Obesity is a growing problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults in the US are obese. This problem is not just a matter of appearance; obesity is a serious health risk. So, how do you motivate an obese person to lose weight and get healthy? This is a difficult question, as there are many factors that contribute to obesity. However, there are some general strategies that can be helpful. Also, people like Steven Assanti can be role models for people who need some motivation to lose weight. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore some motivation strategies that can help.

Begin with a non-aggressive discussion.

Simply asking, “Why are you obese/overweight?” is offensive, Overweight persons might be overweight for a variety of reasons, and your duty is to determine what is feeding their “I don’t care” attitude.

When someone has an unhealthy mindset, they may justify their bad habits like binge eating, eating junk food, or not working out. A healthy mindset, on the other hand, will cause them to feel bad when they break their diet and motivate them to get back on track. However, if someone has an “I don’t care” attitude, they may get stuck in a never-ending cycle of poor health.

It is best to avoid asking questions about weight. Instead, ask questions about their beliefs and thoughts, as these are usually the root of the problem. For example, you could ask: “Can you tell me about a time when you felt like giving up on your dreams?” or “What can make you sad right now?”.

The correlation between these questions and their eating habits is significant because overweight people are mostly emotional eaters. They use food as a coping mechanism for their emotions, often without realizing it. This can lead to overeating and weight gain.

If you simply ask “Why do you eat so much junk food,” they will likely reply with “Because it tastes good.” As we all know, junk food can be quite delectable. However, there is usually more to the story than that. By taking a different approach, you may be able to get to the root of the issue. It is important to inquire about their perspectives on living a healthy lifestyle.

Make then realize that losing weight can actually be fun

Most individuals are terrified of diets because all they see is pain, suffering, eating foods they don’t like, being uncomfortable after an exercise, and so on. And that makes sense; no one wants to do it that way, regardless of the payoff.

We must communicate to them that the weight loss process does not have to be painful. There are several choices that can fit into a calorie deficit diet while still being palatable to the tongue.

Another misconception that obese individuals have is that they must eat less than they do currently in order to lose weight. That does not have to be the case. Explain to them that if they discover better substitutes for the foods they already eat, they don’t have to eat less.

Set Small Goals

Whether they are dangerously obese or only a few pounds overweight, it is critical not to scare them with lofty expectations.

Setting a goal of losing 100 pounds might be incredibly demotivating. Sure, the ultimate objective might be to lose 100 pounds but start small. It doesn’t matter if you start with 10 pounds or 5 pounds.

Offer yourself as a copilot

This might mean the world to someone, and if you’re prepared to make the commitment, go ahead; everyone needs a copilot!

Everything is simpler when done in pairs. When you figure out what troubles people, presenting a solution isn’t always enough, since getting started is the most difficult aspect. You may even make it enjoyable by saying something like, “Okay, let’s choose the diet together and stick to it for two weeks and see how it goes.”

Conclusion

It is clear that obesity is a complex problem with many causes. This article has explored some of the literature on the topic of motivation and obesity. While there is no easy answer to the question of how to motivate an obese person, it is clear that a mix of different approaches is likely to be most effective. Incentives, discipline, and support systems are all likely to play a role in motivating obese individuals to make the necessary lifestyle changes. Try finding out the cause of their “I don’t care” attitude. Try to provide them with solutions to their issues. Offer multiple diet suggestions and even volunteer yourself as a copilot. Set modest goals and celebrate each small achievement. Keep them motivated and work on incorporating additional healthy habits that feel wonderful.

Once they start seeing tangible positive changes in their bodies, they might stop needing any external motivation to keep going.