How to Help My Husband Lose Weight

Marriage and weight gain go hand-in-hand for many couples. You may notice your husband's weight increasing and want to help him slim back down, or you may want to lose weight along with him. Being overweight increases your chances of several health conditions, including coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and fertility issues, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Helping your husband lose weight also helps him reduce his risk for these serious health problems.

Help your husband lose weight by transforming your cooking habits. (Image: Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images)

Step 1

Talk to your husband about weight loss (Image: Andrea Morini/Photodisc/Getty Images)

Assess your husband's motivation to lose weight and his sensitivity to the subject. Weight Watches points out that you can't force a person to lose weight. If he isn't motivated to lose the weight, it's difficult to help your husband. If he's sensitive about his weight, use caution when talking to him about weight loss.

Step 2

Couple exercising (Image: Jupiterimages/Stockbyte/Getty Images)

Assess your own habits, even if you're not overweight. If you stay active and watch what you eat, your habits may motivate your husband to do the same. Even if you don't need to lose weight, you will improve your health.

Step 3

Couple grocery shopping (Image: Jupiterimages/Stockbyte/Getty Images)

Remove junk food from the home to encourage healthier eating for everyone in the family. If your husband isn't supportive of eliminating junk food, reduce the amount you buy or choose lower-fat versions to ease him into the idea. Occasional splurges prevent you from feeling deprived, but keeping lots of junk food on hand also tempts some people into overindulging.

Step 4

Cook healthy (Image: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images)

Substitute unhealthy ingredients with healthier options in your cooking. For example, use low-fat sour cream and cream cheese instead of the full-fat versions. Hitched magazine recommends baking or steaming instead of frying foods. These simple swaps let you enjoy your favorite foods while cutting fat and calories.

Step 5

Eat dinner at home (Image: Cathy Yeulet/Hemera/Getty Images)

Eat at home more than you eat out. If your husband suggests going to a restaurant, cook him a romantic meal at home instead. This lets you control what goes into the meal for a healthier option. Restaurant food often is high in fat and calories. The portion sizes also are too large.

Step 6

Couple biking (Image: Stewart Cohen/Digital Vision/Getty Images)

Plan physical activities to enjoy together. This gives you quality couple time while you exercise. Start a nightly routine of walking or biking through your neighborhood after dinner. Another option is to find a sport that both of you enjoy and play it on a regular basis.

Step 7

Encourage your husband to continue making healthier choices by recognizing his efforts. Weight Watchers recommends praising subtly so your husband doesn't feel that every move he makes is analyzed.

Tip

Focus on the health aspects of losing weight when talking with your husband rather than the beauty aspect. If you tell him you want him to lose weight so he'll be around for a long time, he may be more receptive to weight loss.

Warning

Avoid threatening or criticizing your husband for poor eating or exercise habits. This may cause a rift in your relationship and discourage him from even trying to lose weight.