How Can You Support Someone Trying to Lose Weight?
Supporting someone on their weight loss journey can be a delicate balance. It involves understanding their needs, providing encouragement and avoiding any actions that might come off as nagging or judgmental. Registered dietitian Kimmie Sharp, MMN, RDN, LMNT, LD, who works with patients at the Nebraska Medicine Bariatrics Center, shares some tips and insight.
1. Understand their needs: The first step in supporting someone trying to lose weight is understanding their specific needs. Sharp emphasizes the importance of asking for their feedback. “It can really help to ask, ‘How can I best support you?’” she says. “Do you need a cheerleader? Someone to talk through challenges? Someone to just listen?” Open communication is key to offering the right kind of support.
2. Offer emotional support: Try to offer emotional support without causing additional pressure or stress. Sharp suggests asking open-ended questions like, “How do you feel this change has been going for you?” This approach prevents a sense of judgment and helps the person feel understood and supported.
Excerpted from Nebraska Medicine
