Obese, But Not Ill: Why the Way We Talk About Weight Needs to Change

“Not everyone who has obesity has the disease of obesity. And not everyone who is overweight is going to end up obese.”

That quote from Oprah has stirred up all sorts of opinions online. She’s not everyone’s cup of tea, I know, but there’s something refreshingly real about what she said, and in my opinion, she’s not wrong. Because the way we talk about obesity has become a confusing mix of medical jargon, moral judgement, and half-truths.

Take me, for example. I weigh 95kg and I’m 5ft 7in tall. That puts me in the “obese” category by BMI standards. But that label doesn’t tell you I’m strong, that I train regularly, or that, aside from controlled high blood pressure, I’m healthy. These days I don’t walk around with washboard abs, though I once sported them. I’m not on a crusade to get them back either. I’ll settle for a good training session and less joint pain.

Last year, that BMI score made me eligible for Monjaro, one of the newer weight loss drugs. Technically, I qualified. Realistically, I didn’t need it. But after reading up on it and seeing it had no major side effects, I decided to experiment. That’s not to say I run experiments on every drug out there. I’ve never touched steroids, though I’ve certainly been tempted. And if it weren’t for my blood pressure, I’d probably be would have tried TRT by now (more on that another time).

From what I’ve heard directly from clients who’ve taken Wegovy or Monjaro, one of the biggest benefits is that it shuts down the food noise. That non-stop chatter in your head about what to eat next, what you’re craving, what’s in the fridge. For many people, that’s relentless. And I get it — when I’m dieting, hunger is part of the package. You’re eating less, you’re going to feel it. It’s like meditation. The moment you sit still, your mind fills with noise. Same goes for food.

But if that kind of noise has run your life, then yes, these medications can be a game changer. And if you need that kind of help, take it. No judgement here. Just don’t pin all your hopes on the meds. Strength training, better sleep, more movement, a shift in mindset, enough quality protein — those things still matter. Maybe more than ever.

Over the years, I’ve trained hundreds of people, some starting out obese, others arriving with visible abs and looking to get stronger. Some came to me fixated on a number — a goal weight, a target body fat percentage. But what often happens is that those numbers start to matter less. What replaces them is how they feel — how they move, how they sleep, how their clothes fit, how they show up in their own lives. That’s real change.

Experts like Dr Giles Yeo, who I follow online, have spent years talking about the biology behind obesity. It’s not just calories in versus calories out. Hormones, genetics, gut health — it all plays a role. Hunger isn’t simply in your stomach. It’s in your brain, in your history, in your body’s chemistry. For some people, managing weight will always be harder, and we need to stop pretending it’s just about willpower.

Dr Spencer Nadolsky, another voice I’ve followed closely, treats patients every day and sees how these medications are misunderstood. The stigma surrounding weight loss drugs is holding people back from getting help. We don’t shame people for taking insulin or blood pressure meds, but take something for obesity and suddenly people act like you’ve failed. That kind of thinking helps no one.

Sarah Le Brocq, someone whose work in the UK I deeply respect, has said it best: “Obesity is a complex condition, and people need support and understanding, not blame or shame.” That quote doesn’t need editing. It’s exactly what the conversation needs.

Even the British Medical Association now classifies obesity as a disease. That classification isn’t about slapping on a label. It’s about making sure people can access treatment and support. But – and this is important,  that doesn’t mean every person in the obese category is unwell. That’s what Oprah was getting at. And that’s what a lot of people online seem to be missing.

Health isn’t just a number on a chart. You can be lean and unwell. You can be overweight and thriving. There are far more useful ways to measure wellbeing –  your strength, your sleep, your ability to move, your mindset, your energy.

So no, not everyone with obesity has the disease of obesity. And not everyone who is overweight is on a path to sickness. That’s not a loophole or a soft opinion. It’s just reality.

And if you’re reading this wondering whether any of this applies to you, it probably does. Maybe you’ve been caught in the cycle of dieting, or maybe you’re worried you’ve let things slide. Either way, you don’t have to go it alone.

From Someone Who’s Been There (And Coaches People Every Day)

Over the years, I’ve worked with people from all walks of life. Some were frustrated, others were just curious, many were just tired of being told they were lazy or broken. The truth is, real progress comes when we stop focusing on the finish line and start paying attention to the process. Strength, energy, better habits — they’re all within reach. Not overnight, but step by step.

If any of this speaks to you and you want to take control of your training, nutrition, and mindset, get in touch. My coaching is straight-talking, personalised, and geared towards real-life results, not fantasy-body nonsense.