Tips to help a loved one with their weight loss
If your partner has decided to lose weight, you may want to play a role in encouraging them. They may expect this too. Learn how you can be supportive without making them feel overwhelmed.
Published: November 2024
Review date: November 2027
Weight loss is a personal decision. Your partner may want to lose weight to improve their health, to better their fitness or to improve their self-esteem.
If they have told you that they want to lose weight, listen to their reasons without judgment. They may feel vulnerable or emotional when explaining themselves.
You can try:
- Asking them what they might need from you as they pursue weight loss
- Creating rules and boundaries around the behaviours you will both have while your partner loses weight. For example, you may want to eat the same meals or go to the gym at the same time.
- Letting them know that they can talk about the different stages of their weight loss journey with you. Showing them that you will continue to help them can be encouraging.
Positive reinforcement rather than criticism can help your partner feel motivated and give them new goals to work towards. If you have noticed that they have made progress towards their health and fitness goals, take the time to celebrate these achievements. A compliment or a small gift can show them that you recognise the effort they are making.
Criticism that isn’t constructive can leave your partner confused or demoralised. If you’ve noticed some areas for improvement, make sure that you are giving them constructive advice. For example, they may not be doing lots of physical activity. You could suggest that you do an activity together or that you will help them to get to the classes or gym that they are interested in going to.
People who work out with others tend to have better results than those who don’t. Spending a few hours every week, working out with your partner can help them reach their goals but also improve some aspects of your relationships. Choose activities that you both enjoy, whether that’s taking on walks, going to the gym or hiring a badminton court to play against each other or friends, there’s lots of ways you can make exercise fun.
Your joint activities don’t have to be exercise-focused. You can cook together, spend time goal setting, or work with professionals like nutritionists or therapists for personalised support.
Whatever you do, try not to make your activities competitive. You may lose weight faster than your partner but it’s not something that should be highlighted. This is because everyone has different metabolic rates and levels of fitness. Losing weight may be a gradual process for them, but as long as they are making the effort to stay active, eat healthily and stay consistent, then they are making positive progress.
If you notice that your partner is less enthusiastic about their weight loss or seems to be discouraged, it’s important to address it. They may be struggling with some aspects of their weight and there may be ways that you can help. Asking them what support they need and how they would like reset, will give you a better idea of how you can get involved.
It’s always important to show that you care and not to provide unsolicited advice. If you think their concerns may need to be addressed by a healthcare professional like a GP, pharmacist or nutritionist, tell them. You can also ask if they would like you to attend any appointments with them.
But weight loss can be complicated and come with ups and downs, being patient and a source of moral support can help you bond with your partner and help them achieve their goals.