Should I be concerned about a coworker that's obsessed with food?

Question

I work at a restaurant type of place. A co-manager of mine is kind of overweight. Everything in her life revolves around food. She wants to be a chef. She only buys magazines for the restaurant that are about food. She switches the restaurant TV to the Food Network. It's kind of disheartening?

What should I do?

Answer 1

Like other people said, if she's got a weight problem, she definitely knows about it.  I don't know why thin people feel the need to "inform" someone about their size.  They do know it.

If you want to discuss how good exercise makes you feel (without sounding preachy) or some delicious healthy recipe or restaurant you've tried, by all means, do it.  But don't feel like you have to confront her about her "obsession."  

Most people are obsessed about one thing or another.  If it doesn't affect you (other than maybe your aversion to fat people), then you have to leave it alone.

Answer 2

Nothing.. she is aware of her weight.. I am sure.. overweight is a difference to being obese.. She loves food.. perhaps she will learn to cook healthy foods.. then it's ok to eat a bit more as long as she doesn't cook just junk food...it's her job to be interested in food and to read magazines if she works in a restaurant type of place.. if she is happy with the way she is and if she is capable of doing her work without problem. then I would leave her alone... she probably is happier a bit overweight and might be grouchy if she had to live on a diet.. so be happy if she is a person to get along with otherwise and if she has no more sick days than slim people..  I am sure if she is only overweight that is not so bad if she is obese her doctor might tell her to cut down on certain foods and she will know for herself if she is gaining weight...  x*x

Answer 3

Everybody has something that is important to them.  Maybe food is a hobby of hers, and makes her happy....thats why she reads about it, watches TV about it, etc.  My husband owns a restaurant, and does the same thing.  Her weight may or may not have anything to do with her obsession.  Some people are obsessed with their pets, and buy dog magazines, watch animal planet, etc.  I think as long as she is happy, and isn't at a dangerous point in her weight, then you shouldn't worry about it.  Just remind yourself that its something important to her, and it doesn't need to affect you.  If you're bored watching Food Network, ask her if you can choose the channel once in awhile.  If you don't like the magazines, then buy a different type once in awhile, or bring in old ones from home.

Answer 4

it's an interest of hers. If you don't like something she is doing then tell her but why say anything to her? She wants to be a chef so can't really say it's obsessive in a bad way

Answer 5

hmm...that's a very touchy subject. i probably wouldn't say anything unless she develops health problems or something. or try to change the subject if she tries to talk about food

Answer 6

I think you can't really try to fix her. Food is giving her something that she doesn't have and she feels it's benefitting her. However, it seems that it's affecting the job. You should let her know that your customers do have other interests and she needs to be more balanced in terms of what she buys for the workplace with workplace money and what station the TV is on. Her interests are her own for off-work time.

Answer 7

I think it's great she has found something to be passionate about. Maybe food and cooking is her calling in life. Good for her! And lots of people are kind of overweight - probably if you cook a lot you also taste what you are making - there is nothing wrong with that.

Answer 8

Nothing.  It's none of your business.  If you were a friend, and truly concerned for her health, there still wouldn't be a tactful way to say something.  Find something else to focus your attention on.

Answer 9

if that makes her happy, den theres no prob unless it disturbs u seriously.

but u can be a gd frnd by caring for her health.

Answer 10

At least her obsession is something innocent, and something she has access to.

Answer 11

Eh, sounds like she has her own demons to work out and its not your place to do anything. I supposed if she tried to go healthy just support her in that, if she ever decides to