I recently enjoyed hosting Art Clark, a certified health and wellness coach, on The Expressive Mom Show. Art’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
In 2020, after months of grappling with severe health symptoms, he received a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and stage 3b kidney failure—just shy of stage 4. At that time, he weighed 262 pounds, with about 45% body fat, and faced numerous other chronic health issues.
Doctors and literature told him that while type 2 diabetes could occasionally be reversed, kidney disease, especially at his stage, was a different story entirely.
Art, however, had mastered the art of denial, which, in this instance, worked to his advantage. He refused to accept the notion that he was powerless in the face of his health challenges.
Instead of succumbing to despair, Art dedicated himself to nutrition and healthy eating, gradually incorporating light exercise into his routine. Remarkably, he went on to compete in his first CrossFit competition at 60!
His commitment to a diet and a complete lifestyle transformation set Art apart. After approximately eight months, he had shed 60 pounds, reduced his body fat to 18%, and lowered his A1C to a non-diabetic level. Most importantly, his kidneys were fully healed and functioning well.
Art’s journey is a powerful testament to what can be achieved with determination and hard work.
Art’s greatest transformation, however, has been his passion for helping others facing similar health challenges. This newfound mission led him to become a certified health and wellness coach in 2021.
During our conversation, we touched on a topic that holds a special place in both our hearts: the fat acceptance movement.
Navigating the Fat Acceptance Movement
As someone who has struggled with obesity and body image issues, this is a topic that is important to me.
I wanted to share some thoughts I’ve been contemplating lately regarding the fat acceptance movement. While I wholeheartedly support that everyone deserves respect and should be free from discrimination, I also have some concerns.
Promoting body positivity is vital; everyone should feel confident and worthy, regardless of shape or size.
However, it’s essential to tread carefully, as there is a fine line between embracing body diversity and inadvertently downplaying the health risks associated with obesity.
Obesity is linked to various serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and joint issues, and these risks deserve our attention.
The objective should be to find a balance between acceptance and health awareness. It’s crucial to encourage a healthy lifestyle, nutritious eating, and regular physical activity—not to push for a specific body type but to promote overall well-being.
Moreover, we must recognize that everyone’s journey with body image and health is unique. Compassion and understanding should always take precedence. Let’s continue celebrating body diversity while nurturing a culture prioritizing health and wellness.
You can connect with Art on his website: https://www.healthcoachart.com/. He also offers a free coaching session to ensure you are a good fit. You can also check out his course, Breaking Patterns Weight Loss Master Course, which can be helpful for getting the best health and diet-related tips!
You can follow Expressive Mom on Instagram at anexpressivemom and on Substack at https://expressivemom.substack.com. You can also find me at medium.com at msmir.medium.
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