overweight people who constantly eat out

[ez]

Someone very close to me is very overweight and has a slew of health issues which could all be improved with weight loss. Unfortunately this person still eats out daily, and not good choices either. I guess it is like an addiction but it makes me so sad and is so hard to watch, when i think of all the sodium bad fats and calories with most of these meals, the very things this person does not need. And it seems like the doctors dont address the elephant in the room either, they just keep putting this person on more and more meds and dont even talk about diet. Very upsetting

 

[NewmanFamily6]

As someone in healthcare that is in school to become a provider you are very wrong. Each visit diet and exercise are discussed. I can not take a cheeseburger out of someone's hand or force them to eat low calorie meals. Be a friend and realize that we all have flaws. Your friend will not lose weight because you or anyone else tells them to do so. That is something they have to come to do his or her own self.

 

[okeydokey]

Your loved one knows they are overweight and they know that their diet is harming them. For whatever reason, they are not ready to try to make a change. I hope they do one day, but there is really nothing you can do.

 

[kimblebee]

As an overweight person I wish I could answer this for you but I really can't. I know that eating out is bad for me. I'm actually quite disgusted with myself for eating out like I do. I had lost 70 lbs by cutting out junk food and fast food. Then, about a year ago I went back to it and now I've gained all the weight back. It's not an addiction because I could stop it and not crave it. I cook at home a lot and it is from scratch food. I guess it's just the convenience of eating out and it tastes good dammit

I do pig out once a month because I go for monthly IV treatments and my veins are so bad that it usually takes 5-6 pokes before they find a vein. Yes, it's not the best reward but it's what gets me through the pain of the needle pokes.

I am always thinking that I should cut out the fast food and the slurpees, especially now because all the summer clothes I bought last year no longer fit and it really bothers me.

I am lucky because besides my MS and now my possible cancer, I am a healthy person. My blood pressure is spot on as is my blood sugar and every other thing that can be tested. I am routinely checked by doctors because of the meds I am on. That's not an excuse but just because someone is overweight, doesn't automatically mean they are unhealthy.

 

[Hrhpd]

Someone very close to me is very overweight and has a slew of health issues which could all be improved with weight loss. Unfortunately this person still eats out daily, and not good choices either. I guess it is like an addiction but it makes me so sad and is so hard to watch, when i think of all the sodium bad fats and calories with most of these meals, the very things this person does not need. And it seems like the doctors dont address the elephant in the room either, they just keep putting this person on more and more meds and dont even talk about diet. Very upsetting

You are privy to this person's medical records? You are sure the doctors are not addressing it?

What kind of meds? Does the person have a disorder that is causing weight gain that the docs are trying to conquer first?

No matter what the docs are doing, the only thing you can do is be supportive. You cannot make a person diet until they are ready. And it can be an addiction, only harder to beat because you can't just avoid food like you can alcohol or cigarettes.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

At some point you just have to let those emotions go and just enjoy the person "as is". I know that is easier said than done though.

 

[Sadie22]

Eating out is not bad. Eating everything restaurants choose to serve the way they serve it can be. Eating double cheeseburgers, large fries, large fountain soda and a sundae would not be a good choice and certainly not on a regular basis. Maybe the person has switched to a regular hamburger with a salad or hamburgers less often. Unless you're writing down what is eaten every day, how would you know?

I eat out. I enjoy filet mignon. I enjoy turkey on wheat. I enjoy some green salads with a slice of thin-crust pizza. It's all about choices and portions and balance. Yes, I have weight to lose, and I have made changes from the way I learned to eat when I was younger, but I have medical issues which make it harder to lose weight as well as a desk job. I am taking medications to help me maintain my good health while I struggle to lose weight and to manage my conditions. I see specialists, including a nutritionist. A friend helps me by walking with me. Two ladies discussing our medical issues as we cruise the neighborhood.

 

[Poohforyou]

You are privy to this person's medical records? You are sure the doctors are not addressing it?

What kind of meds? Does the person have a disorder that is causing weight gain that the docs are trying to conquer first?

No matter what the docs are doing, the only thing you can do is be supportive. You cannot make a person diet until they are ready. And it can be an addiction, only harder to beat because you can't just avoid food like you can alcohol or cigarettes.

I was thinking the same thing about the doctor. So I guess you're going to every doctors appointment with your friend.

 

[ellone]

I see specialists, including a nutritionist. A friend helps me by walking with me.

Unfortunately 'nutritionists' nowadays get their conferences sponsored by McDonalds and Coke (I kid you not). And these sponsors get to hand out pamphlets with all sorts of helpful info such as Frito Lay helping out by telling them if they have clients with gluten allergies that they can use crushed Fritos instead of breadcrumbs. I know one big annual conference no longer allows photos in the exhibition hall because they don't want the general public to learn how all these processed food manufacturers are misleading nutritionists.

 

[dakcp2001]

Ok, you are overstepping. MYOB on this one. Chances are they know they are overweight, they hear about it at every single appointment they go to. They know, trust me they know. Unless you want to become a persona non grata, keep your observations and opinions to yourself. You can invite them over for a healthy dinner or out for a walk. Be a good example and be less judge. I am getting fat shaming judge vibes from you, and that is not going to make this person want to be anywhere near you. Love them for who they are now, while you can, and while they are still with you. Focus on the good things.

 

[kimblebee]

Ok, you are overstepping. MYOB on this one. Chances are they know they are overweight, they hear about it at every single appointment they go to. They know, trust me they know. Unless you want to become a persona non grata, keep your observations and opinions to yourself. You can invite them over for a healthy dinner or out for a walk. Be a good example and be less judge. I am getting fat shaming judge vibes from you, and that is not going to make this person want to be anywhere near you. Love them for who they are now, while you can, and while they are still with you. Focus on the good things.

All of this is spot on.

 

[low-key]

maybe true but there is another group of people who have a list of good reason why we are on the internet to much

 

[meowser]

If you really care about this person and their health, the best and most important thing you can do is be supportive and love them unconditionally regardless of their weight and health issues. Passing judgment doesn't help and can hurt. Just be there, like them as they are, and support any efforts they make (no matter what you personally think of their efforts).

 

[kmb584]

As someone in healthcare that is in school to become a provider you are very wrong. Each visit diet and exercise are discussed. I can not take a cheeseburger out of someone's hand or force them to eat low calorie meals. Be a friend and realize that we all have flaws. Your friend will not lose weight because you or anyone else tells them to do so. That is something they have to come to do his or her own self.

This.

I'm a nurse and rest assured, diet and exercise are discussed in length. These topics are brought to the surface for not only obesity but also HTN, diabetes, and a slew of other diseases where a diet change and increase in activity will better someone's quality of life.

I can educate until I turn blue in the face but our physicians/nurses aren't Big Brother. We cannot control what a person chooses to eat. We can't control how much, if any, exercise they'll partake in. We DO hope that they'll follow our advice as it's in their best interest (medically and physically) but if they instead opt to continue making poor choices, there is nothing we can do. The next time they're in for a physical or health concern, we start the process all over again.

 

[LiveYourLife]

And it seems like the doctors dont address the elephant in the room either, they just keep putting this person on more and more meds and dont even talk about diet. Very upsetting

And how is it that you know this? You know what they say about assuming and all that jazz....

Love and support your friend no matter what size they are.

 

[mommanne]

I am not understanding the correlation between eating out versus eating at home for a person with weight issues. You can eat well or badly either in a restaurant or at home. What is the difference?

 

[phorsenuf]

I am not understanding the correlation between eating out versus eating at home for a person with weight issues. You can eat well or badly either in a restaurant or at home. What is the difference?

Because it's easier to be judgmental?

 

[mommanne]

Well yes, there is always that.

 

[clarabelle]

Doctors do need patients, If the chewed everyone out about their weight -they may not have any.

 

[Sadie22]

Unfortunately 'nutritionists' nowadays get their conferences sponsored by McDonalds and Coke (I kid you not). And these sponsors get to hand out pamphlets with all sorts of helpful info such as Frito Lay helping out by telling them if they have clients with gluten allergies that they can use crushed Fritos instead of breadcrumbs. I know one big annual conference no longer allows photos in the exhibition hall because they don't want the general public to learn how all these processed food manufacturers are misleading nutritionists.

My nutritionist is a certified diabetes educator as well. A salad with grilled chicken from McDonald's with water or a Diet Coca-Cola to drink fits in fine with my diet plan. I'd suggest you do without the breading of any kind.