DEAR ABBY: My 13-year-old brother, "Josh," is obese. He spends more than four hours a day playing video games or watching TV. He doesn't worry about what he eats and has low self-esteem.
I am active, and I changed my eating and exercise habits not only to benefit my health but also to be a role model for my younger siblings. When I offer to do fun activities with Josh -– like playing football, basketball or taking our dog for a walk around the block -- he tells me to go away and quit talking to him.
My parents say it isn't my problem and I should worry about my own life. Abby, I don't ever tell Josh he is heavy. I never tease him, and I don't nag him. I know it isn't my problem, but my parents don't give my brother any motivation, discipline or limit his TV time.
I want my brother to be happy. I don't want him to suffer. What should I do to help him? I have told him –- and my parents –- how I feel, but they don't seem to care. –- HEALTHIER SIS IN HONOLULU
DEAR SIS: Part of the problem you're having getting through to your brother may be because you are so close to him, his tuning you out is reflexive. A better solution might be to talk to someone at his school about your concerns -- a counselor or the school nurse.
It's not unheard of for a child who spends four hours a day alone, watching TV, playing video games and seeking comfort in food to have issues that go beyond the physical. Perhaps, if someone from the school talks to your parents, they might become more proactive in helping their son.