Weight Gain Isn’t Always About The Food You Eat
Let’s have a real conversation. One of those raw, honest, no-hiding kind of talks. Because if you’ve been quietly wrestling with weight gain, trying to eat better, move more, and do all the “right” things, only to feel like your body didn’t get the memo, I want you to know you’re not alone. You’re not failing. You’re not broken.
And I say that not just as someone who’s been in health and prevention for decades but as someone who has lived through the other side of it—the side most people don’t see. The one where you do everything right, and your body still says, Nope, not today.
Working in the heart health space, I’ve seen the emotional toll this takes on people. I’ve seen how deeply personal it is when your body doesn’t reflect the effort you’re putting in. And I’ve also seen how easy it is to feel judged—by doctors, family, the public, even yourself. But I need you to hear this clearly: your body is not your enemy. Especially when you’re fighting to protect your heart, it’s important to understand the whole picture—not just what’s on your plate.
I’ve been in that space for years now. The last three, in particular, have been brutal. Most people know me as the face of the Bermuda Heart Foundation. They see the public side, the speaker, the motivator. But behind the scenes, my body has been through a war.
Let me tell you what really happened.
Years ago, I had hernia mesh surgery. I did what the doctors recommended and followed all the aftercare instructions. But what none of us knew at the time—and what too many people are finding out now—is that the mesh they used was faulty. It slowly began to erode inside my body, eventually causing catastrophic damage. I ended up hospitalized for three months, fighting to stay alive. I’ve had to undergo major surgeries just to stabilize what was falling apart inside of me.
That same hernia mesh? The manufacturer is now being sued by thousands of people around the world. Some have lost their quality of life. Some have lost their lives entirely. And I came close. Three times, to be exact. But I’m still here.
Now, I live with the aftermath—daily issues, intense fatigue, pain, and a body that no longer processes food or medication the way it used to. I’m on a cocktail of prescriptions that keep me functioning but also make weight loss challenging. It’s a constant juggling act, both mental and physical: managing my health, showing up for others, and trying not to let the limitations of it all take over.
And that’s why I need you to understand: weight gain is not just about food. It’s not about weakness or laziness or lack of discipline. Sometimes, it’s about survival. Sometimes, it’s about healing. Sometimes, it’s about trying to reclaim your life after your body has been through hell.
Yes, stress plays a role. Chronic stress floods your system with cortisol, a hormone that tells your body to store fat and keep it there. It makes you crave sugar, sleep poorly, and feel like you’re living in slow motion. I’ve lived with that stress physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
And your hormones? They matter more than people think. If your thyroid slows down, if your insulin is out of balance, if your estrogen or testosterone shifts, the weight comes—sometimes fast, sometimes sneaky. And it stays. These changes don’t always come with flashing warning signs, but they can change how your body behaves in ways that don’t reflect the effort you’re putting in.
Then there’s the gut. In my case, the very structure of my digestive system was compromised by that eroded mesh. But even in less extreme cases, when the gut isn’t functioning properly, it disrupts everything—absorption, energy, inflammation, immunity, and mood. An unhealthy gut can quietly sabotage your wellness without you even realizing it’s the root cause.
Environmental toxins also play a role, and most people never even think about them. Everyday products—plastic containers, scented lotions, household cleaners—can all interfere with your body’s natural rhythms. They sneak in, mimic hormones, and disrupt your metabolism. It’s not paranoia; it’s science. And yes, it matters.
And don’t underestimate sleep. The number of times I’ve been awake at 4 AM, not because I wanted to be but because my body just wouldn’t settle, is too many to count. When sleep goes, your hunger hormones go haywire. You eat more, you move less, and you feel like you’re constantly chasing your balance.
Lastly, let’s acknowledge the genetic component. Some of us were born with a predisposition to hold onto weight. That doesn’t mean we’re doomed. It just means the road might be different—and sometimes harder. But that doesn’t make it less worthy.
So here’s what I want you to walk away with: this journey you’re on isn’t just about weight. It’s about your heart, your healing, your wholeness. It’s about giving yourself permission to stop fighting your body and start listening to it.
Look, I know I’ve got a little junk in my trunk. I’m country thick—always have been, and probably always will be. But I’m alive, and I’m still standing. I’m still fighting the good fight—not because my body fits some mold, but because I refuse to let it define me. I show up, not with all the answers, but with a story that proves weight carries more than pounds. As someone who knows firsthand, that weight has many different stories to tell. And mine? Mine comes with a pending lawsuit, plenty of laughter, some deep scars, hard-won acceptance, and a joy-fueled tenacity I’m not about to give up.
