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My daughter is becoming obese.

I dont want to destroy her ego. How do I broach the subject? Has anyone been in the same situation?
MarineBob · 56-60, M Best Comment
Let a woman talk to her. Men talking about weight is never a good idea
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
[@MarineBob yes i haven't ]
metaldog · 51-55
@MarineBob a get what you're saying but there are ways for a father to communicate with his daughter in an objective way

My oldest was goin thru that but she is doin a bit better now. She has started walking a lot and it has helped. I got her a Fitbit and she is kinda competitive and we do the challenges together.
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@YourMomsSecretCrush Maybe like other kind people have suggested we go for bonding walks together
fun4us2b · M
@JimboSaturn Walking/Exercise is helpful, but limiting caloric intake is really the key to losing weight - I fooled myself for years, thinking I could lose weight by exercise...

Eating is comforting...reducing discomfort and finding other was of being comforted are keys to helping...

Not easy to figure out how to reduce it - but small steps are usually the best if they can stick...

And always communicate, even when we are dopey parents, being present counts a lot...
@fun4us2b You *can* lose weight by exercise, but the key is to exercise AND eat better, because the *amount* of exercise to lose the energy equivalent of a pound of fat is just too much work to do all the time.
crownedwithlaurel97 · 26-30, F
that’s always a difficult situation. maybe sit her down and ask her if there’s something going on in her life that’s causing extreme emotional distress. tell her you love her but you can tell something is going on. as somebody who gained a lot of weight as a teen due to a medication i think it would have helped if my dad had offered support, whether it be purely emotional, a gym membership, or offering to pay for a dietitian
calicuz · 51-55, M
@JimboSaturn

So sorry to hear about your wife. Do you think her weight and your wife's condition are connected?
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@crownedwithlaurel97 Its ok thanks
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@calicuz Well yes talking to you guys now it seems obvious
It might be best to approach her about sharing your mutual stress about your wife's illness. Something like, "I know it's affecting me (how can it not?) and I think it might help me to talk to somebody about it. Would you be willing to go to counseling with me?"

It's hard to be 18, just like it's hard to parent an 18 yr old. Maybe a counselor as buffer would help.

I remember thinking many times during my late husband's cancer war, "It would be nice if when cancer starts, all other stresses stopped - but they don't."

🤗🤗
@Mamapolo2016 I really like this.
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@SomeMichGuy And I like this. 🤗
@Mamapolo2016 Why, thank you! The approval of a such a fine, wonderful, level-headed person here means lot! 😊🤗🤗🤗
@SomeMichGuy Wow. Thank you! I like you back. 🤗
SW-User
Since your wife has cancer.......i bet you she is going through depression and overeating for her emotional needs. Maybe just suggest she go and talk to a doctor.....maybe that will help her in one form or another. 🤗
reflectingmonkey · 51-55, M
how is your weight? if you happen to also be a bit overweight you could suggest you both go on a diet. I think it is possible to discuss this with her, I am not a big supporter of this "body positivity , everyone is beautiful " attitude. I find it self serving. you tell someone overweight that they are fine and beautiful and sure they will love you for it, but then their health will suffer. I prefer to say it like it is, softly. I am a nutrition consultant, amongst other things. with a safe diet its possible to lose between 1 and 2 pounds a week, more than this is unhealthy and for many reason don't work long term. its more about changing eating habits forever and allowing a controled degree of cheating than starving for a few months and then jumping back into the bad habits. exercise is important to increase metabolism and increase general wellbeing, since bad eating is often related to trying to feel good, but don't count on exercise to actually burn all those calories, aim for weight loss coming from 70% diet and 30% exercise, 100 push-ups is 100 calories and one pound of fat is 3500 calories. see what I mean... the foods that need to be monitored are the carbs and fat mostly with a good portion of protein at every meal to help satiation. eating too much sugar or carbs creates an unbalance in the blood sugar which causes constant craving. the more you eat carbs and sugar the more you want to eat more carbs and sugar. the problem with fat is that its very high in calories. fats need to be carefully measured.
reflectingmonkey · 51-55, M
@JimboSaturn sorry for dumping all that info on you, if you get through to her and you guys want to get on it, write down everything each of you consumes for like 5 days, as precise as possible (food and amount) and send it to me, I can take a quick look and give you some tips. of course I cant do a full case study on you because I do this for a living but I'd gladly take a quick look and give you a few tips to get going.
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@reflectingmonkey She has taking ro cooking her own food. Which is not good choices
reflectingmonkey · 51-55, M
@JimboSaturn sugar, carbs, fat and salt are very intense sources of pleasure, this is why fast food and junk food focus on these things because they're like a drug that keeps you wanting more. I advocate a lot for changing lifestyle, not just food, because if more healthy hobbies and exercise are introduced then automatically we start craving good things. also, we need to obseve the effect of foods but if someone is always feel tired or depressed its hard to notice the effect of bad foods because we already feel bad, we have no reference. if you exercise, plan out some outdoor activity, eat healthy food even for just a day, and drink plenty of water, maybe temporarely take some vitamin suplement, then you start to feel good and you notice it "wow, that walk in the mountains made me feel great", then you eat fast food and you notice the good feeling go away and then you feel tired and depressed and unmotivated. that's when the real change happens, you suddenly realize that eating well and exercising makes you feel good and then you have a good reason to do it. people see dieting as privation and then they think " the hell with that, I want to live and enjoy myself" but really the reason for eating better and exercising is specifically to live and enjoy life. its just a deeper understanding of what actually leads to more enjoyment. when I go to the gym, I do it because I remember how I will feel good after. the reason I avoid bad foods is because I remember how I will feel after. food should not be too much of a source of pleasure, good food and exercise are pre-requisits to go find the pleasure in life.
WaryWitchWandering · 36-40, F
Are you active? Maybe ask her if she wants to start going for walks together? Does she live at home?Do you have that sort of relationship? Make it a thing about both of you getting healthier and bonding, rather than just talking about her weight? Ask if she wants to cook meals with you, make healthy meals and eat together?
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@WaryWitchWandering I will continue to try that
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@WaryWitchWandering I have never said anything to her. I think that is a good idea
TurtlePink · 22-25, F
Maybe she’s going through something. She could be over eating due to stress
helsbels · 26-30, F
Difficult... I can't really advise except to say I have had critical remarks from my Mum about my weight and while I know she's right and it's because she cares/is concerned, the wrong approach can seem harsh or cause upset. I hope it all works out ok.
@helsbels Good reply! 😊
helsbels · 26-30, F
@SomeMichGuy 🤷‍♀️ I don't think I added any insight or said anything he doesn't already know, but thanks
@helsbels You added your wording and experience and you are a lovely young woman yourself, so it helps reinforce a main reply type. 😊

More votes for rational points of view helps.

And you're "good people", so there!
FoolishLuna · 56-60, F
How old is she?
FoolishLuna · 56-60, F
@JimboSaturn is she active?
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@FoolishLuna No. Not at all
This message was deleted by the author of the main post.
I would imagine has a lot on her mind. Her mom. She has to be do worried and stressed

I know your wife has enough on her mind to have that on it too..a man talking to a woman about her weight..mmm not best idea

Is there other women who are sensitive to her feelings around?
Not that you wouldn't be
Reading through it looks like a stressful time for her. Cortisol is linked to weight gain. I think probably saying something directly will not have the desired effect. Encouraging healthy food options and walking together might be all that’s in your control right now.
SW-User
I wouldn't tell her anything.
Seems unnecessary if they're adults already, after all it's her body.
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@SW-User I agree, she does want to exercise more. I bought a home gym I just have to get it assembled; pretty sure she is excited to use it.
SW-User
@JimboSaturn that's good, if that's part of her decisions you can motivate her, but don't body shame her.
But also most people don't end up exercising much at home so that's why gyms are usually better..
If it's about being healthy mostly
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@SW-User Agreed.
You could broach it in a straight forward and kind way. Tell her you want to help her straight up. Sometimes people need to hear the truth. Perhaps suggest a gym membership, you could go together. Or suggest you go on a healthy eating plan together. Edit. I don’t see why a father talking to his daughter about her weight in a kind and constructive manner is an issue. As a mother I would talk to my son or daughter if that’s the case. She might not like hearing it, obviously she is aware of what’s happening. She may be stuck in a hole of depression. Your wife is Sick and is obviously dealing with with that. I would suggest that it’s your duty to broach the subject with her, as her dad.
eMortal · M
Check her eating habits, workout routine, lifestyle. If someone is off, it’s probably mental issue.
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@eMortal Yes its all off. Its her habit
revenant · F
Is she eating her emotions..
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@revenant possibility
revenant · F
@JimboSaturn perhaps she ought to set some goals for herself. Not about the weight but something else to look forward to in the future in case she is accumulating the fat by ruminating..
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@revenant ok sure!
calicuz · 51-55, M
Well, I think maybe think long and hard about what you want to say. Obviously you want her to know you're only saying anything because you love her and you're concerned about her health.
Maybe as you think of what and how to say things to her you might want to write those words down, so you don't forget anything and so you make sure the words you want to say come out right.
rhouse · 56-60, M
You mind your own business. You make sure she is happy and be grateful.
Don't be too shy about it, tough love is a real thing.
Start asking her to walk, and then mid walk start doing little extra exercises until you have a decent workout going on. It will be good for both of you. At some point she will catch on, but she will realize you love her.
Doomflower · 36-40, M
I get that you care and I gather from other comments there's a sick mom and other stressors. I would not talk about weight at all though. If you're concerned, offer to talk to her. Support her feelings. Cook healthy food. Offer to do fun activities with her.
WonderGirl · 36-40
how old is she?
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
Mellowgirl · 31-35, F
How old is she?
The best thing to do is start her on a sport that you can do together? Tennis? Badminton? Swimming?
Don't mention her weight.
Encourage her when your finished to eat something healthy.
Torsten · 36-40, M
tough situation.
Would be hard to bring it up but also hard to see your child not taking care of herself/himself.
Hope whatever you decide, it works out for the best
You need to be careful… it depends on her age and what’s going on in her life. If you bring it up with no knowledge of what’s going on with her… you may make it worse.
I saw you said she is 18, technically an adult.

As a parent of a 16 year old, if i thought my child was living a lifestyle that was damaging to their health i would tell them that i love them and am concerned for them. I would suggest going to the doctors for guidance and offering to go with for moral support.

They may just shut you down
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
Foolish lunsa I deleted your comment accidentally. Yes my wife and I are of the same opinion
MarineBob · 56-60, M
Could be worse.. When Kay got sick i started drinking more
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@MarineBob Yes that doesn't help but understandable. How is she doing by the way?
MarineBob · 56-60, M
@JimboSaturn not good
ImRileyTheDog · 22-25, F
I would suggest both of you becoming active together so she’s not alone
dale74 · M
Age and define obese
dale74 · M
@JimboSaturn explain that you want to become more athletic because the older you get the harder it is on your body and see if she will be a workout partner.
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@dale74 Yes I'm thinking something along those lines too.
dale74 · M
@JimboSaturn If that doesn't work then you need to approach it from a health standpoint on her part.
CrazyMusicLover · 31-35
I'm glad to hear at least some have a regard for other people's feelings. That's not something you see often in our family.
pdockal · 56-60, M
Do you exerxise
Are you obese
Do you eat healthy

What example are you seting
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@pdockal I do exercise. Since Covid I have slackened somewhat and have gained some weight myself. I guess I could always set a better example.
pdockal · 56-60, M
@JimboSaturn
Start there and then entice her to join you
Din't give her the do as i say not as i do attitude
What's covid have to do with this
I lost 50lbs during covid
deadgerbil · 22-25
Maybe start working out and include her with your workouts. Exercise is always easier with someone else imo
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JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
Nanori · F
Does she have any siblings?
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@Nanori No she is our only child
Lostpoet · M
buy her a cute gym outfit
BlueVeins · 22-25
@Lostpoet Ehhh doing that w/o addressing it directly could come off as really passive-aggressive though.
Lostpoet · M
@BlueVeins true, and i don't have any daughters so he really shouldn't take my advice.
MasterLee · 56-60, M
Tell her you have a fat fetish
This message was deleted by the author of the main post.
Happymedium · 56-60, F
@SW-User @JimboSaturn
[quote] don't think you even need to practice at being an @ss [/quote]
Same name....new spelling🤭
m[b]ASS[/b]ter lee!!!!!!
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@Happymedium I just blocked the stupid fucker lol
Is it that she’s not getting much exercise ? As others have suggested, it might be an opportunity to take regular walks together. Regular exercise, and bonding too.
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
Could it be comfort eating with what your wife is going through?
Human1000 · 51-55, M
Don’t. No way to approach it
LordShadowfire · 100+, M
Buy her some Coca-Cola with the original, REAL recipe.

(I'm kidding. Don't feed your daughter drugs.)

Yeah, I don't have any really good tips for you. Unfortunately, telling your daughter that she's getting obese is harder these days, because you don't want to be seen as fat shaming, or give her body image issues. My best suggestion is that you talk to someone who works as a counselor for teenage girls.
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@LordShadowfire good idea
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This message was deleted by its author.
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@swirlie 🤣
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
@SomeMichGuy Don't worry about it buddy. I don't think a response is necessary.

 
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