IMA-HelenT
Forum Replies Created
-
Wonderful to see so many questions, we have seen the interest really growing in the community around this subject. So we will have a second webinar on this topic in February, so if your questions weren’t answered last night they might be in the next episode.
-
Found these helpful hints :
A Compassion-First Framework for Sensitive “Weight & Health” Conversations
1. Check your motive first
Ask yourself: Am I trying to help, or am I venting frustration / judgment?
If it’s genuine concern about their comfort, mobility, or lab numbers, you’re on firmer ground.
2. Get permission before giving advice
A simple, “Would you be open to talking about something I’ve noticed that might help your health?”
If they say no, respect that boundary. You’ve planted a seed; pushing usually backfires.
3. Lead with what you can see + what they’ve said
“You mentioned your knees hurt after walks. Sometimes carrying extra weight can worsen joint pain, would you like to hear what helped me?”
Ties the discussion to their complaint, not an abstract number on a scale.
4. Keep it about health, not looks or blame
Swap “overweight” for specific goals: better sleep, more energy, lowering blood pressure.
Acknowledge complexity: hormones, stress, finances, all influence eating and activity.
-
“Reading about Paracelsus reminds me why patient-first rebels are still so vital today. He fought to put real people ahead of rigid dogma.
Exactly what we’re trying to do with our Restoring Trust project. We’re building a free, ethical doctor network so finding clinicians who truly listen (and question outdated ‘rules’) is finally easy. If you believe modern medicine needs more Paracelsus-style courage, please jump in and help us make this network a reality:
-
Agree, I do intermittent fasting and it really works to dull any cravings… what do you tend to eat for your first meal.
-
What a great question, will pass on to the team.
-
Thanks, @vegandan … that was a great thread.
-
Thank you, another great question passed on to the team.
-
Great question, sent to the team.
-
Sent to the team 🙂
-
Great Questions … will send those to the team.
-
It’s always difficult watching someone you love hurting themselves.
-
Well done @budy what a wonderful outcome for all of you. 🙂
-
@Braves54 I can feel your frustration. I have done some reading about navigating difficult conversations, and I agree we have never been more polarized about medical decisions. I always approach any conversation by letting people know that my non-negotiable is informed consent. I don’t mind what you choose to do, but you should want to know as much as you can so you make the best decision you can, I find that everyone agrees with this. So with this in mind, when someone is dogmatic in their point of view, I ask them to please share their research and reading as I am always curious and open to hearing another point of view. Most times, the answer is “I don’t have any to share, I just heard it from x” .
This shines a light on their lack of knowledge and may inspire them to read more. You could offer them something that’s easy to read or listen to, it may just get them interested in exploring the topic a little more. (You could ask the community about books etc they recommend)
One of the things we have seen with a few friends in the past few years is they are actively asking for our advice, we really watch our diet and exercise daily, and leading by example is paying off as a few friends have lost weight and feel so much better, they tell us openly that they were inspired by us.
I am not perfect, so often forget these rules and land up in an argument with someone that just digs their heels in and we both loose.
Anyway, just some tactics I use.
Thanks so much for being open and taking part in the discussions.
-
Agree, overeating is an addiction and most addicts never want to acknowledge they have an addiction, that being the first step to healing. I wonder how we help so that they start to want to change?
-
So sorry, I don’t have any idea. I follow a great Holistic Vet on Instagram (also on YT) called Dr. Andrew Jones, perhaps give him a follow.