It's painstaking to watch a family member destroy his or her own health. Whether your loved-one smokes, drinks, abuses drugs or eats recklessly, it's a scary and frustrating situation. I feel for you.

Diets are often difficult and usually lead to failure. Companies have made billions selling short term programs which promise big results to people just like your dad. Unfortunately, those "big results" usually only last until the diet is over, and then the diet's victims are left regaining lost weight.

I know you love your dad, but he has to be the one to want to lose weight. Your father's doctor may be able to have an impact, though. Privacy laws may restrict him from sharing any information with you, but that doesn't mean you can't notify him of your concerns. Write a letter as a concerned child.

Interestingly enough, my father also lived on the edge of death's door. No matter what I said, the man was hell bent on devouring as much cheese, butter and soda as he could. Even a heart attack didn't deter him from nearing 300 pounds. And then one day, he just changed his mind. At 67 years old, my dad decided to be fat no longer and began walking several miles each day and eating a bit better. He's now under 200 pounds. So ... it's never to late, right?

Your father is so lucky to have a loving and concerned child like you. Remind him of how much you love him and want him in your life. I wish you many wonderful years together!

dorodor