It’s no surprise that conversations are consistently taking place here, there, and everywhere considering obesity is a huge public health concern across England. Whether you’re at the gym, at work, or at a party, 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.
We’re not saying that you shouldn’t talk about obesity at all, but you should most certainly be mindful of the attitude you have and the language you use.
Words can hurt
Some say that words can’t hurt, but this isn’t always the case… Harsh words can be a lethal weapon to some people. So, when discussing obesity, be very 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. Not only will you save yourself the despair, but also anyone else in the discussion who might take offence.
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.
Don’t tolerate other people’s ignorance
Keep your ears open for any bad language, and don’t tolerate other people’s small-mindedness. If you’re in a conversation with people who are speaking derogatorily, do the right thing and stand up for the community. You don’t have to be aggressive or harsh, just simply explain that their attitude and words are wrong.
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. The truth is, there are many factors that increase a person’s risk of obesity, and not all of them are within their control.
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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