How do you encourage a friend who has recently gained a significant amount of weight, to make healthier life choices?

Invite him/her over for a "cook your own dinner." Have them help you prepare an amazing healthy meal using the best local, organic, local food you can. Make the preparing of a healthy meal as joyous as the meal itself. While you both are cooking, you can talk about any challenges you may have had with your eating choices and wait for them to open up. (It's amazing how doing something with your hands like cooking can prompt someone to open up about their own issues...Good Luck!!)

I agree with Karin, something has certainly happened in this person's life to result in such a dramatic weight gain. The trick is how to approach the situation. Consider the following:

1) how close are you to this friend? is it common for you to discuss personal issues?
2) are you familiar with her personal affairs (issues/happenings that may have contributed to the weight gain)?
3) she may very well know how to make healthier life choices, but is now choosing not to, or is simply unaware of her choices.
4) do you have mutual friends/people you know that can act as support?

I think, above all, if you truly care for and respect this person your words and actions will be understood as coming from a good place; whether or not she is ready to commit to a new path will be the key. Perhaps, more than anything else, she'll need your time, support, patience, and love.

Best wishes,
Michelle

Hi Angela, this as others have stated is a tricky situation. If you don't push, you are not helping a friend in need. If you push too hard, you will drive them backward. I would take the approach where you are asking them to join you in activity. Say something like I want to do mare walking and nned someone to be wth. Then ask if they would help you! This is far less threatening then a simple, het I think you need to drop a few pounds buddy! Hope this helps!
Scott