spent considerable time thinking about how they can stop being overweight,” she says. 

“It won’t be easy to have this conversation, so choose your moment,” Carroll says. “Maybe take a quiet walk together so you can start a discussion side by side rather than it feeling confrontational.” 

DON’T SAY ‘YOU SHOULD GO ON A DIET’