Doctors React to Controversial Cosmo Cover

Today I interview Dr. Arghavan Salles, MD, PhD., and board-certified bariatric surgeon about the recently released covers of Cosmopolitan magazine, depicting women of all shapes and sizes and boldly claiming “this is healthy.” Dr. Salles and I dove into the nuances of the Healthy At Every Size (HAES) movement, fatphobia, and reality of obesity. There are some difficult subjects in here, like struggles with insurance and diets/dieting, so please let me know your thoughts down below!
Follow Dr. Salles on twitter: / arghavan_salles
Read Dr. Salles’ in-depth piece on these Cosmo covers: www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
My Response To Fatphobia Claims: • My Response To Fatphob...
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* Select medical photos/videos supplied by Getty Images *
** The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional **

[@Zephirite.]

I just realized....I’ve never seen a plus size male model.

[@jsbaldo5556]

BRAIN EXPLODES

[@leonlam5830]

Body positive movement is exclusively for females. American eagle clothing company made an April fools ad about male body positive...

[@Zephirite.]

@@leonlam5830 That’s despicable. Guys are held to unrealistic and harmful standards too. Including everyone in body positivity doesn’t just help women, it helps break down the concept of beauty standards in the first place-which can only be better for everyone. Well, except the beauty industry, I guess...

[@leonlam5830]

@@Zephirite. ya that's my point. What I said is definitely not my opinions but the general comments from the feminist group. The feminist group used to fight for equality but now i feel like they are abusing it.

[@Zephirite.]

@@leonlam5830 There are defiantly “feminists” (misandrists, by definition) giving people who ACTUALLY want equality a bad name.

[@Sidious6460]

The fact that a doctor is accused of being "fatphobic" because he encourages everyone to be healthy. We have crossed into the twilight zone clearly.

[@missbeaussie]

It's more of an issue of fat bias than fatphobia. I had to leave a long term doctor because she no longer could focus on any medical issues aside from my size even though my bloods were fine. The next doctor I saw diagnosed me with PCOS and said I was on a dangerously low dosage of my antidepressant. This is why fat bias is important.

[@Sidious6460]

@@missbeaussie I'm sure there are bad doctors out there, but this particular doctor has never demonstrated anything outside encouraging good health. To attack him is ridiculous.

[@rockstar9ism]

@@missbeaussie do you eat healthy and exercise?

[@deadalpeca8099]

@@rockstar9ism Valid question to ask, though the other person may not want to reply. The important thing to understand is being fat does not imply being unhealthy and vice versa.

[@zakrow1635]

@@deadalpeca8099 No, but it does imply that they either have some kind of issue controlling their weight, whether genetic or from another underlying problem, or they have a past where they may have eaten too much or exercised too little. If they are already improving on or controlling whatever one of these points is causing it, great, but if not, they're only going to get worse.

[@patmaurer8541]

"I don't think being aware of the health consequences of obesity is the same as fat-shaming." Well said, doc.

[@MeowNow494]

According to twitter even acknowledging that overweight people exist is “fat shaming”.

[@ilovecatsz]

@@MeowNow494 it is if you’re not their doctor. you dont know that person, its not your place.

[@ashleysmith7632]

@@ilovecatsz that’s part of the issue. It shouldn’t have to be a doctor to be concerned about a person. Friends, family, and other people involved in your life should be able to express their concern

[@ScoopsHagendaaz]

@@ilovecatsz one of the many bs arguments every haes and body positivity zealot comes up with. When someone without a medical degree criticizes them it's fat shaming. When a doctor does it they're fatphobic and biased. When a friend, relative, or loved one does it it's concern trolling. If they spent half the time putting in effort instead of coming up with excuses they'd have lost the weight already.

[@manictiger]

​@@ilovecatsz They live in the same world as me. It is my business. I won't dictate to them, but I can and will pre-judge them, just like I do with everyone else. I tried for 3 decades to not prejudge people and I learned the hard way that, that is not a good idea. I will prejudge. I can better anticipate the dumb things they absolutely will do, if I add it to my calculations. Trip hazard, blocking hazard, driving hazard, accident hazard, attitude hazard. I keep track of people, because people destroy everything.

[@BabySav95]

YES. I’m 250lbs. I KNOW I’m a bigger girl. I’m confident in the body I’m in. But I KNOW that it has attributed to my current health issues. I don’t get offended when I’m told I need to lose weight at the doctors to help myself. Because it’s true.

[@piotrdworowy183]

If you know that your size influence your health in a bad way you should not feel good in it, because it creates the fake statement,that obisity is good.🤦‍♂️

[@megp9id]

Same here! I’m obese and I am trying to lose weight for myself because I would physically feel much better. I don’t feel a need to be super skinny, all I want is a healthy weight and to be able to maintain it.

[@somsomi7215]

@@megp9id Absolutely! Although we all have different starting points, what matters is that we do what we can to live healthier lives for as long as we can live it! There should be no cookie cutter shape for humans, no need for anyone to try and fit themselves into a prebuilt image of a supposedly perfect physique. We're all different and that's what makes us beautiful. Cheering you and anybody else reading this on your journey!

[@megp9id]

@@craiied k

[@darkclaws1234567891]

@@megp9id did you Even try

[@delphi-moochymaker62]

I was obese for 23 years. I have changed my lifestyle, lost 75lbs and kept it off. By every measurable and subjective metric, I am healthier and happier. I can also confirm that fat shaming doesn't help. It is simply hurtful.

[@feelsweirdman_1823]

It’s truthful and some people need truth

[@Daniellapalo]

Good for you!

[@hopemikaelson409]

Zac fat-shaming doesn't help anyone, how shaming someone about something they struggle everyday is gonna help?

[@blueamel3751]

thats true u need to help obese ppl be healthy in a healthy way not lie to them and keep saying "oh u look nice i agree u r healthy u should love urself just how u r" thats not nice

[@feelsweirdman_1823]

@@hopemikaelson409 bc you dont want to get shamed anymore so you change so that you dont get shamed anymore. simple

[@Morden97]

She says it all right at the start "I dont think being aware of the health risks of being fat is fat phobic" As a fat person I agree with this statement 200%

[@untrustingstatue]

This, So much. Those who yell at folks for being fat phobic are supportive when they side with being happy with their size, but turn on a dime when being happy with thei size is not the same as actually being HEALTHY with their size.

[@Tirryna]

This. So. Friggen much... NOT knowing or talking about the risks is ACTUAL fatphobia...since they would fear the HAES community coming after them.

[@cheeselord8153]

I agree 100%. twitter groups even tried to turn obese into a slur so people can't use obese as a word

[@KrisHe1]

Agreed, I'd rather have a doctor tell me the truth, than lie to me to keep me happy instead of healthy. But there is a fine balance. If you try to lose weight because you hate your body, it might turn extreme, go too far or end up being a huge disappointment which screws with your mind even more... so loving your body should not be the same as "I'd rather be obese than skinny, because I am healthy no matter what". It's great to love your skin and body and shape, but also be real about the risks you are getting into... so yeah I care for my body, and my goal is not necessarily to become "skinny", but to feel healthy, be healthy, and love myself in the process. I know a lot of people who fail diets because every time they "have a relapse" or haven't lost their goal amount, they end up in a bad spiral which only makes the situation worse... You have to be realistic, and know that losing weight is not a straight line... you will lose some, gain some, but as long as you are able to change your lifestyle, that in itself is amazing! And will help you throughout your life!

[@emilyjones3845]

Yes, a million times! I know it’s different for everyone but it’s frustrating for me to see people up in arms about “fat phobia” and how heavier celebs are getting “cancelled” and attacked for wanting to lose weight. They should! I think the hardest thing for me being 60 lbs over my normal weight (which already isn’t very thin) is noticing how different parts of my everyday life are harder being overweight. Being overweight isn’t good for you (although it’s better than disordered thinking and unhealthy weightloss) so attacking people and calling them fat phobic when they say that and want to help is just wrong.

[@sarah80634]

As someone who was obese and is now overweight, and working on a healthier lifestyle daily. I've noticed less aches and pains, I don't get sick as often anymore, and I have far more energy than I used to. Being healthy is a huge part of self-love, I want to feel my best so I have to give my body the best.

[@marisagolding3599]

Exactly! Well said.

[@sivingridborgersen2897]

I am so happy for you, truly. (Ps. this is coming from someone who have yet to incorporate, long needed, physical activity in their life. So I am far from on a high horse.) Very well done indeed.

[@terraalbritton6405]

Good for you!!! Me too! Proud of you!

[@vexcarius7100]

As an obese person myself, 34 waistline will always be better than a 50 waistline. I’d be dishonest and pretentious if I prefer the latter. We fat people only needed love, acceptance and support. Being fat is very difficult and stressful, some people don’t know the emotional toll it gives us every single day. The last thing we can ask for is false ideologies to make us feel good and to justify our unhealthiness.

[@nowaylater6950]

That's a fatphobia - Twitter users, probably.

[@casserole566]

As a type 1 diabetic, I would really appreciate if they would specify that they're talking about type 2 diabetes. Type 2 has a chance of reversal with lifestyle changes. Type 1 is an autoimmune disease that currently has no known cure. Type 1 and 2 are almost completely different diseases in terms of symptoms and lifestyle.

[@simplystreeptacular]

Yeah, I think there might be a touch of professional blindness going on there in that they might subconsciously assume that *everybody* knows the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 when a lot of people actually don't.

[@jb6712]

I agree. As a T2D, it's confusing to me when anyone refers generically to 'diabetes,' as if there's only one type. I don't have to be on medication, and am controlling the diabetes through my diet. But T1D has to have insulin daily, and there's an enormous difference in how the two have to be treated!

[@leilac37]

I couldn't agree with this more! I'm a dietetics student. To add on to that, people who do have type 2 diabetes cannot reverse the damage done to the pancreas (organ that produces insulin, among other things). They can, however, slow down or halt further damage to it and support the health of the rest of their bodies with diet changes and medications. It can provide a reversal in symptoms and secondary effects of diabetes, but the damage done to the pancreas cannot be reversed.

[@jordantaylor1231]

yes!! thank you! when I was a little kid I would always hear people talking about ways to reverse your diabetes and I would get so exited seeing commercials on TV for medications that would lower A1C and help you get off insulin little did I know they were all for type 2 it was incredibly discouraging

[@shaunaflores7749]

I could never find information about hypoglycemia not related to diabetes. I do not have diabetes but have struggled with hypoglycemia my whole life due to my celiac disease. But yes, there is a huge difference between insulin dependent and non-insulin dependent diabetes that the general public is usually unaware of. Autoimmune diseases are still very much misunderstood and there isn't much information or care out there for those of us that have them. Maybe Dr. Mike can do a video about some of them and what is known. I have 4 of them myself and I've had my Dr.s google them in front of me before.

[@carlosgonzg]

I was obese and the only thing I can say is: Being healthy is part of loving yourself. The more I exercised and ate healthier, the more I felt comfortable with myself and helped me a lot with my self-love

[@taimanegayton2378]

❤️

[@idalarsen2540]

That's right! That's what I say all the time too. Actually taking proper care of your body makes you feel great. That doesn't at all mean you have to be skinny, like so many people assume. Being too skinny is horrible in so many ways as well. I used to be extremely underweight and I felt horrible. I hated my body so much. At my skinniest I thought I had to lose even more weight to feel better, your self image becomes so distorted holy crap. I've gained a fair amount of weight, bad feel so much better. I've probably gained 15-20 kg since I was at my skinniest. Let me tell you, this feels so much better. I'm still lean, my collar bones still stick out a little bit and stuff like that. At least I'm well in the range of a healthy bmi. Both my brain and body function so much better now. I still have health issues, but not due to weight anymore. Now I don't at all want to lose weight - I'd love to trim up a little more to help ease my muscular pains, bad back and bad knees and such,but that's to feel better and actually be healthy. It doesn't have anything to do with appearance for me, I just want my body to support me living my best life instead of dragging me down. I think that's completely fair and healthy thinking. I'd rather want a functioning body than a skinny body. The gret bonus about staying healthy is that your outside appearance looks better as well, so focusing on inner health instead o outer beauty is just a great win-win situation. Like Dr. Mike says, stay happy and healthy! 🖤

[@TheSwauzz]

Love the sentiment! It's also very possible that as a person loses weight, they don't like their body even more. I have felt this way many times, thinking the extra skin is uglier than the fat body. It's a hard rut to overcome, not gonna lie.

[@jacforswear18]

That’s great, but not every person who eats well and exercise in healthy amounts will lose weight.

[@SarahAbramova]

@@jacforswear18 well, all you really need is a calorie deficit. You can get that even with a diet of junk food.

[@Tr1Dylan]

Be supportive to obese people Don’t be supportive of becoming obese.

[@diadiaa892]

Oof this is acc a good one

[@scythixs7663]

Partially agreed.I think supporting people with obesity into helping their health and losing weight is good and loving themself is good.But supporting people being obese because its "okay to be” isnt really a good message.

[@LazoGT]

Japple oh, trust me, some people say that

[@ghostofvalor4349]

well said :)

[@aisyahazzahrah446]

@@GiaDiamond4 um not directly, no. But people are saying stuff like "it's okay to be big, it's just how body works" and "diet culture is a form of fatphobic/fat shaming". Though they are not directly telling others to get fat, they sure are promoting these lifestyles

[@chandler5637]

Body positivity is accepting the flaws in you that cannot be changed, not embracing own bad habit Edit : people seem to think im just straight up fat shaming. If someone is obese or overweight because of a medical condition then that falls under the flaws that cannot be changed. People are just so dense and defensive for no reason.

[@aarambhaadhikari5178]

facts

[@cilanatroisbetterthanparsley]

Yes!! Very well put.

[@helloly]

flaws?

[@skaio.5279]

@@helloly they meant "flaws"

[@EmmaJohnsonShenanigans]

is it the same if i try and exercise to change my body? because as much as i’d like to love how i look i really don’t, and the only way to get where i want to be is to exercise my insecurities away

[@junsuidearu]

Something that is overlooked and not often talked about is how much people of bigger sizes are misdiagnosed by physicians (I'm talking in general, not about Dr. Mike). In my country (Spain) a case gained media attention, a girl went to the doctor to ask to be derived to a psychologist because she was having suicidal thoughts and the doctor who treated her refused to sent her because "she was sad just because she was fat and she was going to waste the psychologist's time". The whole exchange was recorded by the victim because it had happened to her before so she went prepared and it became viral here. Following this case a famous body positivity influencer compiled testimonies of people who experienced fatphobia at the doctor and it became viral as well. It was so heartbreaking, I was in tears by the end of it. People's relatives dying because the doctor refused to give another solution to their symptoms other than "lose weight" and they ended up dying of cancer and other illnesses. Obesity is not healthy but obese people deserve the same medical treatment as skinny People without the medical bias of weight.

[@lucianacarvalho3136]

This is so heartbreaking

[@nathanjora7627]

« Without the medical bias » To be fair, and though of course I agree what that doctor did was atrocious, obesity can be the cause of so many symptoms and illnesses it’s not exactly surprising it’d be the first thing a doctor would recommend to treat before doing anything else. I’m genuinely curious to know if the same could be done with people with anorexia or other similar very obvious conditions that are the cause of so many health issues.

[@loayhusien3673]

@@nathanjora7627 yes but losing weight is a long term solution to a current disease the patient has, the doctor needs to see what short term solutions there are, and if the problem the patient has right now is 100% caused by obesity, because there is no guarantee that it is. A doctor won't refuse to treat a smoker because they should stop smoking first, even though smoking is unhealthy, you have no guarantee that the patient is experiencing a problem caused by smoking. See the double standard?

[@magivasileva7153]

THIS!!!!! going to the doctor has become a nightmare

[@somenerdyblonde]

@@nathanjora7627but obesity should not be the ONLY differential diagnosis for a patient’s chief complaint. In school, we have to come up with 3 differential diagnoses for EVERY patient even if we think it’s obvious. Every patient deserves a thorough investigation to rule out any critical pathology!

[@dragoninthewest1]

I am obese, however I've been bike riding (road) everyday for the past 5 months and lost 40 lbs. I feel much better about myself, sleep more efficiently and stand straighter. Edit: recently started doing calisthenics to avoid squirrel wing skin

[@mrenygma181]

Good on ya :) If that's your target weight or size, way to go! If you still feel you have a ways to go, keep at it! Either way, booyah! :)

[@SnickersEatsCookies]

Hope your journey goes well mate!

[@noordraws8985]

Good job friend! :DD

[@diadiaa892]

Keep going man!! I hope you reach you goals!

[@Bewliderment]

Congrats! Im proud of you

[@justaleafinthewind8858]

Fat is not synonymous with ugly, but it is also not synonymous with healthy. Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

[@yashmaniyar7768]

Thank you for the TED talk

[@lorikaisirfogle2903]

My favourite TED talk tytyty

[@straightupballin4520]

Nah, it is kinda ugly, at least in men, it is not attractive at all, it is torture

[@SomeUnsoberIdiot]

Actually, it is synonymous with ugly.

[@clawzdayz980]

Ugly is subjective.. it can be for some and not others..personnaly i find it repulsive.. not everyone has the same tastes..

[@moniquereed3294]

Thank you for addressing food deserts and the socioeconomic roots of obesity. It can also be very difficult to eat a healthful diet when we get inconsistent messages about nutrition from various sources--e.g., "low fat" items that are full of sugar and salt, constantly changing guidelines from the government, huge and hugely funded ad campaigns from various lobbies. It is hard work to find the truth among all the noise.

[@Sdority905]

The truth is that it is better to eat good ingredients and unprocessed foods. The more vegetables and quality meat then that's better than buying food that is already procssed (boxed mac n cheese, fat free yogurt etc).

[@86naiky]

In the Netherlands we have a totally different health system. We have different companies which you can choose from, and they all have 'packages'. You can choose a package based on your health, and your child's health as they are insured with you. You can choose the 'base package' or, if you have specific health problems, you can choose a package that addresses those kind of treatments and doctor/specialist visits as well. Even the dentist is included. We don't change health insurance if we change a job, because it's a 'private' choice, it doesn't come with the job but with life. You pay a fee each month and for some procedures you pay a part of the cost, but most is covered.

[@missano3856]

Which is more or less how Obamacare works.

[@Sdority905]

We have a similar health system in Israel. As an expat I can look back and say that In the US the insurance companies just want more money. They don't really care about people's health or well-being.

[@honeyhoney1529]

Similar in Belgium.

[@viviannehart2364]

It's not "Every weight is healthy." It should be "Love your body."

[@sophiecamac1830]

Extremely true. Then it won’t be misleading

[@viv1593]

Hello fellow Vivienne!! ( l spell it with two e’s)

[@Cookiebreedchannel]

But you should never take love your body to the level where you think it puts you in the position to justify being unhealthy skinny or being unhealthy regarding being either over weight or even past being over weight

[@SleepyMatt-zzz]

If you loved your body, you wouldn't let yourself be obese, otherwise people would experience a lapse of cognitive-dissonance.

[@puppsmcgee74]

@@SleepyMatt-zzz Not everyone is able to control their body size. My mom was extremely thin and couldn’t gain an ounce no matter how hard she tried. It was just genetics. And genetics for me came from my dad’s side because I’m much taller and heavier. Yes I can lose some weight but I’ll never be super thin. Then there are those with illnesses like PCOS who can’t control their weight gain because of the disorder they have. So, it’s not always controllable. Accusing someone of “not having an excuse” or saying they don’t try hard enough is bullshit. People do try. How about being understanding and not saying dumb shit just because you haven’t been in that position yourself and don’t know the actual struggle.

[@deborakr9298]

Just because you're 'thin' doesnt mean you're healthy, but being obese is definitely not a sign of immaculate health

[@k.o.h8446]

Exactly

[@SnickersEatsCookies]

Being thin is commonly overlooked but if your obese more people notice

[@Saint_Wolf_]

Now take a gamble on every non obese person vs obese person you see and bet who is and isn't fully healthy.

[@GiaDiamond4]

No one said that though.

[@Saint_Wolf_]

@@SnickersEatsCookies Your point?

[@meganjane3]

I’m glad Dr. Mike pointed out the underweight that was so popular in prior years. Due to a major health condition, it was IMPOSSIBLE to be taken seriously because it was like “oh lucky you, at a size 2..” when that’s super dangerous for me. If it wasn’t for the health condition having destroyed my GI system over 10+ years being ignored, I would probably be healthily “overweight” today. I think we need to reevaluate what a healthy weight means, because we’re all made differently💜

[@zprouk3091]

This is so important. I vividly remember going to the doctor about ten years ago because of dizziness, anxiety and a whole bunch of other neurological stuff. She managed to say "well, sometimes we recommend losing weight for things like this, but I can see you don't have that problem"?? At the time I had eating patterns that I now recognize as very unhealthy - I counted calories obsessively, freaked out if I gained a pound of water weight, and deliberatly stayed EXACTLY on the border between normal- and underweight because I wanted plausible deniability. This probably contributed to my health issues (turns out my personal ideal weight is very, very average). But since I was thin without being *completely* emaciated, nutrition never came up.

[@Julia-lk8jn]

@@zprouk3091 Awesome. *overweight patient:* "Your pathetic little complaint is (allergies, depression, skin condition, whatever ) is clearly caused by you being lazy and eating horribly, so just fix that, now get out." *thin patient:* "Well, you're thin = at the optimum state of health, so, dunno, enjoy being a perfect human being which clearly is more important than being pain free? Bye!" In my experience, even overweight doctors aren't immune to this BS (nor are all slim ones part of it!), but on average I had better experiences with the overweight ones.

[@kittylynndale5264]

I’ve lost over 200 pounds through diet and exercise. It’s taken me over a decade to do it. I can honestly say, it got a lot easier and the weight came off faster when I could afford good, nutritional foods. I think there is a HUGE correlation between access to nutritional foods and weight loss. When it’s cheaper to get a Big Mac than it is to buy fresh fruit and veg, there’s a huge problem. I very clearly remember one of my earliest birthdays after I started striving to have a healthier lifestyle- all I wanted was a white peach. A fresh piece of fruit. That single white peach was $2.97. And the peach wasn’t even that big, maybe 4 bites total. I didn’t get it, but do you know how much a GALLON tub of ice cream was? It was $1.99. That same concept was across all the food choices- if you wanted fresh, you were paying 2-3 times more. Yes, you can get canned or frozen and it’s nearly as good. But that wasn’t the case in my area- the canned foods were usually either expired or had tons of sodium or other additives, and the frozen foods were usually either expired, damaged, or freezer burned. As far as bariatric surgery goes, I was never offered the option until I was actually under 250 pounds, and by then, they still wanted me to pay $5000 (and that was with insurance) and lose another 50 pounds to prove that I was a good candidate.

[@matthewjuarbe5826]

yeah, its especially hard when you're on a limited budget or even on food stamps. for me especially since im on food stamps i only get 200USD in food stamps a month and its extremely hard when food that is diet approved is getting extremely more expensive. but unhealthy food are extremely cheap

[@Julia-lk8jn]

that is really, really insane. And it get's worse when you factor in that thanks to zoning laws and infrastructure habits, some malls/ grocery shops in the US can *not* be reached safely unless by car. Meanwhile, I've got the next reasonably priced source of produce 10 minutes from my door step (bicycle). The super-duper inexpensive one is a good deal farther, so thank goodness for public transport. Well, what good lucky that there are so many people who care and support overweight people so much that they just have to point out how disgusting overweight is. I'm sure that _annnnnny moment now_ that crowd will start lobbying against food deserts.

[@o.m9514]

“Overweight is not healthy, but don’t hate yourself because of it”. -Body positivity.

[@zahraa4149]

That's *supposed* to be the message of body positivity But now fat activists hijacked the movement and made it a taboo to imply that being fat is unhealthy

[@wenbucha]

being too fat is unhealthy. but it is about choice. if some people like it let them be. I personally think a bit fat is cute, lots of fat is concerning (health wise) but I find everybody have their own charms.

[@Halogen511]

@@suiito-kun5222 but you should still love yourself while trying to lose weight. If you don't, motivation will be lost and then there's literally no point to losing weight in the first place. At that point you hate yourself so much that you don't even care if gaining weight kills you. That's why fat shaming doesn't work and is not a good motive to become healthy

[@khushiya5747]

@@suiito-kun5222 don't feel bad!! feel motivated! Staying sad brings different kinds of complications. And don't forget people with hormonal imbalance and PCOS, etc. Your statement can hurt people who are putting in effort but can't lose weight

[@saileshnaidu8102]

@@suiito-kun5222 faxx

[@gail6552]

I’m chubby, and I stand by “Loving yourself is healthy but I am responsible for loving myself CORRECTLY.” I am responsible for being active, eating correctly but also let myself enjoy the little things, being a dessert or a healthy smoothie.

[@redhidinghood9337]

I was overweight before and it's important to distinguish your actual self with your outer appearance and the weight. It's a sticky trap if u let it become a part of ur identity. If ur trying to lose weight, my tips would be that u start small. Measure how much u eat and try to set really small goals. They're easier to achieve and get u motivated. Also using laziness is effective too. Make it harder to get to the food. Best if u try making food at home. Sometimes I was so lazy to make food I had like 2 meals in the day lol. Good luck and cheer up!😄

[@juanperezlopez751]

I’m also chubby and I’m not overweight, my BMI is 20.5 cause I’m 5’11 and 145 pounds and I’m still a fat person. It’s so horrible that people don’t understand that fatness and obesity are two completely different things. You CAN be fat and healthy.

[@redhidinghood9337]

@@juanperezlopez751 yeah weight is just a number. It matters in what form that weight is. Some people can be overweight by BMI but actually healthy cuz most of it is muscle. I was slightly overweight before but the extra weight was all fat so it was kinda unhealthy. Just important to eat healthy and be active

[@juanperezlopez751]

@@redhidinghood9337 the BMI is not perfect but it sorta helps to understand the health of your body. The problem is that people think that they can tell your BMI just by looking at you, and that’s not possible. A doctor is the one that should be telling you that you’re unhealthy not people that just looked at you in the cover of a magazine. The fact that people think that fat people are overweight or unhealthy is just a prejudice caused by fatphobia.

[@justicefonfara17]

The body positivity movement is toxic because people are promoting obesity and that is not healthy

[@Beeboopbop94]

Ive never struggled with obesity, but I started getting more serious about my health. It wasn’t until I learned to love myself and my body for what it was that I was consistent with my health journey. That’s why I get so angry with people who go into the DM’s/comments of bigger people, who are bothering no one, and harass them about their weight. You aren’t “concerned for them”, you’re a bully who wants to justify your harassment of someone. Having low self esteem made me treat myself worse, not better

[@wjb-wi6dt]

For me - and I certainly have 20+ pounds I could lose - I think the goal should be to support people in choosing healthy behaviors regardless of their size, without judging their worth or effort or health based on current appearance. For most of those of us who fell into unhealthy patterns as adults (hello desk job!), I think we will trend toward looking healthier outwardly if we consistently make healthier choices. But the more you have to go toward outwardly "thin," the longer it takes - and running into someone critical or bullying along the long process can make it a lot harder to stick with it. And if a person never reaches the epitome of a "healthy" appearance, they're still going to be healthier on the inside than with unhealthy choices. I guess bottom line is that we don't know where in a health journey a person is, so we should just choose kindness. But kindness does not mean dishonesty, and unhealthy behaviors eventually lead to unhealthy bodies for the vast majority of people.

[@TheIceQueen09]

I've struggled with weight issues after my second child. I tried everything and finally decided that the doctors was not looking at the whole picture and started cuting foods out of my diet that were "healthy" I went to being gluten free first and then went meat free almost 1 year ago. I seen huge improvements and lost almost 40 pounds in a years time. Switched doctors who looked past my weight and seen a lot of other things that needed to be addressed like EDS and PoTS. She found my adrenal gland was also not working correctly. None of these had anything to do with my weight. Having a doctor who listens to you is the biggest issue many over weight people face.

[@brinawidmer]

why don‘t they ever put someone with a „normal“ healthy medium sized body on a cover?

[@Gingersnaps_the_pumpkin_kitty]

Exactly, not everyone who doesn't have a 6-pack is obese or anorexic. There's plenty of healthier options out there.

[@zeroberus0185]

You meant just normal size? If you put healthy in there you do have to be a person who works out, and where do you people see women with six pack in magazines? They are treated as freaks, it's always skinny girls everywhere.

[@torinodeguzman4243]

@@zeroberus0185 yeah look at the rude comments on any female crossfire athletes or any female athlete who's require a bit of muscle.

[@bluegirl8736]

What is normal though?

[@veggiebutfoodie]

Normal healthy can come in a lot of different shapes and sizes.

[@sarahtehninja]

I really like the “body neutral” movement. Like, it’s our body, we don’t have to LOVE it all the time but we don’t have to hate it either, we just have to accept it and take care of it.

[@fuadrahman2783]

This isn’t a concern of appearance -_- it’s a concern of health. I’d sure as hell ignore all Americans getting fat and dying early but if my family members were getting obese... I’m telling them/ forcing them to get their shit together for their benefit. Yall too soft man

[@brian-pn2qg]

@@fuadrahman2783 as Sarah said "Accept it and *take care of it*" (*^v^)//

[@rileyallen489]

I think that's a great idea for a movement. Loving yourself all the time is really hard, but not hating it is the real hurdle. I think stamping out that hatred makes it so much easier to be motivated to take care of yourself.

[@N4T93]

@@fuadrahman2783 what makes you think they'd be interested in listening to you? 😂 Most people don't react positively to attempts to 'force' them to do anything.

[@Phougi]

Do you seem any one these women "taking care of it?" No. All I see is accept me for the fat me I am.

[@TaylorHudson]

As a bariatric patient myself, I find this video incredible insightful, but also relatable. I lost and gained back 100 pounds.... twice in 7 years. Since my surgery 4 months ago, I'm down 95 pounds, and I no longer need my blood pressure meds. My energy levels are steadily increasing, and I find I can do things so much easier in this version of my body. Bariatric surgery was definitely not the easy way out: the preop work is long, the recovery is painful and difficult, and I'm still getting used to how my body interacts with food. But it's a tool, the best tool I now have for managing my weight and my health.

[@harp167]

Your story is very inspiring, thank you for sharing!!

[@gardenofdreams-lyrics1779]

Awesome

[@ananyagrace4890]

you know what i like? how he got a bariatric doctor who is ALSO a obesity researcher so she is knowledgeable on the subject

[@danielwiese7610]

It’s not an easy topic. I’m overweight and I’m in no place to judge other people. But I’m also not going to pretend that I’m as healthy now as i would be if I weight 70lbs less.

[@joshuacampbell2202]

I love the mixture of self awareness and the understanding that the narrative should be and is frought with nuance. I have a lot of respect for this outlook.

[@brixan...]

That sounds pretty easy... Don't judge, don't be delusional about your health

[@Mike_Dubayou]

It does seem like an easy topic. Pretty much what you said. I say it’s an easy topic because it’s actually odd to think some people see this different.

[@joshuacampbell2202]

@@Mike_Dubayou I would say that it is easy on paper, and by itself. However this topic is almost never the sole topic, it has a lot of nuances. We all know that obesity is caused by eating more calories than you burn off. So on the surface it is that easy. However we have to find out why the excessive eating is happening and why the exercise is not. Are their medical issues, mental health issues, we have to understand the individual's early childhood socialization. This on it's own is an entire research field. In order to assist the person in reaching their healthiest state, we have to understand the person and that is where it is complicated.

[@ruzahel6287]

@@joshuacampbell2202 yes, a lot of weight issues stem from personal or mental issues. Some cope by eating or NOT eating. It’s not an easy topic because people struggle to become healthier. Even those who are of healthy weight eat junk food and have high cholesterol and they would get offended if you tell them they are getting unhealthy and need to stop eating junk food.

[@BelindaJoy]

I'm fat and a few years ago when I lived in the Midwest I ran a body acceptance group for big women. My message was and still is *"WHEN, IF AND UNTIL you lose weight you must take care of yourself"* Exercise, eat balanced diets, date, dress nice, see yourself as beautiful. What annoys me is people that push the narrative being obese is good. There are too many fat women that believe as long as they look good they are fine. Men tell them they accept them so they are fine. No. We all, fat or thin should strive for overall healthy lifestyles.

[@Joee003]

Love your message. The important thing is physical, mental and emotional health. Your personal balance can come at any size, and it's up to every single individual to make their own choices in that regard, by honouring their bodies in the way they see fit. As a society, we should strive to combat systemic discrimination against bigger bodies, and encourage everyone, whether skinny, muscular or fat, to find their balance.

[@popcultedits8683]

If they're healthy, then what's the problem? Now if their weight is seriously effecting their health then that's a problem.

[@heidibaltom8138]

@@popcultedits8683 i think that was what they were saying. That people should be taking care of themselves no matter what their size. If they are obese then do exercise, eat healthy take care of yourself and if they are slim then do exercise, eat healthy and take care of yourself.

[@coppersandsprite]

@@popcultedits8683, it took 2 decades for me to go from fat with no health issues to having high BP, joint pain, and being pre diabetic. Losing weight will help me rid myself of all of these if I can do it in time that the damage isn't permanent. It would have been easier and better if I had done it much earlier before it started to cause health issues.

[@BelindaJoy]

@@popcultedits8683 My response to you would be watch the entire video again and view it not from a place of feeling defensive or judged, but to take in the data and just consider what this video is about. Having large amounts of fat on your body, surrounding your organs and muscles is not healthy. Just like not enough fat and being too thin isn't healthy.

[@catiagoncalves2590]

This is so tired to hear this. i remember my family specially criticizing me when i was teen because they tought i was fat but not medically obese. Now, in my late 20s, i eat well, i do exercise and i'm healthy and they still citicize me because i'm thin. Anyway everyone will always judge you, from everything. What matters is about yourself and self secure and being healthy to yourself not others✌️

[@fabulousfamily564]

I think the problem is that your family is a group of jerks. I'm sorry to hear it.

[@sabola1274]

It really is sad that legitimate health professionals who have no hatred in their hearts and simply want others to be as healthy as they can be being ignored and ridiculed for simply offering their expertise.

[@sriyaa1616]

It's so difficult to speak about obesity without accidentally upsetting someone or seeming fatphobic so I think this interview was carried out very well and was objective. Thanks Dr. Mike!

[@mrenygma181]

Eh. I mean, I get what you're saying, but we've gone too far with "caring about feelings". It's kinda gotten in the way of facts. At a certain point we have to STOP worrying about peoples' feelings because, well..."facts don't care about your feelings". Furthermore, if an uncomfortable fact upsets someone, well.....that's their problem, they need to deal with that, and then deal with the fact staring them in the face. I'm not advocating viciousness or lack of empathy. I'm just saying facts are facts. Some make us smile and some make us sad.

[@sirdigsbytheteadrinker8867]

@@mrenygma181 I agree, but if you are a public figure, it often is better to try and minimize how many people you offend with what you are saying. It's just how society is nowadays. It's generally a bad idea to act insensitive when you need to maintain a reputation.

[@nathanjora7627]

@@mrenygma181 That’s... Kinda the point. He was glad that the interview was conducted in such a way that potentially upsetting facts were presented in such a way as to not be upsetting. Which is... a good thing. Facts don’t care about our feelings and it’s a fact that caring about others’ feelings is often a very efficient way of making them understand and accept the facts. We’re fortunately and unfortunately very often emotional and empathetic creatures, so as much as you and I may like the world to be as simple as just « if I state a fact to you and you can verify it’s true, you accept it’s true », we have to take into account that many people won’t react like that and thus that short of forcing them, we have to present the facts to them in a fashion they’ll accept.

[@AnymMusic]

Then how about we stop worrying and say what needs to be said. If you're fat, it's unhealthy no matter how many carrots and other veggies you eat

[@fleabellamoopie2822]

@@AnymMusic um, huh? This was your takeaway from the video?

[@dannymartial7997]

Saying obesity is healthy is an over-correction to fat shaming. While fat shaming is emotionally harmful, saying being fat is healthy is physically harmful which is just as bad.

[@liak6263]

Define fat

[@tillenleskolesnikpikl3114]

@@liak6263 straight from the dictionary: having a large amount of excess flesh.

[@tillenleskolesnikpikl3114]

I have actually never seen a better explanation for this

[@liak6263]

@@tillenleskolesnikpikl3114 no no i mean being fat, when do you count as „fat“

[@liak6263]

@@tillenleskolesnikpikl3114 fat is not a good description for that. It’s like calling someone underweight „bony“

[@IAmebAdger]

I think the concept that you can love the way your body is AND at the same time be obese and acknowledge that it comes with increased risks and it would be a good idea to change your lifestyle... is a pretty high level concept that is somewhat difficult to communicate to the masses and I don't expect most people to get it without significant education. Displaying and writing about different body types in magazines may be a step in the right direction, but only a small step.

[@Sdority905]

The problem is that there are highly obese people on tik tok thinking they are being body positivity "influencers" when all they do is eat unhealthy food and show how "good" that is.

[@PhantomKit157]

Socioeconomic factors of struggling to losing weight or being overweight are one that I wish was talked about more

[@simplybet8104]

We need to talk about how unhealthy people are still worthy of respect and dignity. Fat people deserve respect not because they can be healthy, but because all people deserve respect, regardless of health.

[@maryo7683]

Yes 👏🏻 And I think the guest did do a decent job of touching on this but the conversation needs to keep going!

[@SleepyMatt-zzz]

This is true, with a huge *. I think what has really been complicating this kind of discussion is that people who often advocate for fat acceptance are also people trying to convince everyone that being obese is healthy, which is objectively not true. Even people who seemingly have good intentions often try to suggest that pointing out potential health risks with obesity are being fat-phobic.

[@jackcoolidge8123]

I would have to say, however, that fat shaming is a much less dangerous issue than obesity. I think we should be able to tackle both issues at the same time, but if you have to tackle only one then obesity is much more important

[@hpgal88]

Yes they do deserve respect and dignity... caring about their health is a part of that

[@tammy600]

You are absolutely right... its all about having pure intentions and how you say it.

[@dianafrancis9128]

Basically what it SHOULD be is "this is beautiful" not "healthy"

[@WestKai]

YES OMG

[@NathanHedglin]

It’s neither. We shouldn’t normalize being morbidly overweight.

[@naruotaku6699]

@@NathanHedglin but we already more than normalized extremely skinny girls with eating disorder

[@tanvikejriwal1]

@@NathanHedglin Teaching self-love doesn't promote obesity. Instead of trying to shame people into hating themselves and trying to lose weight (which can lead to disordered eating and poor mental health), we should encourage people to love their body and care for it through physical activity and healthy eating.

[@Blernster]

Is it though??????

[@shart_with_force6686]

I was bullied and shamed throughout school and I used that pain to light the fire of lifestyle changes. I played with my diet, performed several different training techniques, tried and failed more times than I have fingers. I finally found what works for my body. The entire time I was going through this years long transformation I had one motivation “I’ll show them” not for me, but because I hated myself. That was a terribly unhealthy mindset. Somehow I turned that negativity into positivity but fat phobia and fat shaming in most cases… all cases is less than useless. It’s abhorrent. Dr. Mike’s videos has helped me change my perspective to agree with what I have typed where as previously I had the attitude “it worked for me, it can work for someone else” which isn’t indicative of weight loss in any aspect because everyone is different. Apply that last sentence to the mental health of someone struggling with weight being shamed… most people won’t say “I’ll show you” and all you’re doing is breaking someone down. Thank you Dr. Mike. You’ve taught me a lot in your videos and now you’ve completely changed my mindset.

[@sharonakers9017]

Thank you Doctor Mike! I certainly don’t want to be shamed, but I don’t want to be enabled either. There has to be a balance and our Doctors need to be free to discuss how our weight affects our health. I am morbidly obese and cannot seem to lose the weight and that has taken a toll on me.

[@lauraotten9875]

The fact that dr. Mike invited someone that’s more knowledgeable on this topic, shows how seriously he takes this subject and wants to make sure people get a good education about the subject. He knows the limits of his knowledge and wants to make sure people get the right information through the right person. Thank you so much for that!!

[@jaxlaxsurprise]

You're more optimistic than me. I was just thinking that he had her on (a bariatric surgeon...hmmm) so he didn't have to say anything judgmental and get negative comments.

[@jaxlaxsurprise]

... I'm also annoyed with both of them for not differentiating between different types of diabetes, honestly. And I usually really like Dr. Mike's videos

[@coldfrenchfry5181]

He is a doctor.

[@Shade01982]

That may be on purpose. Dr. Mike has been accused of being fatphobic a few times in the comments in his other videos before.

[@jaxlaxsurprise]

@@Shade01982 yep, so he gets a bariatric surgeon, of all people, to join. That was a deliberate choice and a certain perspective.

[@kathryn-anon]

"I don't think that being aware of the consequences of obesity is the same as fat-shaming". THIS, THIS, THIS! EDIT: Since this has blown up a bit, I'm going to add my two cents to the reason why this quote stands out to me. If I have a friend who is struggling with drug abuse, alcohol dependency, or food dependency, I'm going to call them out on it and encourage them to be better. If I have a friend who is obese or severely underweight, I'm going to confront them about it. I have a friend who is underweight I have to remind to eat all the time because she forgets-- it's not shaming her and she appreciates it. Likewise, if I have a friend who is at an unhealthy weight, I'm going to suggest they chose the healthier option or the smaller portion. I'm going to push them to choose physical activities over sedentary, and I'm not going to be afraid to tell them it's because I'm worried about their health ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@m.p.9931]

Hell yeah. Common sense!

[@Crew7340]

It’s sad that people actually have to say this.

[@taraktach7152]

Well if you shove this opinion about every person you see and think they are obese without them even asking, you are still being very rude and a jerk.

[@machaelamcinnis9839]

I think it’s the person themselves that need to be aware of it and nobody but that person’s doctor should be telling they are obese and that they need to change

[@Dead25m]

@@machaelamcinnis9839 If my friend starts letting themselves go and they either become overweight (or even underweight), I will tell them, and I will try to encourage them to take care of themselves and offer help to achieve that. I feel like if I don't show that I'm worried about that friend, I'm a bad friend. There are nice ways of saying that someone is becoming unhealthy. Tldr: Doctors shouldn't be the only ones saying someone is unhealthy, friends/family should be a part of that aswel (in a non-toxic way).

[@saru6735]

Thank you so much for this well rounded conversation! This is the best conversation i have ever seen or listen to this topic.

[@angelagraves865]

One thing I never hear addressed is the surgery that's required after the weight is lost to remove the large amount of saggy skin and tissue that no amount of exercise will ever get rid of or tighten up. I'm a massage therapist and I've massaged a few people who've had bariatric surgery. It's like they're wearing a huge human suit. You can literally feel their thinner bodies under it all. If insurance won't pay for the surgery to lose weight they're definitely not going to pay for what they consider cosmetic surgery to remove all the extra saggy flesh.

[@ProjectEnglishII]

Note how she says, "... have obesity" rather than "are obese". Great way to identify the issue, and not categorize the person.

[@mikikiki]

If you’re obese, you’re obese. Tiptoeing around phrasing doesn’t increase your lifespan.

[@ZombieSlayer-wz4fw]

@@mikikiki facts👏

[@DibIrken]

Ummm....you are still obese though. You can't say they "have obesity" and they are not obese. 🤷‍♀️

[@teresacontreras4999]

It’s synonymous. You can paraphrase things as much as you want. Hop off the cross 🙄

[@Alatris]

@@mikikiki you literally just missed the entire point of this comment

[@apollo74]

I think that the body positivity movement is "every body deserves respect no matter the size and shape because they hold people in them" and not "every weight ever is healthy and obesity doesn't matter" A lot of people tend to overlap the two

[@Indiaaiscool]

people who don't actually talk to fat people about the movement will confuse the two... people who only talk to obesity researchers about a movement regarding fat people confuse the two.

[@nielse2548]

Body positivity should be about people with physical disabilities or deformities, not obesity.

[@Indiaaiscool]

@@nielse2548 this is dumb. fat people and disabled/deformed people should all love their bodies. and what if disabled/deformed people are fat, are they then not aloud to feel positivity about their body?

[@nielse2548]

@@Indiaaiscool if you’re fat and you love increased risk of death and disease and want to make your life hard then sure. I guess never lose the weight because you love being uncomfortable and unhealthy, can’t stop anyone there. Anyone’s allowed to love their body, what I’m saying is the “fat movement” takes away from people who cannot control what they look like. If someone’s fat and disabled they’re still disabled which would still fall in the boundaries of what I think body positivity should be focused on.

[@Indiaaiscool]

@@nielse2548 did you miss the part of the video where the professional said that diets are only effective 5% of the time? if you listen to fat people about the body positivity movement and not what other people have to say about fat people then you will understand it focuses a lot on shame-free healthy lifestyle choices. No one wants to be sick, it can be left at that. If a fat person is sick they will take care of it. If there are fat people that are sick and don't want to take care of themselves there are much deeper underlying mental health issues that cause a lack of self-care.

[@miscellaneousme7233]

Just knowing that there are options out there gives me hope . Like mentioned in the video ,I too have tried everything but my weight doesn't come of . This video gave me hope . Thank you Dr. Mike!

[@AK-jt7kh]

I don’t think Dr. Mike is “fat phobic” - I think he’s just science driven. I will say that I don’t think he relates to, or empathizes with the emotional experience of obesity though. I say that because I struggled with obesity, and as for myself, and (I think) every obese person I’ve met, we don’t look at a picture of a plus sized model and think “Oh good, I won’t bother then”. You don’t “encourage” people to become obese. If anything, from what I’ve seen, it starts at a very young age and seems to run in families. This isn’t something that society either fails to demonize extensively enough to shame people into changing, or else, is excessively supportive to the fact that people who wouldn’t be obese, or people who are already obese, become a chronic statistic. It’s a real problem, and that’s the problem - because we don’t treat it that way. Like depression, we act as though you “just have to fix your lifestyle a bit” and you’ll be fine. That’s the problem I have with Dr. Mike’s perspective on this one. He acts like obesity is a very serious health concern, but then also acts as though people are just being careless or they should be more responsible. Like anyone who hasn’t struggled with obesity, he doesn’t seem to appreciate the fact that many of these obese people are either victims of some serious health issues, or they’re victims of addiction. You wouldn’t tell an alcoholic to be more responsible and make healthy choices…you would treat them with compassion and try to help them overcome the psychological distress that reduced them to alcoholism.

[@ahumanmerelybeing]

Preach--I thought his line of questioning there was a little silly. No one who's obese is that way because they think it's a terrific idea--it's one or a lot of factors that can be really hard to control. People are generally doing what they can given their circumstances, and if along the way they learn to love their bodies as they are now, surely that's better than them hating themselves.

[@zaynes5094]

Higher likelihood for heart attacks, for cramps, for extemely high blood pressure. All those things are more problems being overweight than at least trying to lose weight. The truth is, obese people can lose weight, they're just extremely lazy. That was my family, they were fat, lazy, and unmotivated because of depression. When they got mentally happier, and got help, they actively started to make changes in diet, lifestyle, AND changes in overall fitness.

[@Vamparina413]

I am sorry to say but I am one of the obese person who is just lazy and I know many people who have the same mindset as me. Being obese is unhealthy and pretending like that is not a problem is delusional. Just like being too skinny is an issue, so is being fat. That is not shaming that is being accepting.

[@afish4086]

I have anorexia nervosa, and I'd like to bring something to this: being underweight can have just as many (if not more) health complications as being overweight, but they are approached with different attitudes. My family and friends saw my obsessive exercise and starvation habits as "healthy" and "tenacious". I eventually had to be hospitalized and went through extensive recovery to reach a normal BMI, and even then my family believes it "couldn't have been that bad" because I was never "put on a feeding tube". Even though I have permanent health complications from it. Later on, I was on the heavier end of normal due to a medication I was on (125lbs. Still within normal BMI range for 5'2", but I was still working out a lot, so muscle mass figures in too). I got a LOT of comments of "concern" from family, partners, and even random friends-of-friends about my weight and how I "let myself go". Also "positive" comments about "being chubby, but that's okay!"... And it's weird to be called "chubby" when you're fit and average. Due to a lot of sociological factors, regular people have warped standards for what constitutes a "healthy weight", especially from person to person. Sometimes fit people don't "look" fit. Sometimes someone doesn't look as skinny as you're used to seeing them. Sometimes you can't get an intrinsic understanding about someone's health versus how they look without first getting some VERY invasive information about their medical history. But that's strictly for the doctor's office!! My PCP doctor seemed to be the only person who was actually HAPPY with my body, having the context of my recovery, blood work, blood pressure, etc. I think the movement should be interpreted as being less about "don't worry about your weight" and more about "we should stop worrying about OTHER people's weight. They could be healthy - that's between them and their doctor". Isn't it annoying to doctors when people who have no understanding of any medical practice give unsolicited health advice? I think if we view it from that mindset - leaving this issue to the doctor's office - it makes more sense. We should change the language of this movement from "THIS is healthy" or "THAT is healthy" to "mind your own business, ask your doctor."

[@HereForTheShips]

I agree with you 100%. I remember when I first lost an unhealthy amount of weight very quickly due to Crohn's disease and everyone was praising me for how skinny I became and how pretty I looked, saying I looked like a Barbie doll and that now I had to "maintain it". I was so underweight (79 pounds out of the hospital) that I even struggled to walk and my blood pressure was really low. I always had body image issues and anxiety related to it, so everyone finally calling me beautiful when before I was the "fat sister" among my sisters, really hurt my mental health. It was so difficult to get back into a healthier weight. At a healthy weight I feel like I look fat. I wish people would just hold their tongue instead of pointing out a person's weight fluctuations. They don't know why the person lost or gained weight, it should be none of their business.

[@lauralafountain9499]

I experienced this as well. My periods of fast weight loss were when I was having health issues. I noticed and was concerned, but of course others noticed and we're very complimentary. It was incredibly uncomfortable. Especially when I finally got my health under control and gained those lbs back.

[@Socasmx]

I do not have much to add to this other than you've gone through so much and if you feel better, that's amazing.

[@nevenamilenkovic1816]

Welp your comment made me cry. In high school I had a series of very unfortunate events that not only lead to a lot of stress but also to me not always having money for food. In a VERY short time I lost insane amount of weight. I was miserable. I felt unhappy and unhealthy. But that period of my life was when I got THE MOST compliments from other girls. I got back to healthy weight, still on the lighter side AND THEY STARTED TO BULLY ME ABOUT BEING FAT

[@user-gg9jy1oi2n]

I really resonate with this. I’m overweight for the first time in my life, but simultaneously the healthiest I’ve ever been. Thin does not equal healthy. && I LOVE that last line. “Mind your business-ask your doctor”

[@jamesl6639]

I'm 68 years old and for my entire life, I've been a prisoner of my own self. I have paid the price with heart disease, crippling arthritis, mental health issues. Right now , my weight is good, but I fear it won't last. My entire life has been a living hell with weight issues. Please take care of yourselves don't be ashamed of who you are, but time does catches up with us all. Find a doctor, who will work with you, be honest and non judgemental. Lastly love yourselves.

[@God-gi9iu]

1 more year and I will give you the ut most respect

[@sawii1482]

@@God-gi9iu XD LOL DA FUK

[@kristinaxox3]

I have faith in you you are so brave🖤

[@dragonicbladex7574]

Your fear it wont last sounds like not loving yourself, you should love yourself too, just as much as you want others to love themselves, you're doing everything you can so there is nothing to worry about, so, it's much better to hold hope.

[@jamesl6639]

@@dragonicbladex7574 T Dragonix, your comment is heart felt. Thanks for responding!

[@gabrielouellette933]

The way she answers and nuances. What an incredible genius. I love her. Need more of her sharing her knowledge.

[@GoneFishingAway]

I almost lost her when she said "fat phobia" because it's not a real term and it doesn't make sense.

[@Rhonettala187]

I think it's "Health" and not "Healthy" for HAES. I think that makes a big difference in how I view it. I struggle as an obese person with an ED and it sucks for doctors to only see my physical appearance and tell me that all my issues would go away if I just lost weight. It's frustrating and just makes you feel worthless because you can't look like a photoshopped Instagram model.

[@MultiFandom8isFate]

There's always a thin line. Though we don't want body shaming, accepting the FACTS that obesity is harmful needs to be in their train of thought as well.

[@shelleyverma4822]

True!!! Also I love your username :)

[@MultiFandom8isFate]

@RandomDragon I see your point and yes I agree. People's understanding are so shallow this age.

[@MultiFandom8isFate]

@@shelleyverma4822 Oh...Hehe. I happen to be a K-Pop fan.

[@shelleyverma4822]

@@MultiFandom8isFate Same here! :) I love so many K-pop groups

[@MarieAntoinetteandherlittlesis]

Body positivity means our bodies come in all different shapes, sizes and colors, and we should love and care for ourselves no matter what. It doesn’t mean that we encourage horrible habits, and ignore legit medical advice. Why is this so hard to grasp?

[@beepboop4016]

Well it turned the other way I’m skinny and I’ve said on Tiktok like oh yea me too I feel bodyshamed by my family a lot with the eat a burger or are you starving urself and everyone goes well that’s not body shaming that’s helping you or oh wow look the skinny girls talking when I thought body positivity was positivity for all bodies but it switched for some sad reason

[@olivermountjoy6069]

it's not the people with beliefs like yours that are problematic, it's those who do ignore medical advice and promote obesity, like the backlash adele received for losing weight

[@eli2210]

This person missed the point lmao

[@stephsaguudefan1753]

But acting like it's okay to weigh 500 pounds IS encouraging harm. Weighing more doesn't mean you're less of a person, but it does mean you're less healthy. Saying "it doesn't matter" is not the right message to send to young people. It DOES matter. Your quality and length of life matters or it should.

[@swolfe9668]

no overweight people should not be told any positive or healthy comments that only encourages bad choices and behavior

[@kakarotuchiha8662]

Its all about time and a place, constantly putting someone down for their weight with the intention of shaming them is wrong, at the same time telling someone who's overweight that they're healthy is also wrong. But also telling someone they're unhealthy when they never asked you is also rude.

[@jlhmyers75]

I support being positive to the point of common sense. I was called fat at 5’9, 140 lbs. I hated myself, and thought I was ugly. That was a perfectly healthy weight for my height! It lead to a lifetime of weight issues.

[@io2255]

I think people forget, health and weight is not exactly tied to morality. You are not a bad person if you are fat. You are still worthy of respect and love.

[@nickc3856]

Fact check: false

[@lorry2212]

Why should a fat person not get the same respect as a person with "normal" weight?

[@almi2232]

illy billy It’s not tied to morality but it is tied to mortality. Wishing you good health.

[@nickc3856]

@@lorry2212 because they're fat

[@InTrancedState]

@@lorry2212 they don't care about their body enough to keep it healthy so how can you trust they are diligent in the other areas of their life? How you treat your body is a direct indicator of what kind of person you are

[@HeatherGerhardt]

It's because we have "sick care" not health care". We treat illness, very little preventative care.

[@tr3vk4m]

It's true.

[@Xiaotian88]

I think that's very odd, actually. My German health insurance is really pushing their app which will remind you of regular checkups/vaccinations that you can do free of charge. Their thinking is that they want you to stay as healthy as possible or recognize a serious illness as early as possible so your treatment will cost them less in the long run. Which makes total sense to me. An insurance is pretty stupid for letting you get sick when it is avoidable.

[@moonafarms1621]

Exactly Heather, because prescription refills makes the income for the pharmaceutical industry, and the physicians get incentives for prescribing these maintenance medications! Pharmaceutical reps come in and provide expensive, recurrent lunches for hospitals and offices for a reason!!!

[@jessicaedmonds9406]

Yes!! So much yes!!

[@SwordPetalRose]

welcome to america

[@petercat926]

Dr Mike. Appreciate your show. LIfestyle is critical. When is lifestyle determined? Primarily when you were a kid. Did your parents take you to parks, encourage an active lifestyle, discourage sugar, promote sports and activities as important. Did they discourage TV and screen time? These habits are set for a lifetime and difficult to overcome. I only have one real regret as a parent - that I did not promote even more activity among my kids. The consequences last for a lifetime. AND IT IS HARD AS A PARENT TO BATTLE. Sugar is constantly pushed on KIDS from every direction. People think that giving kids sugar is good for them! Adults handing kids cans of pringles to eat. IT IS CRAZY. Please focus some efforts on things parents can do to combat the societal pressure to eat more and exercise less! It is a matter of life and death.

[@kevin_dasilva]

Great conversation! Just a few months ago I discovered Dr. Jason Fung who also talks a lot about Bariatric Surgery (as well as other methods) to reverse type 2 diabetes! Amazing to see more of this type of discussion. The notion that this disease is a chronic and progressive disease is going to be a thing of the past! 😁

[@Sarah-ih1pj]

I heard someone say once: Loving yourself includes loving and treating your body well. So if you want to love your body, treat it well.

[@juliarunn5009]

YES

[@phuqurfeeling]

People are unfortunately getting that message. If they truly loved their body, they would take better care of it.

[@dragonicbladex7574]

@@phuqurfeeling Alternatively people could end up saying they dont love their body, or they're neutral, I personally dont really care enough to eat healthily, although I dont really get any adverse effects from it, my willpower is already spread thin with other things which would be made more difficult by one, spreading it with another thing and 2 taking away one of the few things I enjoy, n all that, I wonder what to do in my case. I suppose I just hope it doesnt bring any problems at some point.

[@cutieprincess431]

I like his interview style a lot. Let’s the expert finish their complete thoughts, with meaningful probes that help trigger detailed answers. Great interview.

[@laurarichelle3270]

I just had gastric bypass surgery on 8/18/22. I had to accept the body I’m in, and love myself before I was ready to make the decision to have the surgery. I’m having some unexpected problems, but doing what I can to get through it. I’m excited for this new life. My primary is fantastic too. He knows that I am well aware of my weight. He never pushed, and I ended up making the decision to do the bypass on my own. He was super supportive of it, of course.

[@stephenskuse4769]

Thanks Dr. Mike for this video. I myself suffer from being obesity and haven't been able to shed the weight. I've already been working with a nutritionist and I was surprised that I've gained weight, as opposed to losing it. This is really demoralizing. Will be discussing other options with my doctor.

[@jackalnerf6230]

My dad just broke the 100lbs weight loss mark after his bariatric surgery. He is working out and moving and feeling happy with himself. I am eternally grateful for that medical innovation. I have been scared my whole life that my children wouldn’t be able to meet my amazing father.

[@Daniellapalo]

Yay!

[@SpiralCee]

My sister DIED because she was morbidly obese. The doctors were TOO KIND to her and she didn't feel that her weight and comorbidities would ever be FATAL. Now her three preteen girls have to grow up without their mother. Doctors have to tell obese people the truth about how deadly being morbidly obese can be. 😭

[@MHjort9]

That's sad, and i feel bad for you, but any person fat enough to die from it is fully aware of the problem. When i don't work out for a week in a row, i feel worse. when i don't work out for multiple weeks to a month, i start to notice weird pains, tiredness etc. I've never been overweight, and never will be, simply because of the discomfort it brings. Though it helps, it's not the doctors duty to tell you not to be obese, so please don't blame them. Anyone with 2 braincells rubbing together knows this. The rest is just excuses

[@brandonnguyen3955]

@@MHjort9 it is the doctor’s duty to tell you are overweight...what?

[@EdgarRazorlip]

Just so you're aware, a lot of obesity is caused by either mental illness, disability or poverty. It's not as simple as oh yeah I'll just go to the gym every day and make salads.

[@lenley.1379]

@@EdgarRazorlip yes, that is exactly why her doctors should have aknowledged her diagnosis and discuss possible treatments instead of being "kind"

[@dragonicbladex7574]

@@EdgarRazorlip A lot, but not all, so it's worth to get that advice out of the way first, imo

[@Shawnne86]

What an important conversation. Thank you!

[@Moeller750]

Honestly, I think the simple fact of seeing a fat person talk about having a healthy relationship with exercise is a landslide in the right direction. When you're struggling with obesity (especially during your childhood or teenage years), exercise and sports can be downright traumatic. Adults in your life, will use it as punishment for gaining weight and peers will bully and stigmatize you everytime you attempt to exercise in public. Sports is supposed to be fun, for god's sake! Difficult, sure, but fun! So, for the love of everything good, let's normalize exercise and sports at every size

[@inessuinaga3343]

I completely stand against body shaming, either it’s skinny shaming or fat shaming. But being on either one of these extremes is not healthy. But people on these extremes need help and support, not bullying and shaming.

[@evalynn1863]

I'm fat and I'm healthy.

[@Anuyushi]

I'm fairly underweight and ended up having a low blood sugar attack from my lack of eating. I'm not anywhere near diabetic, I don't have any health issues because of my weight, and yet it still happened because it was a response to an unhealthy extreme. The same can happen to obese people. There may not be health issues now but if you keep denying and ignoring the risks, it doesn't matter how healthy you think you are, it's going to happen. A heart attack can come at any moment, high blood pressure can hit at any moment, even when you were previously tested and completely healthy at that time. After my attack, I still don't have any health issues related to my weight. It can happen without warning.

[@airplanes_aren.t_real]

"Do everything in moderation... except moderation, you have to do that all the time" - graystillplays(I think)

[@APoliticalConfusionAndMess]

LOL, no.

[@user-gu8gr7ub1y]

This message I am writing is not directed towards you, I believe you are a nice person. But with this way of thinking other people often do as much harm as those haters. I am fat and to be honest, I don't need random people's support or shaming. I need random people to mind their own business and look into their own plate. You have no idea how often people I know just told me about their diets, doctors, yt food advice etc. Some random ones were okay stopping me on a street and telling me they were obese and what helped them. You know what's bad in that? This love and support are destructive, because to a fat person, it shows you equal her value and her weight. You believe her weight-loss would make her more attractive as a human, as a professional or anything. Meaning now she is not worthy enough. Unless you are close friends or directly asked for support, we - fat people - just want you, - "healthy people" (who eat absolutely unhealthy most of the time, but just slim or show up in gym now and then) - to not come to us with your opinion and advice and don't bring weight in matters that have nothing to do with it. Not your support or your help or your love. Those are acceptable if I am doing weight loss and I show it on social media or ask you for help, then yes. But not out of nowhere.

[@evacope1718]

It makes me angry and sad when popular plus size celebrities get shamed to death when they decide to work out and be healthy for themselves, so many of their fans (whom are maybe over-weight and struggling) looked to them for validity and get angry when they want to loose the weight. People should just encourage others to do their best and be supportive of what happens, but its disgusting that some people would rather see their idols unhappy and unhealthy just to make themselves feel better.

[@DLCS-2]

Are you speaking about Adele . I don't know anyone else ?

[@shividwivedi23]

@@DLCS-2 lizzo

[@InklingThe]

My issue is ONLY with celebrities that made their size a bragging point and then lose weight. So, not Adele or Lizzo, both of them flat out said "this is me take it or leave it" and i love that. But there are musicians in particular who skinny shamed women and then got skinny and i hate that. But mostly I hate body shaming at ANY size.

[@katattacksweetheart]

What world do you live in? That didn't happen.

[@lele-sm4od]

@@katattacksweetheart Research the Lizzo situation.

[@caraland]

This was the most logical conversation I have ever seen about this topic.

[@gargisingh4587]

the thing is we all are so positive and so supportive ,though the msg is right to love ourselves no matter of our size but we forget that eating healthily and exercising daily is not because we are unhappy with ourselves but simply because keeping our body healthy is also a kind of self love. And the size is more about your body shape which is kind of what you are born with.

[@queuing_jupiter535]

The way I see it is that it’s “healthy” to see people of bigger shapes and sizes to be seen doing exercise and healthy activities. Edit : I am overweight myself so I understand what it’s like to be fat. It’s just in the pictures they are clearly in active wear and one model is in a yoga pose. In general you don’t see fat people working out represented in mainstream media. In my opinion that is good as it encourages people to exercise. As we know that is good for not only your physical health but your mental health. Factually being obese is bad for you and I’m not taking away from that. It’s just being in a healthy weight range is not attainable for everyone as there are so many contributing factors to someone’s weight. The least we can do as a society is be inclusive and encourage everyone to engage in “healthy” activities. Ps Thank you for all the engagement x

[@teaseekinggremlin5004]

That's what I was thinking too but I think its people's interpretation that's the problem. Everyone's getting different ideas

[@bobberry1463]

Just because you can do healthy activities doesn't mean you are healthy

[@thedoormouse3371]

@@bobberry1463 No but exercise helps you be healthy and if overweight people feel like they can’t exercise then they are not going to be healthy

[@StoneOfMoon]

Kinda lame, but I noticed I was getting healthier when I could walk up a set of stairs without losing my breath. That’s how I can tell my fitness level 😂

[@kathrynfike3402]

Totally agree. Engaging in exercise is a healthy activity for everyone and so showing people of larger sizes removes the stigma that only fit people should be seen doing exercise. No one decides to start exercising and the next day has one of the few body types shown in the media as being physically fit. So showing people at different stages of their physical fitness journey, as well as the many body types that are physically fit and healthy, is important.

[@MissM_PsychCrime]

I am obese and am regularly ashamed of how I look. A few years back, I walked to a local bar to meet friends. I felt great that day, I had won Greatest Slimmer award with my weight loss group. I'd dropped more than 40lb in a few months. That was all ruined when a car of guys drove past and called me some really ugly words associated with my weight. I turned round, went home and didn't leave me house for weeks. Even now, I won't go out unless it's dark out so I can't be seen. I've even had to convert to working from home. Thanks to Doctor Mike's advice and views, I have recently started a weight loss journey with advice from my GP. Please be kind to people who are obese. Support them, be kind, take time to listen to their personal stories - many of us are struggling due to things in our past. I was abused, in every way you can imagine. It has an impact! I became an emotional eater when I used to be incredibly healthy, active and athletic. Don't add to the pain, be part of the foundation that gives us strength.

[@graveraider1029]

You are 100% in control of your emotions and how you react to peoples negative comments

[@Tam_Eiki]

@Curvy Chelle McShorty Good for you that you're taking action and working with your GP. Please don't listen to people who only give negative advice. You can do it! BTW, I need to drop a good 60 lbs (or more), and I'm working my way toward finding something that will work within my physical abilities and not my disabilities. Good luck to you. ;)

[@dragonflygecko]

U never know someone's journey be kind always

[@thesophisticatedtarzan1797]

People who call you names are just insecure themselves and want to feel better by berating others. Don't let those disappoints of life, stop you from chasing your goals, and become even more healthy.

[@icarusgotooclose]

@@graveraider1029 cool. What a helpful comment. 'oh people bullying you made things harder for you? Well that's your own fault, definitely not the bully's fault, toughen up.' has that ever worked? Like ever?

[@thaynagh]

Love that you brought an expert. Her ideas are great

[@RPAS1234]

A very nuanced conversation. Thank you

[@ghostofvalor4349]

Can you do an episode on depression? The potential causes, the different ways of thinking that come with it, and how to break away from negative thought patterns, etc ...

[@shannahtheninjaneko6927]

I mean he is a health doctor, he doesnt deal with mental issues. But maybe, just maybe, I hope so.

[@guofangyu3846]

Oh no:(( are you okay, do you need someone to talk to?

[@mundaneamazing]

2 things I'd like to share: 1. your general practitioner can ABSOLUTELY diagnose a mental health issue and prescribe medicine 2. If you have health insurance, it is much more helpful to get advice from a doctor tailored SPECIFICALLY TO YOU. My partner and I both have major depressive disorder and anxiety and we treat them in completely different ways because they affect us differently, our hormones and genetics affect our mental states differently. And if you can talk to a therapist or conselor (there are free services out there!) they will be able to help you work through things much better than a video can.

[@matthijsnorg9281]

@@shannahtheninjaneko6927 he does though. Family docters are trained for many types of mental care

[@matthijsnorg9281]

@@sapirlife3217 Go to your own docter. That's I think what hé would say if he sees this

[@DrCellini]

Love this. Dr. Salles dropping truth!

[@keirahealy7082]

Wow another doctor I saw you comment on dr mike last video he posted it’s nice to see a another amazing doctor watch dr mike ❤️❤️❤️

[@janaafoxx]

Good to know that doctors watch another doctor's videos

[@SnickersEatsCookies]

@@janaafoxx definently

[@isamash112]

Just saw your vlog come in my recommended. Going to watch it after this.

[@randaya5854]

I know that every size beautiful, but tbh, those people should've known the risk that comes with being obese. Not a personal attack, but a true fact

[@CaitlinGrant-cb6rw]

What I took from the initial explanation Lindo Bacon explained was idea that you need to wait to adopt healthy habits(going to the gym, eating nutritious meals, getting and staying hydrated) until you are thin isn’t necessary and adopting even one healthy habit will help more than excepting your fate. It has been really misconstrued.

[@coinwater8511]

As someone with many overweight people in my family (and I'm a bit overweight myself), being overweight is a serious health risk. Socially it doesn't change how I look at people or interact with people. However, it's just dangerous to act like being overweight doesn't affect health. The same goes for being underweight.

[@auroramadariaga4081]

Doctor Mike, you may not read this comment in the sea of comments you get in your channel but I just want to thank you for tackling this topic with respect and objectivity as it should be. I have overweight and I've been trying to reduce it for years. Last year I joined a gym with a nutritional program that's meant to re-educate the eating habits. So it doesn't count calories, but instead it measures what of each food group we eat. And it works. Sadly with the never ending lockdown here in Germany the gyms have been closed for more than half a year. I miss going and chatting with the fellow members and trainers as we work out. This pandemic is also taking a toll on all of us psychologically. Germany has been closed for so long, there are so many restrictions out there, it's depressing to even go out to the street for a walk. Every day is Groundhog day, if you know what I mean. That also affects people's weight. We wrongly tend to search for endorphin and dopamine in snacks or things that can give us a shot of fleeting joy. I do notice that some doctors tend to berate over-weighted patients, and that's a big reason to be reluctant to even seek medical assistance. Maybe they do it unconsciously... I wish more people in the medical world talked about this like you have in this video.

[@OperaticEnigmatic]

Sending support from Germany as well. This pandemic had me reach a weight I've never been in. It's really hard here, and my depression hit an all time high. I hope things would get better for all of us soon ❤

[@ellingtonlilly]

Being over or underweight makes in very hard to seek assistance. Wether it’s extremely or mildly on either end, it causes fear because almost no one feels comfortable asking for that type of help for various reasons. I truly hope that everyone struggling with mental or physical issues due to or caused by weight gets enough support that they don’t need to have that reluctance that you mentioned.

[@melw2389]

Hi Aurora. Lovely name btw. I'm German as well and I'd like to you ask for the name of this gym/ nutritional program. I'd love to try it myself. In which federal state do you live? I've so far lost 20 kg on my own, but still have lots to lose. Thank you in advance. xx

[@melw2389]

@@OperaticEnigmatic Big hug.

[@annaireinova3195]

Sending virtual hugs from the Czech Republic, I hope your doing better!

[@alexandriashorten7478]

At my highest weight of 160lbs at 5’4 I felt rough! I had sore knees, winded easily, fatigued... I’m down to 138lbs now from eating really well and exercising more regularly and my energy is insane! I get loving yourself where you’re at, but loving yourself means treating your body with respect and care. ❤️

[@isamash112]

That's great! I am so proud of you.

[@keirahealy7082]

That’s AMAZING 🤩 keep up the good 😌 work!!!!

[@Theorangecrushgamer]

I'd be unhealthy skinny at 160. I'm 230

[@aurorashine4745]

That’s so great of you🤗 Love the thinking of the selflove ✨totally agree

[@mariee.5912]

wow, great. keep it going.

[@diamondstud322]

Great video, very good points made. I think the only thing that wasn’t really mentioned is how much more needs to be done to educate and enable young people. Over the last decade or so, I think a lot of things were happening with school lunch programs and trying to get children thinking more about how to eat healthy….I’m not sure what the status of those programs are now. I know that one chef in particular, Jamie Oliver, very very passionate about this. Would love if you might pursue this topic further.

[@irishcoco725]

The lack of understanding that people can in fact be happy & fat rather than miserable & skinny. I have lost 100lbs before and I had the worst mental health of my life. I was depressed, self conscious and obsessed with my weight. Every morsel that went in my mouth was accounted for, weighed & measured, scrutinized & moralized.

[@Aytgl]

You can just exercise regularly and eat whatever you want, Not that hard

[@cilanatroisbetterthanparsley]

You can eat healthy without counting calories.

[@JosephEGlaser]

While no one should be shamed for body size, deluding people into thinking that body shape extremes of any kind do not have health consequences is a disservice and hurts patients and their loved ones. This includes people with obesity, anorexia nervosa, bodybuilders abusing PEDs and others. As physicians we are trying to get people to have the longest best life possible and things like this make it hard to help people. This video is well done, nice job Dr. Mike!

[@ghoulatypical3173]

Why can't comments like this get more attention? This is kind, considerate and gets the point across nicely. Thank you

[@bicokun]

“We don’t have a clear cut way for 95% of people to lose weight on their own and keep it off long term” ~ Dr. Mike Given this fact, why are we concerned about “deluding people” about whether their weight is healthy? This is still approaching weight as a moral issue, like people just choose to get fat. That’s not the case for the overwhelming majority. As stated in the video, people’s bodies have a set weight they tend toward no matter what you do. That’s why everyone on my dad’s side is obese even when many of them have been on keto or Atkins or work out at the gym all day. And even the health risks aren’t actually understood, with the only thing we know being heavy causes is some joint stress. Hell, obese and “healthy weight” people have the same average life spans. Overweight people have the longest lifespan. Underweight have the lowest. And too many physicians focus on weight first, letting actual health problems go unchecked under the assumption that weight must be the underlying or at least aggravating factor when many times it is not. I really think we ought to reset a lot of the medical practice around the actual conclusions of the research literature.

[@neonice]

@@bicokun People's bodies don't have a set weight they simply gravitate towards. Being obese or underweight isn't a natural thing it's either a severe lifestyle problem or related to a medical condition.

[@neonice]

@@bicokun Also that study you're relating to claiming "overweight people live the longest" talks about people who had a normal BMI until around 40 years of age. The same study also found that people who were obese at age 31 and continued to gain weight lived the shortest lives.

[@bellbanana]

@@bicokun As someone with obese and overweight family members, obesity is definitely not hard wired into a person’s genetics but rather a product of their lifestyle and environment. And our eating/exercise habits are often something we inherit from our families and friends. My uncle, aunt, and their two kids are all obese or overweight and it’s not because they were destined to be overweight no matter what they do, but because they generally eat foods that are heavy in carbs and fat and rarely exercise. My immediate family members are also obese or overweight and I myself was overweight until I moved out to a different city and started picking up different eating/exercise habits. Yes not everyone is naturally a super skinny person and what is a healthy weight for me isn’t necessarily going to be a healthy weight for other people. But obesity falls completely outside the bounds of normal weight gain. I’m seriously worried for some of my family members because their weight has begun to affect things like their sleep and their breathing. That’s not normal or healthy and i hate to think that I don’t have much more time left with some of my loved ones because of it.

[@yasseressa1696]

He's got balls for talking about this, they'll be coming after him

[@badgirlhalodiscount1854]

Even after being called fatophobic Idk how to spell it!! Ignore it if it's wrong!

[@kathrynsavage4121]

Dr. Mike isn't saying anything on KZbin that he wouldn't say in his office. I've had and have conversations with my PCP and still trust and respect him. What's missing is how hard it is to qualify for bariatric surgery when the surgeons at least in my area won't even see a patient who doesn't have $500 cash walking in the door.

[@amelonwithocd]

Ikr? People are already calling him fatphobic. But he’s not scared nor discouraged. So much respect for him.

[@bluemoth6854]

I think they already did..

[@alexandernoe1619]

@@amelonwithocd Some of them probably work at McDonalds and depend on people being big enough to eat a lot.

[@user-kb8qw7dy4t]

As a magazine editor, none of this has ever even occurred to me before. I'm sure Cosmo was just thinking, "This is what our readers seem to want based on the current culture."

[@maefitzpatrick5560]

A very well done video! I truly wish people would look at the long-term health side of weight loss versus just viewing it as aesthetic. Health concerns were what drove mine. I’m 5’2 and I got up to 204 lbs and 44% body fat, and I had the harsh realization that outside of feeling depressed from insecurity, I was exposed to so many health risks and sad declining fitness levels. I knew I needed to lose a significant amount of weight, and I needed help. I hired a health coach who helped me overhaul my diet and establish good habits and regular exercise. In the past 10 months, I’ve lost 60 lbs and 14% of my body fat. My fitness level now surpasses what it was in my teen years and most of my friends’. Just seeing my weight and body fat back in the low-risk/healthy range was the most important to me. Losing weight is hard, but potentially taking years off your life/causing your body pain, damaging your quality of life and limiting activities you can do is WAY HARDER. Only 7 more lbs to my goal weight. Highly encourage anyone in that position to ask for help. It’s worth it.

[@auroreimbert6451]

Remember that you can't hate yourself into a version of yourself that you would love better.

[@thejessifar4619]

Amen!

[@TeaWithTash_]

THis! This! This! I think that’s the thing they should talk more!

[@flaredemon9959]

Agree to disagree In case of body fat it's kinda possible Turn that hate into rage And rage into motivation .. And you'll be surprised how well the results come !! But emotionally What you said is absolutely true !!!

[@DivaDelgado128]

Wisdom drop!

[@DivaDelgado128]

@@flaredemon9959 how can you agree to disagree AND love what was written?

[@jeremyjudkins]

Thank you for this video. My husband suffered from a stroke two years ago and he over eats a lot and has to lose about 100 pounds. Being overweight is such a hard topic for the general population. I try to encourage him to eat healthy, blah blah blah, but it just turns to him accusing me of calling him fat. His memory is really bad and actually FORGETS he eats and just constantly snacks throughout the day. He constantly begs me to take him to McDonalds, Popeyes, etc.... which I refuse and it leads to arguments etc. Dr. Mike.. any tips to help someone like this lose weight?

[@luloba18]

that happens where ppl forget what they eat or how much. sticking to certain eating times consistently and keeping a log can help to recognise how much one actually consumes. no need to track food in regards to calories or anything although it could help, but simply to see it written down can help a person really understand the volume of foods they eat, or maybe what foods they eat too much of (even if they do generally eat healthy) etc

[@MrPepa-nj8vz]

Don't restrict too much. The more you refuse your cravings the more you'll overeat until you satisfy that missing craving you have. I also overeat sometime but once I already eat my cravings I really don't want to eat that food after or just choose to eat less because I already have a taste of something I want. Losing weight is a process.. A slow one. It doesn't happen in months but you can see results in a healthy way

[@reallifepsych3309]

I agree. Part of being happy is being healthy

[@KatZwe]

If he really "forgets" what he eats, a log / food diary wood really help, just to visualise how much it is over the day. With the fast food cravings - maybe start with compromise, instead of not having it at all, go to McDonalds but have a Salad with the Burger instead of fries. And the third thing, for a lot of people food brings comfort, while life is stressfull and complicated... help your husband to find that comfort in something else. Try out new hobbies together, tell him, you love love him and show it to him.

[@AlisaMeyer97]

See a licensed dietician and go on walks with hubby! Dieticians are qualified and understand the psychological aspects of it, the walks get him moving to burn more calories than he would usually do. Try finding some form of physical activity you both enjoy!

[@ndoomeedo965]

I ❤ how Dr. Mike carefully chose his words

[@victorialee1239]

I was ready for this video to be shameful and judgmental. I was so pleasantly surprised that this was a very positive and compassionate conversation. Thank you.

[@lukeflaherty4806]

I’m afraid to talk about these things because you can literally get attacked for what you say

[@feedmeastraycat8247]

and that is so fucking sad but you SHOULD be afraid. People have lost their jobs for saying the truth and in one of the fattest countries of the world it’s evil that Cosmopolitan would even dare to even do this

[@justagirllivinglife3663]

I think weight is such a touchy topic because fat people are treated poorly and I think ppl get Defensive. Food addiction is also a disease like drugs and alcohol. If the conversation is already opened then speak your truth but don’t open the conversation to an obese person for no reason.

[@justagirllivinglife3663]

I’m an obese person trying to lose weight and am eating healthy and I’m just imagining how I would feel if someone came up to me taking about health when I’m already trying to be healthy.

[@lukeflaherty4806]

@@justagirllivinglife3663 I agree, it is touchy. But if someone is speaking about it on their channel or whatever and then get attacked for it I think that’s wrong

[@lukeflaherty4806]

@@justagirllivinglife3663 of course, that’s unnecessary but I’m talking about the people who get mad over people discussing it on their videos and saying its bad to say being obese is unhealthy

[@bleepbloop9123]

I don’t think people who aren’t obese realize how much pure hate we get. I have had strange men on the street make disparaging comments about how disgusting I looked, etc. I’m in the process of losing over 100 pounds but the BEST thing people can do to support obese people is to just ignore us as we lose weight! Not making negative comments in the gym & when we exercise is the BEST HELP.

[@craiied]

Theres no way a sane person is gonna stop out of there day to say how disgusting you look. Nobody really cares that much about you. The average america is obeste in my whole life ive never seen anyone make fun of a random obeste person on the street if this is false then you have a sad tik tok victim mindset where u have to be a victim 24/7 for attention and sympothy

[@dansacco1964]

Making negative comments in the gym is about as evil as it gets. Simply showing up to the gym requires more motivation than most people have. Best of luck on your journey. Dont let haters win.

[@liannna212]

You have to be evil or plain stupid to criticise and ridicul other people at the gym.... just ignore them they have no authority they are pathetic and deeply insecure. But huge congrats on your journey! It takes loads of strength and courage to start !!

[@Hans-um6lu]

@@dansacco1964 Me who was a fat person, i can relate with this alot. I do think everyone in should get in form, but only for their own health benifit both mental and physical. Even if they have a medical diagnosis. Being fat is a health problem, not something to be proud off. Did you know most fat people have actually a lack of vitamines or have thyroid problems. alot of people get fat from medications too. not forgetting that rich multinationals made healthy food expansive and commercialized the food secotr, so poor people end up eating shittier food. I'm against the normalizing of health problems, but some people are vile.

[@Hans-um6lu]

@@liannna212 to be honest, i often give these people advice and support them.

[@Jerepasaurus]

Also important to note that some people live the best they can but genetics and other medical issues are often out of their control. At 20 years old at 5'3" and 245 lbs, roughly 50% body fat, I was eating light, mostly home cooked meals, I love meat and veggies, hydrated plenty, and walked 4 miles a day, 5 days a week, plus worked a full time job that required me to stand and walk all day long. I never lost weight at any point. I was always a sturdy built little kid, and was born a 10 pound baby. I have PCOS, and have always had issues properly processing sugars, but doctors never properly diagnosed either of these things, nor my Autism, and my family refused to help me get free insurance when I could no longer work after moving away from the city where I had more job availability and public transit. I have several issues due to long term medical neglect because my family didn't care, and I am most definitely a few years into being a diabetic, as well as now having other chronic issues that leave me less mobile and unable to work jobs like I once did. I've done everything I can while having no encouragement and no emotional support, but as someone that hasn't even been able to hug a friend in over 15 years and suffering a lifetime of emotional abuse, it's very hard to keep going. Not every obese person is eating badly, or being lazy, or just slacking. Some of us just are this way no matter what and we don't need drowned in false concern. Real medical input is perfectly acceptable, but seldom is everyone's issue just "eat better and change your lifestyle". Some of us can't afford to even do that, and many of the most common options that work for others, don't all work for us. Some of us unfortunately just take more time and help than most people can or want to give us.

[@nathanjohnson3668]

I do feel for you for sure. I was in denial for years on how light I was eating and getting frustrated on not losing weight. I started counting calories and stopped cheating myself by not including certain things. I started weighing all my food. Every bit. Took like 6-months to figure out my trends but I was thinking I was eating light but actually eating like 3000+ calories. Some of the “healthiest” foods are some of the highest calorie too. Fast forward like 2 more years and I’ve finally figured out what foods I like that stay in my calorie deficit range and figured out that right combination of intake and exercise that has allowed me to lose weight. I’m a 5’9” man and have to eat like 1600 calories while walking 4 miles a day and lifting heavy for my body to actually lose weight. Some fat loss supplements also helped in curbing those hunger cravings in the morning and evening too. I’m saying all this just to say, sometimes we think we are eating light and good, but our bodies clearly see it a different way. You have to find what works for your body and not cheat yourself on the weighing, the program inputs, etc. you got the rest of your life to figure it out. I know you can do it. You got this!!!!

[@hillowl4977]

I bought a tone of stuff for a salad for 3 people for a whole week and only spent $40. With the chicken it was about $54 for the week. Sometimes people just don't know how to buy food cheaper. Part of my job right now is helping people learn how to buy cheaper and it's always been healthier. The difference is that they have to cook. I always recommend hone made freezer meals for busy people!

[@studentmario5620]

I wish childhood obesity was a bigger part of this conversation. It was impossible for me to lose weight while under the care of my father. As an adult I've dropped my weight but it was incredibly hard because I was large for my entire life. I'm glad you brought up mood disorders, the number 1 thing that allowed me to lose weight was Bupropion for my depression.

[@Kimmie6772]

it's such an important issue. I'm not even overweight but I'm having trouble figuring out healthy meals to eat that I like because my family never taught me how to cook or eat vegetables besides either raw or boiled and the thought of having just one meal without a helping of a substantial amount of meat feels strange and wrong. we also need to normalize breakfast foods that aren't just straight up dessert.

[@Gr8tBlueHeron]

This is such a big issue. Childhood obesity is either a medical issue (that is the parent's responsibility to address), or poor dietary habits (that is the parent's responsibility to address). When your kids already get to adulthood in poor health with poor habits, they face an uphill struggle for the rest of their days.

[@howdyyall4335]

I pray you're doing well. God bless 💓

[@Soeia.ElliotClark]

Not to mention the key factors that can play into children developing obesity. I.e. diabetes and insulin resistance. Environment plays a huge role in how children view food, and some people can never get away from it. As sad as that is, how we are raised, or the lack thereof, education on food and nutrition, and the environment we have no say in being raised in, all forms our behavior as adults. Mental health is the biggest hindsight here.

[@MFYouTube683]

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is really an exceptional substance with great potential, it helps and is registered as an anti-smoking agent (apart from being MSAS)

[@kurotsuki7427]

I liked that the people on the magazine were being active.

[@honeyboo9902]

yeah. it shows that you should take care of yourself no matter what your body looks like. i think its great

[@brendielahooha]

I think that was the point

[@flutenanyidk1806]

I think what it could mean is that they're trying to take care of themselves.

[@cminor3016]

Thank you for clarifying this.

[@mackcummy4976]

It's costly to society too. The medical system pays for these people and they can't work as much.