An Unexpected Aspect Of The Stigma Of Overweight

This odd ritual of eating more on the assumption that overweight people eat more so to avoid offending them, you have to eat more, too, is one way nice people deal with the stigma of overweight. At least in North American culture, it is considered impolite to point out personal problems to the people who are enduring them. Overweight is stigmatized more than many other conditions, even leprosy, and drawing attention to it is considered impolite. The solution for most people is simply to eat more right along with one's overweight dining companions, even if neither party is hungry.

There is a very simple way to avoid this situation:

When you are choosing food for a friend, ask what they would like and ask how much.

There may be factors that you cannot control that made lead to someone's being offended, but over the long run, you are a better friend by offering only food that is really wanted, whether or not it is "healthy" or "unhealthy" or a small portion or large. Communicate to convey respect.

The awkward social stigma of overweight is just one of many landmines along the path to weight loss. Here are some other ways you can be politically correct at the dining table without encouraging overeating in others:

• When you eat unhealthy food, pay with cash. Researchers have found that when people buy food they consider unhealthy, they prefer to pay with credit cards. When they buy food that is healthy, they don't mind paying with cash. When you are eating fast food or some "sinful indulgence," pay with cash, to reinforce the idea that the food is unhealthy. This will also affect your fellow diners who see you paying with cash.
• Don't be afraid to mention that "the fruit is so good this time of year and there's so much of it" or "you wouldn't believe how little I paid for" a healthy fruit or vegetable. When people learn that food is inexpensive, they naturally eat more of it.
• Be sure that any food you tell others is "healthy" is actually good for them. People are always inclined to eat more of any food they think is healthy, but with unhealthy foods, their desires may be for "just a piece."
• Remember that people eat until they feel full, not stopping just because they have consumed enough calories. When you offer food to an overweight friend, include foods that are filling despite being low in calories, such as soup, salads, fruit, or anything watery. Avoid crackers, jerky, flat bread, chips, and crisps. 

Read More: Best meal plan for overweight persons?

• If you don't want overweight people who are dining with you to eat large portions of food, don't eat large portions yourself. People who see others taking large portions will take large portions for themselves, especially if they see a thin person taking a large amount of food.
• Focus on the taste of food, and talk about the taste of food with your fellow diners. People eat less when they are aware of the tastes in food.