Obesity Is Not a Body Type—It’s a Choice Jonathan Ressler, February 5, 2025February 5, 2025 For decades, I convinced myself that my weight was just part of who I was. I wasn’t just overweight—I was 411 pounds of self-inflicted pain, trapped in a body that was failing me. Uncontrolled gout attacks made every step agony. Atrial fibrillation had my heart racing unpredictably. And yet, for the longest time, I clung to the comforting lies society fed me: “You can be fat and healthy.” “Some people are just meant to be bigger.” “Weight loss is too hard.” Let’s get one thing straight: obesity is not a body type—it’s a choice. And it’s a choice that comes with real, life-threatening consequences. https://open.spotify.com/episode/1LAKXYRLB3cwN8bCyUX7eT The Brutal Truth: I Was Killing Myself I spent years in denial. I told myself that my body was just built this way, that I was unlucky, that my weight wasn’t really affecting me. But reality had other plans. Gout—a condition caused by excess uric acid in the blood—had me crippled with pain. Atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm, put me at risk for a stroke or heart attack. My blood pressure was through the roof. Walking across the room left me gasping for breath. I was stuck in an endless cycle of overeating, inactivity, and self-pity. One day, sitting in yet another doctor’s office, hearing yet another warning about my declining health, it finally hit me: This was my fault. Not genetics. Not my metabolism. Me. And that realization changed everything. The Myth of “Fat and Healthy” Let’s address one of the biggest lies floating around today: the idea that you can be both overweight and in good health. The truth? There is no such thing as being both fat and healthy. Science backs this up. Excess weight increases the risk of: Heart disease Diabetes High blood pressure Joint problems and chronic pain Sleep apnea Shortened lifespan Can some overweight people appear to be healthy for a while? Sure. But excess weight is a ticking time bomb. It doesn’t matter if your bloodwork looks okay today—long-term, obesity is always destructive. Your body is not designed to carry excessive weight without consequences. Personal Accountability: The Hardest but Most Important Step Accepting that my obesity was a choice was both liberating and terrifying. It meant that if I wanted to live, I had to change. And that’s where personal accountability comes in. Weight loss doesn’t happen through excuses. It doesn’t come from blaming your genetics, your upbringing, your environment, or your stress levels. It comes from making better choices, every single day. Here’s the thing: weight loss is simple, but it’s not easy. The equation is straightforward—consume fewer calories than you burn. The challenge is in unlearning decades of bad habits, emotional eating, and self-sabotage. Step 1: Understanding That Food is Fuel For years, I treated food as comfort, entertainment, and reward. I mindlessly ate massive portions, snacked constantly, and drowned my problems in sugary drinks and fast food. The shift came when I started seeing food for what it really is: fuel. Instead of eating for pleasure, I started eating to nourish my body. Portion control became a game-changer. I stopped eating until I was stuffed and started eating until I was satisfied. Small, smart swaps made a difference. Instead of giant plates of pasta, I focused on lean proteins and vegetables. I cut out liquid calories—no more sodas, sugary coffees, or juices. Just water, black coffee, and unsweetened tea. I stopped eating out of boredom or emotions—if I wasn’t truly hungry, I didn’t eat. Step 2: Moving My Body (Without Hating It) At 411 pounds, traditional exercise was impossible. I could barely walk, let alone hit the gym. But instead of saying, “I can’t work out, so I can’t lose weight,” I asked myself, “What CAN I do?” I started with slow, 5-minute walks. When that became easier, I increased it to 10 minutes, then 15, then 30. I found movement I actually enjoyed—like swimming and biking—so it never felt like punishment. The truth is, you don’t have to kill yourself in the gym to lose weight. You just have to move more than you do now. Fat Activism vs. Real Health I need to address something controversial here: the fat activism movement. While body positivity is important and everyone deserves respect, there’s a dangerous trend emerging—glorifying obesity as an acceptable or even desirable state. Telling people that being 300+ pounds is okay is a lie.Telling people they should “embrace their curves” while ignoring serious health risks is irresponsible.Telling people that weight loss is “fatphobic” is absurd. Loving yourself should include taking care of yourself. And taking care of yourself means being honest about the health risks of obesity. This movement, while well-intended, often prioritizes feelings over facts. But facts don’t care about feelings. Excess weight shortens lives, increases disease risk, and reduces quality of life. That’s not an opinion—it’s science. If you truly love yourself, you will make choices that support a long, healthy life. Every Small Effort Counts One of the biggest lessons I learned in my weight loss journey is that you don’t have to be perfect to make progress. If you eat one healthier meal today, that’s a win. If you walk for 10 minutes instead of sitting on the couch, that’s a win. If you drink water instead of soda, that’s a win. Progress isn’t about massive, overwhelming changes overnight. It’s about making one small, smart choice at a time—and sticking with it. Final Thoughts: Take Ownership, Take Action If you’re struggling with your weight, I want you to know this: you are not broken. You are not doomed. You are not powerless. But you do have a choice. Obesity is not your identity—it’s a reflection of your choices. And choices can be changed. I am living proof that it’s never too late to turn your life around. I lost over 140 pounds, and I’m still going. My gout is under control. My heart is stronger. And most importantly, I finally feel free. It’s time to stop waiting for the “perfect moment” to start. The perfect moment is right now. Make one better choice today. Then another. Then another. And before you know it, you won’t just lose weight—you’ll gain a whole new life. You got this. 🚀 Podcast DietsJonathan ResslerLose WeightShut Up And ChooseTough LoveWeight Loss