How to Lose Weight Without the Support of Your Family

Last Updated: July 8, 2022

If you are a kid or teenager trying to lose weight, but the family you live with doesn't support this idea, it can be hard. Support from family is a big part in most people's weight loss journey and weight loss can be discouraging without it. Here's some ideas to help with this situation.

1

Make sure you're losing weight for the right reasons.

Often times, people try to lose weight for someone they like or a family member. Don't lose weight to impress someone, make somebody like you, you're jealous of someone, or because someone told you that you are "fat". People should accept you and your body how it is. If they can't, that's their problem. Lose weight for yourself, not others.

2

Keep junk food out of sight.

Put junk food somewhere you can't find it. Out of sight, out of mind. Place junk food in a high-up cabinet or at the top of a shelf. Of course, you can treat yourself with a sweet treat every now and then, but when losing weight, you'll have to put in the effort not to "see it and eat it" on a daily basis.^{[1]
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3

Make negotiations and set boundaries with family.

If your family won't fully support you, try to make negotiations with them. For instance, you could tell your parents, "When you buy so many pies, it's really discouraging to me since i'm trying to lose weight and you know I love pie. I understand that you guys aren't totally on board with my weight loss journey, but this would really help me. Maybe instead of buying three pies a week, we could tone it down to one?"^{[2]
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- Another example. If your dad wants to binge watch actions movies all day, try to compromise. You could say, "Okay, we can watch one movie together, but after that, I'm going on a run."

4

Decline unhealthy invitations.

Declining offers from your family doesn't have to be rude. If your brother wants to give you his extra cheese fries, politely decline. You could say, "Thank you, but I'm not hungry right now." It can be hard saying no to family sometimes, but know that it's for the greater good--try to think about the reasons you want to lose weight before you say yes. ^{[3]
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5

Hold yourself accountable.

It's important to understand that the choices you make are yours, not others. For example, if your sister makes a chocolate cake, and you eat two slices of the cake, you shouldn't get mad at your sister for making the cake, because no one forced you to eat it; it was a choice you made. You're in control of the things you do, and it's your body.^{[4]
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6

Make your own substitutes when you can.

You don't have to feel left out when you make your own substitutes! If your family is having something you don't want to eat, create something that is healthier than what they are eating. For example, if they are having an extra large cheese pizza with pepperoni and bacon, you can make your own pizza with low-fat cheese, spinach, and salami slices.^{[5]
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7

Find support from sources other than family.

Friends, online forums, and support groups can help you. Family doesn't have to be your main source of support. Look for support groups online for people who want to lose weight, or go on reasonable diets with your friends. Communities or groups of people who actively encourage each other can make all the difference on a weight loss journey.