Weight loss seems to trigger as many remarks as weight gain! I didn't set out to lose weight but it fell off when I started walking for several hours a day up steep mountain paths. I have now hit a plateau at just around 10 stone, having been almost 12 stone two years ago. Several people have remarked that I shouldn't lose any more at my age (72) and I am aware that I look older, my arms are very thin and I have virtually lost my bust.
However, my appearance is of no importance to me, and my health has benefited in so many ways.
I have just spent three weeks with my sister, who is unable to exercise because of health problems and has obviously put on a lot of weight. She does seem to eat a great deal of sweet snacks such as biscuits, cakes, and chocolate and also has large amounts of bread and potatoes. I have put on a couple of pounds whilst staying with her, as I did not like to ask for smaller portions in case she thought I was passing a comment on the amount she eats. Her doctor wants her to take a blood sugar test but she says it is inconvenient as it means fasting until the test, then for two hours afterwards when a second test is done. Our brother had both legs amputated because of diabetes and I am really worried about her. She is an intelligent person and must know that her weight is having a deleterious effect on her heart, spine, and circulation problems. Her legs are very swollen and she has already had one knee replacement operation.
Is there any way I could encourage her , firstly to lose weight, and secondly, to get tested for diabetes? She is rather 'prickly' and I don't want to upset her.