Are you a caregiver?

You might already be one. Here’s what that can look like.

A caregiver is anyone who helps another person manage their health, daily needs, or overall well-being—often without pay. You might be a caregiver if you:

  • Help a family member, partner, friend, or neighbor with everyday tasks

  • Coordinate or attend medical appointments

  • Manage medications or health-related needs

  • Provide emotional support, check-ins, or advocacy

  • Assist with household responsibilities or transportation

  • Step in regularly because someone relies on you

If you see yourself in any of these roles, you can identify as a family caregiver—even if you’ve never used that term before. Caregiving looks different for everyone, but every caregiver plays a vital role and deserves recognition and support.

The Caregiver’s Role

Supporting Health Without Judgment

Obesity is a complex, chronic health condition influenced by genetics, environment, mental health, medications, and other medical factors. Caregivers can provide practical and emotional support by encouraging healthy habits, helping manage medical care, listening without judgment, and supporting sustainable changes rather than focusing only on weight.

Caregivers may also help coordinate appointments, track symptoms and medications, encourage physical activity and nutritious meals, and advocate for respectful, person-centered healthcare. Compassion, patience, and encouragement can help a loved one feel supported, reduce isolation, and improve overall quality of life.

Top 3 Things Caregivers Should Know

Obesity Is a Complex, Chronic Disease—Not a Matter of Willpower

Obesity is influenced by many factors, including genetics, hormones, medications, mental health, sleep, environment, and socioeconomic factors. It’s not simply a result of eating too much or exercising too little. As a caregiver, understand that lasting change often requires medical support and a personalized treatment plan. Progress may be slow, and setbacks are normal. Approaching obesity as a chronic health condition can help reduce stigma and strengthen your relationship with your loved one.

Emotional Support Matters as Much as Physical Support

Many people living with obesity experience stigma, shame, low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. These emotional challenges can affect motivation, relationships, and overall health. As a caregiver, you can listen without judgment, offer encouragement and celebrate small victories, and focus on overall health and well-being rather than numbers on a scale. Feeling supported and accepted can significantly improve a person’s ability to make and sustain healthy changes

You Can’t “Fix” It for Them, But You Can Be a Partner in Their Journey

Lifestyle changes are often more successful when they happen together. Caregivers play an important role in creating a supportive environment, but they cannot force change.

As a caregiver, you can help with meal planning, encourage healthy habits that are easy to adopt, and respect your loved one’s goals and choices. Your role is to provide support, encouragement, and partnership.

Caregiver Resources from Our Partners

ORGANIZATION

Obesity Research & Evidence-Based Care

Advances the science of obesity through research, professional education, and resources that support evidence-based approaches to obesity prevention and treatment.

ORGANIZATION

Obesity Research, Advocacy & Education

Provides education, research, and advocacy aimed at improving understanding of obesity and changing the way obesity is viewed and addressed.

ORGANIZATION

Obesity Advocacy & Support Resources

Advocates for people affected by obesity and provides education, resources, and opportunities to help individuals make their voices heard and access evidence-based care.

Caregiver Action Network Resources

Explore Your Community Support Options

Personalized Guidance from Caregiving Experts

Personalized Guidance from Caregiving Experts

Available Monday-Friday from 8am – 7pm ET, our experts are ready with the personalized support, guidance, and assistance you need and deserve–for as long as you need it.

(855) 227-3640

24/7 Access to Hundreds of Helpful Resources

24/7 Access to Hundreds of Helpful Resources

The National Caregiver Help Desk App, powered by Carallel, is full of bite-sized resources crafted to help you build skills, validate what you’re feeling, and help you get stuff done.

Use Access Code: CAN

Connection & Community with Other Caregivers

Expert-Led Virtual Fireside Chats

These 30-minute virtual fireside chats address the complex and often difficult topics encountered by caregivers. Sessions are led by Matt Perrin, Carallel’s Director of Caregiver Engagement, and Sheila Schultz, a Carallel Care Advocate.

Community with Other Caregivers

Community With Other Caregivers

Through CAN, Carallel Support Groups give you a place to ask questions, feel understood, and build confidence in your caregiving journey. Access is simple and available when you need it.

Certified Listeners

Connect with Certified Listeners

Looking for someone who really gets it? Get matched with trained listeners who share your lived experience—whether that’s caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, cancer, or another chronic condition.

Facebook Support Group for Caregivers

Online Support Group on Facebook

Join our caregiver community on Facebook to connect with thousands of peers in a welcoming, supportive space.
Ask questions, share experiences, and receive advice any time of day.

We’re meeting caregivers where they are—giving you choices for how you want to connect, whether through expert advice, peer-to-peer empathy, or live support groups.