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Home » Lose Weight Safely » How to talk to a loved one about their weight and its links to severe coronavirus – Telegraph.co.uk

It's a conversation that no one wants to have. Obesity isa notoriously sensitive and personal topic for many people, makingaddressing someone's weight a delicate process at the best of times.

But as the links between being overweightand severecoronavirus symptoms grow more clear, it is an exchange we could soon be having.New figures from the UKs Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre found that the proportion of morbidly obese patients in intensive care units is twice the proportion in the general population. NHS data, meanwhile, suggests thatobesity raises the risk of dying from coronavirus in hospital by almost 40 per cent.

Of course, that doesn't makethe conversations around weight any easier. So, how should you broach this loaded subject with a loved one?

Although it's not the easiest conversation to have, remember that addressing arelative about being overweightcould potentially save their lives - so you shouldn't feel guilty about approaching the topic.

For Sarah Le Brocq,a director at Obesity UK, incorporating Covid-19 into the conversation around obesity can be done in a more matter of fact way than talking about just weight in general.

The evidence around coronavirus and weight is out there, so it feels like less of a personal attack, she says. I would say something like: 'in a larger body size you may be atincreased risk of more severe consequences of Covid-19.'

"Avoid phrases such as 'you will get the virus because of this'. Just gently show them that they are more likely to, and offer them support.

Dr Kate Mason is a clinical psychologist from the Roots Psychology Group. She says the conversation is always going to bedifficult because the topic of weight is enmeshed with this idea of self worth.

If you make them feel shamed by it, or take the mick out of them and youre too obvious with your language, it is likely to make things worse, she says.

Dr Mason says the key to speaking to a loved one about their weight lies inbeing mindful of both the language you choose, and how youpresent your intentions. She recommends approaching the subject at a time when your relative is feeling relaxed and avoid making it into a formal sit down conversation, or speaking about weightduring mealtimes.

Keep the focus on their health and feelings," she says. "Rather than directly telling someone that theyre putting on weight, try encouraging them to be healthier, and incorporate yourself into that conversation too - saying we is better than saying you'."

An example of this could be: "I tend to feel rubbish when I put on weight. I noticed you're looking low and fed up. Is there anything we can do?"

In practice, this means going on a run together, or learning to cook healthy meals rather than baking a cake. However, Dr Mason maintains its important not to monitor their health and exercise, as this could make them feel like they're the problem.

"You shouldnt say anything that can be interpreted as shaming and embarrassing - something that would imply theyre not good enough, or you might not love them if they put on weight," says Dr Mason.

For Le Brocq, you can effectively open the conversation by using a broad question that avoids the subject of diet and weight altogether.

Try saying something like, 'how are you feeling',or, 'do you need any support at the moment'.This allows them to explain if theyre feeling anxious, and you can guide the conversation from there," she says. "To avoid people getting defensive, it'simportant to recognise obesity is acomplex issue that involves more than just diet. Steer clear of conversations such as, 'have you thought about what you're eating' as these can feel like a personal attack."

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How to talk to a loved one about their weight and its links to severe coronavirus - Telegraph.co.uk

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Home » Lose Weight Safely » How to talk to a loved one about their weight and its links to severe coronavirus – Telegraph.co.uk