Christmas and other holidays! #obsmuk chat 28th November


As we near the end of November, Christmas festivities are in eyesight and preparations are well underway. We sincerely wish everyone a great time!
But what does Christmas bring to us if we are affected by obesity, struggle with weight issues or had bariatric surgery?

Before, during and after Christmas, there will be increased social activities such as meeting up with family friends and work colleagues for Christmas lunches, dinners and parties. There will be many opportunities to indulge in those delicious mince pies and Yule logs! Gifts frequently comprise of biscuits and chocolates. Over Christmas, as families gather together, there is often the temptation to buy in more food. Not surprisingly, many of us continue to eat our way through the additional foods throughout January!  With the colder dark nights, more time is spent indoors leading to more sedentary activities. With all of this in mind, is it any wonder that, on average, people gain 2-5lbs (1-2.5kg) over this holiday period?

But that is not the whole story!

Friends and family who have not seen you for a while may comment on your new shape if you have lost weight. They may, either through concern, passive active posturing, or jealousy, say things like “Oh! Should you really be eating that?”. This may evoke some extreme emotions, so it’s always wise to prepare some answers that will get you quickly out of danger. “Well Auntie, as you know, I’ve spent a long time researching this, and I’ve invested a huge amount of energy (& often money) in my success, so you just have to trust that I know what I’m doing!”

Whilst the Christmas period is associated with goodwill and cheer, it is also a source of stress for many. The pressure to make Christmas an enjoyable experience can result in overspending that many of us cannot afford. More time may be spent with the extended family which can be enjoyable but also lead to some friction. So, for some, Christmas can bring added pressures.

Whilst this #obsmuk chat is focused on the Christmas holidays, in many other religious festivities and celebrations, food plays a large role and there are similar challenges. This chat is an opportunity to discuss ways in which we can avoid or minimise weight gain over this period.

  1. What challenges do festivities such as Christmas bring for weight management, physical and/or mental well being?
  2. What recommendations can you make about how to cope in social gatherings such as the pre-Christmas buffets, meals and parties?
  3. What tips can you share for dealing with unwanted comments, criticisms about food choices?
  4. What support can healthcare professionals give over this time?
  5. What are your thoughts about New Year resolutions? Have you plans to make any - and are you happy to share?


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