Question Your Doctor: It’s vital to be your own health advocate. While doctors are respected, you should question their decisions just as you would question other leaders. No one knows your body better than you do. Being an active part of your healthcare decisions and seeking to understand the rationale behind treatments is essential. Had I known this, I might have pressed for PCOS testing, possibly altering my family planning.
Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Kim Carlos.
Kim Carlos, owner of The Plus SideZ: Cracking the Obesity Code health and wellness podcast, is a dedicated obesity advocate, serving as both the primary host and producer of the show. Leveraging her background in product marketing, she harnesses her messaging and positioning skills to champion those battling obesity and associated diseases & disorders, working towards accessible and equitable healthcare solutions.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
I’m Kim Carlos, a native Atlantan, and my background is in product marketing, focusing on messaging and positioning. Weight struggles plagued me from age 8, leading to weight loss surgery in 2007. After having my son, I regained the weight, and a doctor’s warning of potential type 2 diabetes pushed me to try Saxenda, which is in the same class of medications as Ozempic/Wegovy called GLP-1.
In the last 14 months, I shed 80 pounds, embraced a healthier lifestyle, and delved into learning all about metabolic disorders from obesity specialists, endocrinologists, and bariatric surgeons. This journey ignited my passion for advocacy, leading to a thriving health and wellness podcast. We’re breaking records and earning accolades, including a Cheers Choice Award nomination for spreading positivity on social media in the health advocate category. Our mission is to spread awareness of effective treatments for obesity and related diseases and disorders, reassuring others they’re not alone, and it’s not their fault.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
In my journey with the health and wellness podcast, I’ve strived to combat the stigma surrounding obesity and its treatment. Media attention proved elusive, but a TikTok revelation changed everything. I discovered that Rosie O’Donnell, a prominent figure, also used the same medications we advocate for. Episode Link
With a dash of creativity, I used TikTok’s duet feature to catch her attention and invited her to our podcast. To our delight, she accepted! Her candid discussion about her weight and health journey resonated with our audience, reminding them that even admired figures face similar struggles with the disease of obesity.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
In the journey of building this health and wellness podcast, I’ve discovered the invaluable role of boundaries. Initially, I underestimated the impact of having a celebrity guest, and the podcast’s rapid growth caught me off guard.
My mistake was trying to manage everything solo, neglecting my own well-being. The lesson I’ve learned is the importance of setting clear boundaries, allowing me to balance personal health and wellness while effectively delivering valuable education to our audience.
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
In the realm of health and wellness, The Plus SideZ podcast is a disrupter; our work is making a substantial impact by giving a voice to a marginalized community that has often been overlooked and stigmatized. We offer a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals to share their personal stories. These narratives are complemented by expert insights from doctors grounded in factual, scientific, and data-driven information.
Our mission goes beyond weight loss; it encompasses holistic healing, spanning mental health, nutrition, physical activity, and more. We empower our subscribers with the knowledge and resources needed to lead fulfilling lives. One episode at a time, we’re reshaping the narrative, smashing stereotypes, and breaking down barriers.
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing? Please give an example or story for each.
- Learn: Empower yourself with knowledge about your disease or disorder, ensuring you can effectively advocate for your health. Given the shortage of obesity specialists and limited awareness among many doctors, self-education becomes crucial. By becoming informed, you can assemble a care team that genuinely supports your path to health and wellness.
- Healthcare Advocacy: Recognize that obesity is primarily genetic and influenced by various factors, such as conditions like PCOS that can lead to insulin resistance. Those facing obesity often encounter dismissal when seeking additional care, with advice to simply eat less and exercise more. This approach doesn’t cater to those dealing with obesity, as it’s a preventative, not a curative, solution.
- Focus on Health, Not Weight: Shift your perspective from aiming for a specific weight to pursuing overall health. The pervasive influence of diet culture often leads to weight-centric goals. Anti-obesity medications don’t primarily target weight loss; they correct imbalances within the body, with weight loss being a consequent effect. Realize that health encompasses far more than just diet and exercise, as trauma can also be a significant factor. A comprehensive care team should address all aspects of well-being.
- Forgive Yourself: Understand that insulin resistance affects the brain’s reward center, often driving eating disorders. By addressing this underlying issue and seeking therapy, individuals can reach a mental state conducive to holistic care and wellness. Learning to love and forgive oneself is a pivotal part of the path to health. Give yourself grace. This journey takes time and, therefore, patience with yourself and the process.
- Nutrition and Movement: Recognize that traditional diet and exercise approaches are aligned with toxic diet culture. Nutrition and movement are not solely about weight loss but also overall wellness. Exercise doesn’t have to be grueling gym sessions; it can be about experiencing life and finding joy in it, benefiting the mind, body, and spirit. Many who’ve treated their diseases with medications now view exercise as a significant component of their mental health rather than a burdensome chore.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I did start a movement. The Plus SideZ is more than a podcast; it’s a safe space to learn, heal, and grow for those who struggle with the disease of obesity. I knew I couldn’t do it alone, so I involved a large community to drive the content. Their stories, paired with education from doctors, challenge the narrative in the media and society. There’s no such thing as a “fat and lazy” person. Those who struggle with this disease are sick people who need medicine. Period. We are also discussing how patients can leverage DEI initiatives to get coverage for anti-obesity medications like Wegovy. We have a recognized disease with FDA-approved treatments available, yet very few can access them or afford them. It’s wrong. We are trying to get loud and change things. Everyone can play a role in this movement. What’s yours?
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
- Obesity is a Chronic Disease: Before embarking on my journey, I wish I’d known that obesity is recognized as a chronic medical condition. In 2013, the American Medical Association officially classified it as such, akin to conditions like type 2 diabetes. This understanding would have changed how I approached my struggles with binge eating disorder and weight fluctuations.
- Question Your Doctor: It’s vital to be your own health advocate. While doctors are respected, you should question their decisions just as you would question other leaders. No one knows your body better than you do. Being an active part of your healthcare decisions and seeking to understand the rationale behind treatments is essential. Had I known this, I might have pressed for PCOS testing, possibly altering my family planning.
- You Are Not Alone: Join a community! Obesity can be an isolating experience, often accompanied by disordered eating and feelings of shame. Surprisingly, over 40% of Americans grapple with obesity, yet it remains a largely unspoken topic. Sharing our stories is the key to forging connections and breaking the silence. Communities like those on TikTok and social media can provide invaluable support.
- Raise Your Voice: Only a minuscule percentage of the population has access to anti-obesity medications even though almost half of Americans battle obesity. It’s crucial to take action to change this disparity. Remaining passive won’t lead to progress. By sharing our stories, we can make a meaningful impact, as evidenced by ongoing lawsuits challenging these exclusions from health insurance coverage.
- No Shame in Treatment: Treating obesity with FDA-approved therapies is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s important to understand that it’s not your fault, and science supports the validity of these treatments. You can achieve the lifestyle changes you desire for better health. Sick individuals require medical intervention, and there’s no shame in seeking treatment for a recognized medical condition..
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
Sustainability: Those who struggle with the disease of obesity often fight the theory of a “set weight.” Much like a thermostat in a house, the theory posits that the human body has a predetermined weight or fat mass set-point range. Various compensatory physiological mechanisms maintain that set point and resist deviation from it. People shouldn’t give in because they hit a stall or plateau, and this is normal and common in those that struggle with the disease of obesity. Staying on the course with medications to treat the disease combined with wellness lifestyle changes is the way to persevere. Source
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBFux6VkbbM
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
