Sharing My Heart: Obesity Is More Than Just a Word
Referring back to my first post — Obesity is a Disease. Today, I write with a heavy heart.
A good friend of mine passed away.
He was kind, gentle and only in his 50s.
His health had taken a toll - obesity, stroke, and kidney failure.
It all happened so quickly.
In May, he had a stroke.
Yesterday, his condition worsened suddenly…
And today, he is gone.
Isn’t life so fragile?
I’m heartbroken.
And for the first time, I truly understand why people say:
Obesity is not just a size - it’s a disease.
It’s hard to say this out loud, but I say it with love and concern, not judgment.
We often treat weight as something only physical. But behind it can be stress, trauma, poor mental health and years of self-neglect.
Sometimes we don’t see the danger until it’s too late.
💭 What if we could start earlier, with kindness, awareness and small daily choices?
Taking care of ourselves doesn't need to be dramatic or big. It can start with small steps.
And I hope, in sharing this, someone else feels less alone… and maybe, encouraged to care just a little more for themselves today.
So now, I tell myself:
“My body, my care, my responsibility.”
Your health, your story, your power.
Let’s not wait.
Start small. Start now.
Because everything changes when we start choosing ourselves.
May his kind soul rest in peace 🙏🏻
#HealthIsWealth #ObesityAwareness #GentleReminder #LifeMatters #Lemon8SG #StartSmall #YouMatter
Many people don’t realize how complex obesity is and that it affects more than just physical appearance. From personal experience and learning through others’ stories, I’ve come to understand that obesity often involves factors like ongoing stress, trauma, and mental health struggles that are hidden beneath the surface. For instance, the difference between a normal stomach and an obese stomach is not just about size but also about real visceral fat, which can have serious health consequences. This fat is linked to conditions like kidney failure and strokes, as seen in my friend’s journey. These are somber reminders that early prevention and ongoing awareness are crucial. One key step that helped me was learning about treatments like GLP-1, a hormone that plays a role in appetite regulation and can support weight management. However, beyond medical options, what truly matters is gentle encouragement towards small, sustainable choices every day. Starting with kindness towards ourselves and understanding that health is a journey—not just a number on a scale—can make a big difference. Through awareness and shared stories, we can create supportive communities where bigger people do not feel alone or judged. Ultimately, every story, including mine, reminds us that obesity is a disease with real challenges. But with empathy, education, and gradual care, there is hope for healthier futures. Let’s choose to care for ourselves and others because every life matters.