KATIE WRIGHT

A group of charities and medics has set out an ambitious 10-year plan to tackle obesity in the UK. The Obesity Health Alliance says Government needs to re-frame the issue – which is forecast to cost the NHS £9.7 billion a year by 2050 – as one of “collective rather than personal responsibility”.

The report describes the dangers of an “obesogenic environment… in which calorie-dense, nutrient-poor food is accessible, abundant, affordable and normalised and where physical activity is not built into everyday life.”

While it’s down to regulators and industry chiefs to make changes in advertising and marketing, we can all encourage healthy lifestyle choices – especially if you have a friend or family member who’s trying to lose weight. Here, experts explain the key dos and don’ts if you want to help a loved one with their weight loss goal…

You may think you’re being kind when you say, “You don’t need to lose weight!” But it’s not helpful.

“The desire for weight loss is very personal and often arises from deeper reasons,” says nutrition coach Ravneet Panesar, founder of Neet Nutrition.

“Remind your friend or family member how much they matter. Compliment them on a personal trait, such as their generosity, humour or reliability, and avoid commenting on weight. Follow this up by showing support for their decision to improve their health, not simply to lose weight.”

“Rather than hitting up a bar or fast food restaurant together, suggest new ways to spend time that improve wellbeing,” says nutritionist Rohini Bajekal. “Walking in nature, going to a group yoga class or cooking a nutritious plant-based meal together are all great ways to support your friend. You could also try playful activities, such as bowling or rollerblading – activities that also support their health goals.”

Being supportive is great, but remember that for weight loss, slow and steady is best, and there may be setbacks along the way.

“Pressure is not good for their mental health,” Ravneet says, “and is unlikely to support a positive change in their physical health. This is why New Year resolutions often don’t stick!”

“Everyone is different, so ask what your friend needs, so you can support them best,” says Rohini. “Perhaps they would benefit from you offering to look after their kids for a couple of hours so they can go to the gym, or would love to attend a cooking class with you.”

Unless your friend has told you they prefer ‘tough love’, offer encouragement, not criticism.

“Shame-based motivation doesn’t work in the long term,” Rohini explains. “Be careful how you discuss weight as it is a sensitive issue, and don’t offer unsolicited weight-loss tips or advice eg ‘I did this and I lost the weight’.”

Ultimately, you want to be “a source of support not stress – no one likes a lecture or interrogation about their eating and

lifestyle habits”.

Help them find a healthy way to celebrate weight loss milestones

“This is the best part!” Ravneet says. “Help your loved one brainstorm rewards and incentives.” Obviously, a meal out isn’t the best option. “It’s a conflict of interest, so encourage them to make a list of non-food rewards for sticking to their plan, such as a facial, a new kitchen tool, extra social media time, online shopping or saving up for a spa day.”