weight loss and family

I had a new patient come in yesterday who told me that her major motivation for weight loss was that her young daughter was starting to become overweight and as her mother, she felt obligated to be more of a "role model". She told me that at night, upon returning from work, to relax, she would have several glasses of wine, and her daughter commented on that. This struck a nerve, and the mother decided it was time to eliminate alcohol and show her daughter a healthier way of eating as well.

To an extent, we are all role models to our family, friends, students, patients etc. No matter what your profession or area of specialty, there are people in this world who "look up to you". Does this mean you have to be "perfect" in your eating behaviors, clothes choices, the way you conduct your life? Of course not. But, isn't it a good feeling when your children, family, co-workers, etc. positively comment on your "healthier" appearance? Isn't it a great feeling to know that you are setting some sort of "example" in a positive way? Obviously, as this relates to weight, it is our own self esteem, health, appearance etc. that are affected by our own eating/drinking choices, and we truly are not responsible for other peoples actions. But, very very cool to know that someone decides to become healthier by following our example!