How I talk to a loved one about their weight?

[Moonwoofer]

I have a 20 year old son who is autistic and in the past year, he has gained a significant amount of weight. He has gained roughly 20kgs in the past year.

He does suffer from anxiety and is very sensitive and fragile. Yet I am worried about his health as he is noticeably getting bigger and bigger as time goes by. He doesn’t get a lot exercise, mostly due to his studies and his full time employment, he eats reasonably well at home though he still seems to be get heavier.

I wonder what would be the best way to address this matter and I would like him to live a healthier than I am. He does have a lot on his plate and is also seeking mental health assistance on most weekends.

[KayKay]

Welcome Moonwoofer!

I have a 22yo high functioning autistic spectrum kid who had the same issues. I addressed it in multiple ways.

(1) Have his health care provider discuss with him the danger of carrying too much weight. As part of this, the two of them can set a target weight for your son.

(2) Buy your son one of those fitness tracker watches. My Aspie also tracked calories on a website.

(3) Model the healthy lifestyle you want him to have.

Your son has to "buy in" to it. If he does, he'll be forever diligent. From my experience, it was best to let my kid make the decision to do it.

[JemStar]

Thyroid ok? Read where a reduction in LECTINS is helpful along with more of a ketogenic diet. Of course the same old - REMOVE SUGAR demand abounds.

Would he enjoy any type of moving around? Kick box vids, treadmill, bike, rowing machine? Dance of some type?