Does Your Family Encourage Your Obesity?

Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight knows how difficult it can be. Unfortunately, many times those who should support us the most, our family, make it even harder to succeed. No matter what the reason, family members can sabotage our weight loss goals without us even realizing it. They may sound like loving comments, but if you hear these lines, be aware and walk away.

I Love You Just the Way You Are

This line is killer. It implies that we don't love ourselves the way we are and that we are losing weight just to make them love us more. With health and self-esteem issues on the line, other people's opinions may be far down the list of reasons why you want to lose weight. The unspoken question behind this statement is, "Will you love me just as much if I change and get healthier?" You should have a frank discussion about this topic with your loved ones as soon as you begin your weight loss journey.

You Deserve This One Treat

This usually happens on holidays, at parties and on vacations. Well-meaning family members will try to push some food onto your plate, in the guise of a reward for all the hard work you've been doing. It's very simple to fall into this way of thinking. Don't even go there. Food is fuel, not treats and rewards. Explain to your family that, if they'd like to give you a reward, you'll always be open to flowers, jewelry or even simple things like a cup of tea or a neck rub.

I Miss Your Great (Insert Fattening Dish Here)

Cooking is an art, and many good cooks spend years perfecting their craft. If you are one of those people who hold their family together with special dishes, they're probably feeling left out and deprived right about now. The guilt trips are coming and you need to be ready for them. Stop this behavior before it starts by developing leaner versions of old favorites and new specialties to replace the worst of the old ones. Getting healthy doesn't mean you have to stop being a fabulous cook. In fact, good, creative cooks make living a healthy lifestyle much easier.

Why Do We Have to Eat Diet Food?

The only way to lose weight and keep it off is to develop a healthy way of eating and living, then stay in that lifestyle for the rest of your life. Once you realize how good you feel, you'll want to share that lifestyle with your family. Besides, it's exhausting cooking two different meals, three times a day. If your family is the typical American group that lives on processed and fast foods, the change to healthy eating won't be an easy one. They may resent you for forcing them to change, but it will pay off in the long run. Don't let them push you into a guilt trip for giving them a healthier way to live.

Some Obesity Risks

• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Coronary Artery Disease
• High Cholesterol
• High Blood Pressure
• Sleep Apnea
• Varicose Veins
  • Varicose veins are most common with the obese. People who sit and stand for a long time are at an increased risk for developing varicose veins. When someone remains immobile for extended periods of time, they will develop very poor circulation. Extra weight increases the pressure on the veins.
    

The fact is, very few people like change, even if the change is ultimately good for them. Be firm with your family and explain to them that you are losing weight to get healthier. You'll be able to live longer and enjoy their company more, while participating in family activities instead of simply sitting on the sidelines.

Dr. Richard Levine of Mountain View Dermatology offers several solutions for varicose veins treatment. Visit their website for more information.