How do you help someone that's morbidly obese?

[plifter]

I have a friend that weighs about 400 lbs. at 6'2". He's had a weight problem his entire life. I remember seeing something on TV about a program run by Duke University where people actually relocate to NC and go through the program. It sounds almost like an inpatient treatment program. They showed several people who had experienced good results on the program. Has anyone heard of this?

 

[partagus]

Never heard of it. A lot of morbidly obese people get gastric bypass surgery and that seems to help out. Look at Al Roker, Connie WIlson and Star Jones. Well, Star Jones looks like a crack whore, but at least now she is skinny.

 

[Sim882]

Gastric bypass surgery is very risky but is quite effective.

For natural options, to lose 200 pounds must be a very depressing goal, taking 2 years I imagine (is he on anti-depressants, which apparently can make it easier to lose weight?).

I assume he has either or both of 2 problems: a slow metabolism, or some unhealthy emotional attachment to eating. Visting a doctor and pshychologist respectively could be of some assistance then.

 

[nodiggitydave]

yes i've seen the tv show on this program but it seems harsh.

To lose that much weight takes some serious life changes, you can't just tell him to go on a diet, he has to want to do it, and realise he is killing himself. only then can he change his life and himself.

weights are a good start.

 

[eando]

Who old is he? The younger he is the easier its going to be for him. He needs to make a choice to change his lifestyle - his life depends on it.

 

[plifter]

Who old is he? The younger he is the easier its going to be for him. He needs to make a choice to change his lifestyle - his life depends on it.

He's 34. The weight is causing a lot of emotional problems and depression. In turn, I think the depression is also a part of the reason he's so big. It's like the problems reciprocate. It worries me and I just don't know what advice to give him.

 

[fezly]

He should see a Doctor and probably Psychologist or something. The Doctor should recommend what to do.

If he's one of those people that refuses to see a Doctor or anyone for help or never finishes what he starts and quits all the time then it's allot harder.

He (or someone else) could start by writing down exactly what he eats every day and what activitys he does and learn more about food/nutrition in general.

The main thing is he needs motivation to lose weight and a reason to do so.
Often "being healthy and living longer" just isn't enough reason to do anything, especially if there depressed.

 

[Lee]

I personally dont believe in Gastric Bypass, it seems to me that people who are too lazy to work for their goals get the surgery so they can passively lose weight. At his weight, with a proper diet and excersize he could lose 100 pounds in a year. Tell him to get on these boards and do some research. He'll find nothing but support and goon information here.

 

[StuWard]

If you recommend that he goes to a doctor be prepared for surgical solutions. Medical doctors don't always know the best way. Surgery and medications are short term solutions for life threatening situations. In the long term they may do more harm than good.

Here's a site that has pretty good advise.

"http://www.annecollins.com/obesity/weight-loss-for-obese-patients.htm

1 key piece of advise is to get proper support and a forum like this one can help big time.

 

[zentrainer]

Roids