When it comes to weight loss, having a friend that understands and supports you can be a tremendous help. However, sometimes friends might unknowingly do more harm than good.

Here are six things you should avoid doing when your friend is trying to lose weight:.

1. Don’t Push Them Into Fad Diets

When your friend is trying to lose weight, it is important that they do so in a healthy, sustainable way. Contrary to what many fad diets claim, there is no quick fix to weight loss.

Pushing your friend into following a fad diet can be dangerous, as these diets are often unbalanced, and can lead to deficiencies and long-term health consequences.

2. Don’t Be The Food Police

There is no need to constantly monitor or criticize what your friend is eating. It is important to remember that everyone’s journey to weight loss is different, and what works for some might not work for others.

Instead of being the food police, offer support, encouragement and healthy eating suggestions.

3. Don’t Make Fun of Their Weight or Eating Habits

Making fun of your friend’s weight or eating habits, even if done in jest, can be demotivating and harmful. This can lead to your friend feeling ashamed and discouraged.

If you are trying to help your friend lose weight, be supportive without criticizing or belittling them.

4. Don’t Offer Food as a Comfort

Many people turn to food when they are feeling down or stressed. However, if your friend is trying to lose weight, offering food as a comfort can be counterproductive. Try to offer non-food related support instead.

This could include going for a walk, a movie, or engaging in another activity that your friend enjoys.

5. Don’t Make Food the Center of Every Activity

Food should not be the only thing that you and your friend bond over. Instead of making dining out, happy hour, or potlucks the only way you socialize, suggest non-food related activities, such as hiking, going to the gym, or taking a yoga class.