I think it would be worthwhile to go to one once you have really decided that your eating habits need to change. Perhaps a first step would be a doctor's appointment so that they can see why they need to change their diet. EX: if they have alot of belly fat then that impacts their overall health -heart, lungs, BP, etc. Excess weight puts so much more pressure on their knees and feet. Plus, they would need guidelines for what excerises they can do - just dieting isn't enough to get your body in shape to stay fit. A nutritionist would be helpful in showing them how to fix foods that would be satisfying yet with fewer calories and still a balanced diet. It probably won't do any good if they aren't ready to commit to the work it takes - its all about calories in verses calories out in the long run - but those calories need to be from the right foods to fuel the body.

My experience wasn't beneficial, really. I went after a diabetes diagnosis.

She went over portion sizes and had me keep a "diary" of everything I ate.

People basically know about portion sizes: What you get in many restaurants could be 3 times what the recommended portion size should be (a piece of protein=the size of your palm or a deck of cards).

The food diary is meant to be a conscious "open your eyes" to what you're doing, but there were times I didn't even remember to grab the diary to fill in something because I'd grabbed something quickly from the vending machine at work, for example.

I would have rather she suggested alternatives to what I knew I was eating at the time.

Was it a motivating experience? Not for me. I still don't usually eat breakfast (haven't for 40-some-odd years), so I haven't changed that bad habit.

It would be very easy to cross the line with them, but you might think of, say, outdoor activities you could do with them -- a camping trip in cooler weather, with nice walks? Water aerobics with your daughter? Or, if they come over for dinner, finding ways to reduce some of the calories in meals?

Forgot to say this:
As mboston wrote, the motivation needs to come from within, for me, whether it's a medical situation that needs to be avoided and how I feel in my clothes (and if you're getting some of this heatwave sweeping across the U.S., maybe your daughter feels the clothing situation more now, too).

I think it would be insulting to them. Fat people know they are fat. They know they should make healthier choices in food and exercise more. I'm overweight.. and believe me I think about it all the time. When they are ready and motivated they will take the steps to try and change on their own.

"My husband thinks that I may be insulting them for suggesting this but I am concerned about their health."

This sounds as if this idea didn't originate with them. If that's the case, I wouldn't do it. If in the past, one of them has said they'd like to go but can't afford it, etc, then that's different.

Shirley

Well, chances are your daughter and her husband are going to be both insulted and hurt.

They're adults. It's their problem. You can discuss it with them, of course, presenting your concerns. But you shouldn't try to organize help for them unless they ask.

As for a nutritionist, we found one to be quite helpful. A support group like Weight Watchers would likely be one of the first things recommended for the long term.

When a friend of mine discovered he had diabetes, he started researching books that would help him with a good diet that would keep his sugar under control. Following what he read in the book linked below, he soon lost 40 LBs and has since lost another 10 and really looks great.

Though I don't have diabetes, I bought the book for myself, and soon dropped 20 LBs by just cutting way back on bad carbs, and eating whole grain breads and cereals, and by watching portion size. I've since taken off another 5 LBs, and am pretty well at my ideal weight.

Could it be that they actually have the knowledge, but just lack motivation and willpower, like so many overweight
folks?

I sincerely doubt if a nutritionist would help them take off the pounds. I'd lean more toward Weight Watchers (or something similar), or joining some some of an exercise facility.

Here is a link that might be useful: Magic Foods for Better Blood Sugar

One time years ago, after my doctor said I needed to lose some weight, he set up an appt. for me with the nutritionist at a local hospital. She had me fill out a form that asked questions like what and how much would I eat on a typical day, and what time of day I had the most problem with overeating. She spent a few minutes making suggestions of things to substitute for the unhealthy foods I was eating, etc. It lasted for maybe 30 minutes, and I went away thinking I didn't really learn anything I didn't know. What I needed was motivation and determination not to overeat.
If it were me, I would probably wait till THEY mention something about needing to lose weight, and then offer a couple months' membership in Weight Watchers.

Does your daughter discuss her or her husbands weight issues with you? If so, then it would be appropriate to make suggestions or even offer to help, but if she does not mention it, then it gets a bit tricky and can be hurtful.

I was worried about my mom's weight and I had a few pounds I wanted to lose, so I asked her if she would help me try to lose some weight by joining Weight Watchers with me. She had no clue that the focus was really for her. Could you try something like that? You don't have to join WW, you could come up with your own weight loss plan.

I think that it is wonderful that you want to help your daughter in a constructive way. As others have said, she and her husband have to have the motivation in order for it to work, but if they do, it could be really helpful for them to get some professional advice. I agree with matti - Is it reasonable to wait for her to bring up the topic and for you to then make the offer?
I disagree that most people know what a portion size should be. I've always been nutritiionally aware and never had any weight struggles until the last few years. When I started tracking my food (free online at Sparkpeople), it was a real eye-opener on some regular meals.
Best of luck to you and your family.

Thanks for all your replies, gives me a lot to think about.

Yes, I quite often talk to my daughter about her weight problem. What makes it worse is that she is a nurse, you would think she would know how to solve this problem her and her husband have. She blames her weight on shift work which I am sure does contribute to the weight problem.