DH says he doesn't need to to change his diet now he's on medication!

[KeyInALock]

When DH first found out he had high blood pressure and cholesterol problems he told the doctor he didn't want to go on medication, that he would make lifestyle changes.

To cut a long story short he did and it really helped, but over time things slipped and he's now on medication for both conditions.

The problem is that he's now completely returned to his bad habits (for example last night ate a whole 480ml tub of ice cream).

When I mentioned this, he just said that life was too short to give up all your favourite (unhealthy) treats and he didn't need to to now as the medication had kicked in and was doing its job!

AIBU to worry about his health and that his actions are counterproductive or should I just keep quiet and let him carry on?

Has he had support for his negative association with food? Life is short, why make it shorter by choice? Must be very hard for you to live with.

@Nevergoodenoughforthem

Life is short, why make it shorter by choice?

I love this, I'm going to use it!

AIBU to worry about his health and that his actions are counterproductive or should I just keep quiet and let him carry on?

Both are true. YANBU to worry but you can't actually do anything. Going on about it won't help. Don't buy crap, do exercise and eat well yourself. But you can't change him.

DO you have kids?

Yes, we've got children - and very young grandchildren.
DH is in his early seventies.

Sorry to hear this OP.

I was in the same position as your DH and I found that once I had made those changes to diet and exercise I just didn't want to go back to my old habits (including too much ice cream).

I realise that this is absolutely no use whatever, it's a shame he's gone back but unless he feels committed to change I'm not sure you can do much about it.

I have older friends some of whom prefer to make the lifestyle changes, and a very few who follow the 'just give me the drugs' approach, the former group are in much better shape.

The medication works, but both of them can have side effects. The side effects can kick in immediatly or later, if he does not have them now. He could check out the leaflets that come with the medication or check with the pharmacy. Medication is often a trade-off against something else. Not changing habits can also mean a slow increase in dose over the years, so side effects could become more noticeable that way. It's not a one-stop solution.
Maybe he just has a motivation slump. An in-between solution would be to buy healthier versions of sweet and other foods, with less sugar for example.

I have one of these DPs, but mine is in his 40s and I’m hoping things change over time.

I’ve given up trying to convince him what he should/shouldn’t be eating. I cook most weekday meals, which I try to make healthy. He does the weekend “treaty” meals. He protests a bit at my food choices but ultimately he won’t cook himself an alternative, so eats it. So I know he’s getting healthy food at least a few times a week.

We also both WFH so force ourselves to go for a walk after work every day. It’s only a small bit of exercise but is part of our routine now.

We/he’s still got a way to go, but introducing small, consistent changes is working for us.

Are there any small food/exercise changes you can introduce? Stealth changes until they become part of your routine?