Me, as a Fat Influencer, Takes on ‘Is Obesity a Choice?’ with Jesse James West
A few weeks ago, I received an unexpected message from fitness influencer Jesse James West, inviting me to participate in a debate about obesity and choice alongside other influencers from both the fat and fitness communities. At first, I thought it was a joke. Why would someone like Jesse, a prominent figure in the fitness world, want to include someone like me? But as things progressed, I realized how aligned this opportunity was with my journey and advocacy.
The timing felt surreal. I got Jesse’s first message right after finishing a training hike at the trailhead. Later, I spoke to his producer from the parking lot of my gym, Superior Athletic Club in Medford, Oregon, just as I was about to work out. The next day, I finalized flights and travel plans right after finishing a swim session. Every step of this process seemed to happen while I was literally in fitness spaces—on the trail, at the gym, or both. It was almost poetic.
Training for the Pacific Crest Trail
For the past few months, I’ve been training for one of the biggest challenges of my life: hiking the 500-mile Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail. This hike isn’t just a physical test—it’s a way to raise awareness about mental health and advocate for improved mental healthcare services in Oregon, especially for children and teens.
Training for this journey has been a deeply personal and transformative process. I’ve spent countless hours on local trails, building endurance, testing gear, and getting my body ready for the rigors of long-distance hiking. At the same time, I’ve been focusing on strengthening my body at Superior Athletic Club. Swimming has been especially valuable—it’s low-impact, helps improve cardiovascular fitness, and strengthens muscles in ways that complement hiking. Weight training and treadmill work have also been crucial for building the strength and stamina I’ll need to carry a loaded pack over mountains and through forests.
This hike is about so much more than the miles. Oregon ranks among the worst states in the nation for mental healthcare, especially for children and teens, and communities of color, including Black, Latino, and Indigenous populations, are disproportionately affected. By taking on this challenge, I hope to amplify the urgent need for systemic change. Every step I take will be a call to action—a reminder that mental health is healthcare, and no child or teen should be left without the support they need to thrive. This journey is my way of shining a light on an issue that affects countless families, including my own.
Fitness, Mental Health, and the Bigger Picture
Fitness and mental health go hand in hand, and my journey reflects that connection. As a fat person, I’ve had to navigate a world that often views larger bodies as a problem to be solved. That perception can take a toll on your mental health. I’ve struggled with binge eating disorder for most of my life—a condition that’s deeply rooted in emotional regulation, self-worth, and, often, trauma. Therapy has been instrumental in helping me understand my relationship with food and movement.
Through therapy and hard work, I’ve learned strategies to manage my binge eating disorder, but it’s a process. Some days are harder than others. What keeps me grounded is the belief that movement can and should be joyful, not punitive. Fitness isn’t a punishment for the body you have—it’s a celebration of what your body can do. That shift in mindset has been transformative for me.
Why Obesity Isn’t Just a “Choice”
One of the most important points I raised during the debate is that obesity isn’t always a choice. The reasons people live in larger bodies are as varied as people themselves. It could be polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid conditions, genetics, trauma, medication side effects, or a combination of factors. Reducing obesity to “bad choices” is not only incorrect but also harmful. It invalidates the lived experiences of so many people and ignores the complexity of health.
For me, binge eating disorder played a significant role in my size, but it’s not the only factor. Genetics and medical conditions like celiac disease have also shaped my body. These experiences have taught me that health is deeply personal and not something that can be judged by appearance alone.
Fat shaming, unfortunately, remains pervasive in our culture. But it doesn’t motivate people to change; it isolates them further. My mission is to challenge that stigma and create spaces where people feel encouraged, supported, and inspired to move—not out of shame, but out of joy.
Superior Athletic Club: A Space for Growth
My gym, Superior Athletic Club in Medford, Oregon, has been a cornerstone of my mental and physical health journey. It’s a place where I can push myself, decompress, and focus on movement that feels good for my body. Whether it’s swimming laps in the pool, lifting weights, or hopping on the treadmill, I’ve built a routine that’s as much about my mental well-being as it is about my physical health.
What I appreciate most about Superior Athletic Club is the community. Seeing people of all sizes and abilities working out in the same space is powerful. It’s a reminder that fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all, and everyone deserves to feel welcome and included in these environments.
It’s a place where I’ve built confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. I’m in the gym almost daily—not because I feel obligated, but because it’s a space where I can invest in myself and my future.
Representation in Outdoor and Fitness Spaces
I’m incredibly proud to have worked with companies like Nike, Columbia Sportswear, Eddie Bauer, REI, Gregory Mountain Products, Merrell, and many, many others. These brands are leading the way in creating outdoor apparel, outdoor gear, and fitness apparel for people in larger bodies. Representation matters.
Having clothing and gear that fits isn’t about promoting obesity—it’s about promoting accessibility and inclusion. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident, whether they’re on a trail, in a gym, or simply enjoying life. When brands create products for people in larger bodies, they’re not just making clothing—they’re making a statement: that fitness and the outdoors are for everybody.
Joyful Movement Is for Everyone
Through my work as a fat influencer, mental health advocate, and outdoor enthusiast, I’ve dedicated my platform to challenging stereotypes and promoting joyful movement. Movement isn’t about weight loss or fitting into societal ideals—it’s about celebrating your body, exploring what it can do, and finding joy in the process.
Whether I’m hiking, swimming, or lifting weights, my goal is to inspire others to move joyfully and unapologetically. I want to remind people that their body, just as it is, belongs in outdoor and fitness spaces.
Gratitude and Moving Forward
Participating in this debate with Jesse James West was a powerful experience. It allowed me to share my perspective and advocate for the changes I want to see in the fitness and outdoor industries. Jesse and his team treated me with kindness and respect throughout the entire process, and I’m deeply grateful for that.
These conversations aren’t always easy, but they’re necessary. They create opportunities for growth, understanding, and, ultimately, change. I hope you’ll take the time to watch the full video and reflect on what fitness, health, and inclusion mean to you.
Let’s work together to make outdoor and fitness spaces truly for EVERYBODY.
👉 Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/iByVh_mUx3A?si=q2x0ye2Nn6rmQpyH
(haven't watched the video yet, but) ALL OF THIS is why i follow you. I'm middle aged, square-shaped, and squishy, and i hike, ski, and play women's rec hockey. The variety of body shapes at hockey is incredible, and they are all strong, cardio-fit, brave, and motivated people. Many of them have had kids, some are retired, some are in college, and one took up hockey in her 60s! a few are veterans, one is a police officer. their bodies certainly have done and still can do a lot of amazing things!!