It is tradition for my husband and his siblings to all weigh themselves on their mom’s bathroom scale when they get together at holidays and celebrations. During the last one, we were surprised to learn that my husband’s brother had gained more than forty pounds in less than five months. This was some cause for alarm, as he had always been reasonably healthy.

We started questioning him as to how he felt, and he admitted that he was easily winded and had trouble climbing stairs and that sort of thing. We knew that this could not be good news for someone as young as he is. He is only twenty-seven and should still be in his athletic prime.

We suggested that he go and see his family doctor, who could suggest a healthy diet that would help him to gain back control of his weight. He felt like we were attacking him, but we explained that we jut cared about him and that the kids needed their uncle around for many years. He made an appointment and we will have to wait and see what happens.