Concerned cousin - wants to use “pills” to lose weight faster
My cousin by marriage whom I’ve known for almost 25 years are hanging out again. As children we were close but we’ve grown up and apart until recently. A few weeks ago I saw her and her mom after losing some weight. Her mom was mean - she made a comment to my cousin when I was standing there that she (me) looks good and got rid of most of her belly. How come you can’t do it and look, now you’re bigger then her. Thanks ?????? I didn’t take it as a compliment but didn’t say anything because she’s my elder.
Since I last saw her she’s gained some weight. So she tells me she’s been working out and what not. I was curious, trying to find out what her routine is like and how’s her eating habit….etc. She belongs to a different gym and just from gut instinct I prefer to leave it like that. I don’t think we would be compatible as workout buddy. I tend to do better solo. But we haven’t had a real discussion about weightloss or anything.
Well, yesterday she came by to chill. She asked me what my vice is and I said exercising - it’s my hobby. She starts talking about her routine and what not. During the conversation I tried to give tips but she brushed it all aside because it didn’t apply to her. For instance, I told her that it’s important to have a strong back, strong core because everyone needs a strong powerhouse. I told her I use free weights and the stationary weight station the guys mainly use and that doing the row machine, the low row and lat pulldowns were good overall exercise to get every muscle in your back and some in front. She tells me there’s a machine she uses for her back and it’s good enough for her; but the one she mentions is a stationary unit focus only on the lower back and she doesn’t use any other back conditioning machine. After several other attempts of comparing work out notes I realized it’s best if I just keep my routine to myself and for buddyslim. She seems to be closed off to advice and is interested.
So then it turns to food. She asked me if I know of any pills I could recomment for losing weight. I said NONE. Best method is good old exercise and eating right. There is no pill for weight loss that doesn’t have a side effect. She said one of her friend gave her a bunch of pills - organic ones that has no side effects. Me, eyebrow raised. She said she has not taken any but the hoodia pill and it’s working for her (BUT she’s not losing weight). She said she’s going to start taking the other pills because it promises that she will lose the weight fast. I told her it’s best to lose 1 to 2 lbs a week so your body has time to adjust to weight loss. Too rapid of a weight loss leads to saggy skin and why would you want to do that if the goal is to look good?
She ended the conversation there and showed no more interest. I decided to go for a swim after that.
You gave her excellent advice. There is NO pill that takes the place of a healthy lifestyle.
It’s really frustrating when you have information and the person says they want it, but they really don’t. Sometimes I just want to shake them and say, “Listen!! You are being silly!” But I know that won’t work. She will just have to find a solution her own way. And hopefully she will find the best way which is of course exercise and healthy eating. You did the best you could!
well, some people just don’t wanna listen. at least not until they’re ready. she might come around, when she realizes you were giving her good solid advice. really, the most you can hope for in a ‘weight-loss’ pill is appetite suppressant. but that usually doesn’t stop you from eating anyways, and the side effects(there are always side effects) aren’t worth the trouble. if you read the fine print- yea these people lose weight on the pills but you can lose the same amount in basically the same time-frame without them. just stand your ground and let her know your there for her- she’ll figure it out:))