Saturday | Health & Wellness

Obesity: Understanding the Why, Not Just the Weight

I’m short and thick myself—and yes, I fall into the obese category.

I’ve never claimed the title of “healthy plus-petite.” I know better than that. I live in this body every day, and I’ve been living with chronic pain since 2000. That matters. Context matters.

And of course, doctors will say it—many of us need to lose weight.

✋ I’m raising my hand too.

But here’s the part that often gets skipped: how did we get here?

What is our why?

For me, it’s not overeating. If I’m being honest, I probably don’t eat enough. And I definitely don’t eat enough protein. My bigger issue is movement—or the lack of it—because chronic hip arthritis and now lumbar radiculopathy make movement painful and exhausting. Even small movement feels like work.

When your body hurts, you don’t move the way you should—even in simple ways.

One thing I know helps me is the swimming pool. Water gives me low-impact movement without punishing my joints. I’ve done it before. I need to gently push myself back into that routine, because it’s valuable—not because it’s trendy, but because it works for my body.

Another truth I’m learning to name: since returning to Seattle in 2023, I’ve had to face being labeled as disabled. That label is real—but it’s also heavy. There’s something about identifying with it that can quietly sink into your spirit. Add chronic constipation to the mix—something many people don’t talk about—and suddenly you’re dealing with back pain, discomfort, and systems that just don’t move the way they should.

All of this stacks.

So what’s the answer—for me and for you?

Not extremes.

Not punishment.

Not shame.

Realistic Wellness Looks Like This

Finding regular, realistic ways to move—even if it’s gentle and slow

Drinking water (warm water especially helps digestion)

Eating fruits and vegetables

Daily protein intake

Prioritizing sleep

And here’s something I strongly recommend:

Create a simple journal or chart.

Track:

What you eat and drink

How much you move

How you sleep

At first, you might be surprised—maybe even uncomfortable—when you see what your real routine looks like.

But awareness isn’t punishment. It’s information. And information gives you the power to adjust with compassion instead of judgment.

One last thing to keep in mind:

Our skeletal structure isn’t meant to carry unnecessary or unhealthy weight forever. That’s not a moral statement—it’s a physical one. Bones, joints, and nerves feel the load. Over time, they speak up.

This isn’t about blame.

It’s about listening.

And choosing health in ways that are livable, sustainable, and kind.

Quick Health Note (Plain Talk)

Obesity is a complex, chronic condition—not a character flaw.

It’s influenced by genetics, environment, medications, medical conditions, stress, sleep, pain, and life itself.

Management is lifelong and individualized.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution.