I was wondering what you all have done when confronted someone you know well who has gotten very outshape and for whom it is at a level where it is a health concern. My stepdad use to do Ironman triatholons. When my mom remarried, she started doing them with him. This lasted a couple years and then he stopped. I imagine he is burnt out, but he has really let himself go and it has me worried. I am not sure how to approach him, but he and I are good friends and I know I am not the old one worried about him. He still enjoys hiking and tennis and whatnot but he eats way too much and way too unhealthy (his big problem.) Thanks in advanced.

Personal opinion..

If he was hard enough to do Ironman competitions, let him do what he wants to do. ;) He earned it.

Yes, I know it may frighten you that he's out-of-shape now..

I would say he probably still has a very healthy heart and lungs if he still plays tennis occasionally and was an Ironman competitor.

Up to you of course, but I would maybe mention it, and if he says something like, "Son, I've been busting my ass for years, now I'm enjoying myself.." then let it go. ;)

Im not saying I want him to get back into that shape... because man does that take commitment, but he is honestly at an healthy weight at this point. He is only about 40 years old (younger than my mom by a few) and this path is a dangerous one because it keeps getting worse.

Go grocery shopping for him and buy only healthy foods! When he asks you about it - you can say you are worried about the path he is heading down and you're concerned. It's a good way to lead into the conversation...

Kinda tough when I live by myself. Ohh well maybe I suck it up and talk to him.

Speak to him, it's the only way. Ask him for his input, even ask him how far off his ironman days he is. Try and get him to come to the idea himself that he's not doing the best thing right now.

If you are good friends with him and you obviously care for his well-being, tell him how you feel about it. Be up front and honest. If he disagrees with you and doesn't want to take your advice, at least you brought it to his attention. It just might stick with him. Sometimes, it takes another person telling you that something is wrong before you realize it yourself and correct it. :gl:

First, try to figure out why he's not eating healthy. Unless that's resolved, it's difficult to get anyone to change anything.

You can talk to him, but most people will not get in shape simply because somebody wants them to.

Maybe just ask him to work out with you. Or maybe you could have a sudden interest in triathlon training and start talking to him about that. Ask him to hlep you train.

Maybe just ask him to work out with you. Or maybe you could have a sudden interest in triathlon training and start talking to him about that. Ask him to hlep you train.

I think this is a great idea. It's really tough to be in a situation like this. I too am in a similar one as a co-worker/friend of mine is at a very dangerous level now - I'm talking about extremely obese. It's at the point now where everyone is getting very concerned, but I am not sure how to handle it...

For your situation though it could be easier perhaps since he's your stepdad and since he used to do these ironman things. Act like you're interested in it and see if he would show you some tips or help you. Even though you may not give a damn about this type of training it might be enough to get him at least caring a little more. Who knows maybe he'd go to the gym with you even...