Weight Is Not the Issue
We’ve all seen those ads featuring people effortlessly performing impressive feats—like a woman ice skating while promoting a product. And some of us might think, “Wow, she looks a bit heavier. How does she have the energy and skill to do that?”
We often associate being overweight with being unhealthy or lacking energy, but the reality is much more complex. Weight alone doesn’t determine health. In fact, many people who are overweight are dealing with underlying conditions like insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, or diabetes.
It’s not necessarily the extra pounds causing you to feel sluggish, experience brain fog, or wake up tired—it’s often the food we’re putting into our bodies.
Now, I’m not going to dive too deep into the science, but if your doctor has ever talked to you about improving your diet or prescribed medication to help manage insulin resistance, you probably have a good sense of what I mean.
The truth is, it’s less about your weight and more about what you’re eating. The body can only handle so much poor-quality food before it starts showing signs of stress. When the body can’t properly process the food we consume, that’s when issues like insulin resistance start to appear, which can eventually lead to diabetes. And once you’re there, many people turn to medication to manage it long-term, often trading one health problem for another.
For me, that wasn’t an option. I wasn’t going to spend the rest of my life taking medication to control something I could change myself. At 50, I realized I had to stop the junk food cycle—no more Mars bars, crisps, or sugary drinks.
It’s funny because, in my teens and twenties, I lived on that stuff and stayed fit without a problem. I had a size 8-10 figure, and I swore I’d never have to give it up. But as I got older, things changed—my belly expanded, I felt constantly exhausted, and the brain fog became overwhelming. I knew I had to make a change.
And I did. Now, at 66, I’m full of energy, constantly busy, and excited about life.
Take that woman ice skating in the ad as an example. Her body shape and size are probably influenced by her genetics and ethnicity. She’s likely eating a balanced, nourishing diet, which keeps her energetic and focused. Her weight isn’t a problem because she’s feeding her body the right fuel and avoiding insulin resistance.
So, if you find yourself feeling tired, mentally foggy, eating a lot of processed foods, drinking alcohol frequently, or relying on takeout, you might want to reconsider what you’re putting into your body. Even if you’re young and still have a slim waist, those habits can catch up to you. Insulin resistance often develops quietly but can lead to diabetes and a life filled with fatigue and frustration.
The saddest part? You could be wasting valuable time—time that could be spent building the life you want, pursuing your passions, and living fully.
Take care of your body, and it will take care of you.