Obesity is a huge public health concern across England, so it’s no surprise that conversations are consistently taking place in a variety of settings. Whether you’re at the gym, at work, at a party, or somewhere else entirely, it’s important you’re mindful when discussing the topic.
28.0% of adults in England are obese and a further 36.2% are overweight, so you’re never too far away from someone who is either experiencing it first-hand or knows somebody that is. Talking about obesity is fine, but there are certainly things you need to keep in mind when doing so.
Words can hurt
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never break me.” Is this right? Not always… When discussing obesity, be extremely careful not to use words that are stigmatising or negative.
If you’re unsure if the thing you want to say next is rude or incorrect, just don’t say anything at all. Trust us, it’s for the best.
Take the time to educate yourself
This can be applied to anything, really… In some conversations, it’s okay to take a step back and say: “I’m not sure about this particular topic, so I’m not going to get involved.” You’re not expected to respond to absolutely everything, especially if you’re uncomfortable or don’t know enough about the subject.
Understand that no one is to blame
It can be easy to point the finger in any situation, so be careful not to do so when discussing obesity. Not only can you come across rude, but also ignorant if you don’t have the correct facts and knowledge to back yourself up. The truth is, there are many factors that increase a person’s risk of obesity, and not all of them are within their control.
Stand up for the community
When engaging in these discussions, don’t tolerate small-mindedness and horrible language. If you hear people speaking derogatorily, do the right thing and stand up for the community. You don’t have to retaliate or use aggression, just simply explain that their attitude is wrong, and they should be more mindful of their language.
If you engage in a conversation with someone who’s looking for the best way to lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way, or if you yourself are seeking some good options, your local pharmacy might be able to advise on the best products.
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