62.8% of adults in England overweight or obese and a recent WeightWatchers survey showed that 74% of UK residents think that weight is a taboo subject. TV medic and WW advisor Dr Helen Lawal said if you want to help, you should tread carefully, because judgement and criticism will do more harm than good. Most importantly, you should never tell anyone they are ‘fat.’
The WW survey showed that over half of women are reluctant to talk openly about weight, (57%), even though over half (60%) of 35-44-year-olds and 53% of 45-54-year-olds are more likely to worry about their weight at least once a week.
When they do choose to open up about the topic, over a third of women prefer to speak to a medical professional (43%), with 41% of men rather discussing weight with their partner.
Furthermore, when both men and women talk to others about their weight, almost a third (31%) feel the need to justify changes in their weight, with a further 28% feeling the need to explain their weight loss to others.
When men and women talk to others about, almost a third (31%) feel they need to justify any changes in their weight, with a further 28% feeling the need to explain their weight loss to others.
Social media and celebrities are often blamed for negative associations around weight, but the research highlighted that the problem is closer to home, with family, friends and parents (46%) having a negative impact on feelings about weight.
Anthony Miller, VP Marketing, WeightWatchers UK said: “WeightWatchers is an advocate of evidenced-based healthy weight loss that is realistic and sustainable - that means no quick fixes. For more than 60 years we have supported millions of people, of all shapes and sizes, to realise their goals on our proven programme. And the reason that our members stay with us is because we offer a non-judgemental community that normalises conversations about weight, focusing on the positive behaviours and habits that support being healthy in body and mind for the long term, rather than simply what’s on the scales.”
Lorraine Kelly, WW Ambassador said: “As someone who is living proof that the WW science-backed approach works, I can relate to those who feel the need to justify their reasons for wanting to lose weight. I’ve certainly found myself playing down my achievements when in fact I’m really proud of my reaching my goals - which have extended way beyond what's on the scales. In fact, it’s those non-scale victories that have made the real difference to me - whether that's improved sleep, nutrition, more energy, or feeling more body positive - these are the real wins for my health and wellbeing.”
Here are Dr Helen’s tips on what you should do and say if you’re worried about a loved one’s weight:
Don’t assume they are unhealthy and/or unhappy because research shows that the correlation between weight and health is much less clear cut than thought and what's important to consider is physiological health - things like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, the heart, metabolic syndrome, how the body is functioning on the inside. We shouldn’t base our analysis simply on what we can see on the outside. It is possible to be of a certain weight and still be healthy and perfectly happy - you only have to look at someone like Lizzo who is fit and strong and out there being fabulous, to see that.
Be kind and supportive because weight and weight loss is a lot more complex than calories in and calories out (CICO) and often it's our relationship with food where we struggle. It is really normal to comfort eat when we are unhappy. Perhaps the person is stressed, chronically sleep deprived, suffers from low self-esteem, has been through a relationship breakdown or is feeling depressed. Rather than talk about their weight, ask them what’s going on in their life and offer to support them in other ways instead
Don’t call them fat. Another person’s body is not your business and if you call them ‘fat’ that is highly critical and judgemental and it won’t help. The WeightWatchers survey showed that 65% of people feel dissatisfied with their weight and 52% worry about it every week. In fact, most people would rather be open about their earnings, sex-lives, and politics than talk about their weight freely. It doesn’t help that 59% feel that weight is talked about negatively. The person you are concerned about may have their own concerns about their health and weight and being blunt and saying they need to do something about it won’t help. Conversations about health should be much broader to include mental well-being, we have to move away from the weight-centric, fat-shaming culture we have in the UK.
Cook from scratch more as it is one of the best positive habit changes you can make to support your health. It's a surefire way to increase the nutrients in your diet, eat less processed food and be more in control of what you are consuming, incorporating more fruit and vegetables into home-cooked recipes and cutting down on salt and sugar. Often, it can save money too.
Step away from the scales because it is only a very small part of the picture. We need to shift conversations around weight so they focus on how we can develop healthier habits, whatever your size - a thin person can have high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels too. Good nutrition is important for everyone, and so is getting enough sleep, physical activity, emotional support and most importantly keeping a positive mindset. The worst thing people can do is look for a quick fix when it comes to weight loss - which is too often no fix at all. We know that short-term weight loss solutions might sound appealing, but they rarely work and can deprive us of the vital nutrients we need for our body to function optimally.
