How true - the idea of talking to some one, not talking down to them is the best thing. Showing how much you care rather than putting them down or making them feel that they are worthless because they have a weight problem is a much better way of helping.

Emotional abuse is very high among people who have a weight problem and unfortunately many do not understand or do not take the time to understand those issues.

There are many medical practitioners who should undergo training that will help them understand those issues also· unfortunately many don’t. If those issues aren’t hurting them or they are not suffering then they do not want to know about it and prefer to degrade and demoralise the individual rather than helping them.

Toni

I believe the most important thing to remember is, if you have someone that you care about and are concerned that their weight problems are causing health issues, sit that person down and talk gently with them about it.

As opposed to poking fun, calling a heavy person slim, thinking that degrading or demoralizing the individual will make them change their ways, one could say something like, I really care about you and I’ve noticed that you’ve gained some weight. I worry because excess weight can cause health issues. I want to keep you around for a lifetime, how can I help you to slim down? Talk to the person. Let them know that you care and if you feel so inclined, perhaps suggest that you both could join the gym or take a brisk walk every day.

As opposed to knocking a large person down and leaving scars that most likely will not go away, approaching the problem positively, with compassion and understanding may very well help your friend opt for a change in lifestyle that will improve their quality of life and lower their risk of heart disease.

Bobbie

Thank you for sharing your story with me and the readers of My Personal Diet Story. I can understand the hurt you suffered and sometimes it makes me wonder what makes people so cruel. Not many realise the hurt they dish out because they think that they mean the best when it is obvious that they believe hurting someone in the way they act and the things they say will suddenly create the changes in others·

Unfortunately all they succeed in doing is demoralising, putting people down and causing damage to someone·s emotional and mental state·

It must have been hard sharing your story because I am sure this story is one that has been kept inside you for many years. Being able to share how you were treated, what you did to try and lose weight will be read by many and some may relate to what you have experienced·

Thank you…

Toni