Tough love

It’s the great weight debate: How to tell your friends they’ve stacked on the pounds.

It goes without saying that weight battles are a very personal and sensitive issue. New research says one in five women wouldn’t say a word about the weight gain in case it harms the friendship. Clinical psychologist Joanna Corrigan insists that there are ways you can politely voice your concern.

According to Joanna

• Most of us have some sort of insecurities, and it's tough when someone else tells you something they've noticed about your body as well.
• No one has any problems commenting on a fat neighbour or acquaintance, or even complaining themselves that they're having a fat day. But there's this stigma in place with telling your friends that they've put on some pounds.
• Your friends won’t always react as badly as you think they will. Most of the time they're aware they've put on weight and are just looking for a way to feel good about themselves again.

What to do:

• Talk about weight and diet
• Help your friend exercise
• Listen to their concerns
• Always be positive

What not to do

• Avoid diet talk when intoxicated!
• Use insulting terms
• Bring up their other flaws
• Assume they can help themselves