47.3% of French adults are obese or overweight, according to a study by Inserm and Montpellier University Hospital published in February 2023. What causes and consequences can obesity have? Our journalist met Cristina, who suffered from this disease and gives us a testimony of her journey, far from received ideas. The article below is largely the transcript of the associated video interview.
What were the causes of your obesity?
The image society has is that people are obese because they eat too much. And it’s not true because it can be drug and hormonal, as for me. Once I wanted to have children, I couldn’t get pregnant, so I did hormonal treatments. I think that if I hadn’t started dieting when I gave birth to the first, I might not have fallen into this trap: going on a diet, slimming down, taking the double afterwards. Leaving for another pregnancy with a new hormone treatment, already overweight.
What were the consequences of your obesity?
When I was thin, I already had four herniated discs. The weight had a big influence on my pain. I was walking for twenty minutes and I was on the verge of death, my back hurt so badly. Without really wanting to understand that I had more pain because I was heavy. Maybe it was a way of hiding my face from my obesity.
What relationship did you have with your own image?
Even when I was fat, I didn’t feel bad about my body. It never bothered me to go to the beach, to put on a bathing suit, a bikini or whatever. Yes, I loved myself a lot before. I think my face looked better. Because my health was more important, aesthetics took a back seat.
How did you overcome obesity?
I could have said it’s bariatric surgery, but not only.
My first crutch was the sleeve and the second was the follow-up.
I started the association Round of Shapes six months before having surgery. I took dietary workshops, discussion groups with a psychologist, I did sports workshops. The postoperative period is the most important phase. When we are already in a follow-up, it goes better because we are already used to taking care of ourselves. I say I’m still obese. It is a chronic disease, there is no cure. So if I don’t do what is necessary, if I don’t follow up, I’m just around the corner waiting for me to gain weight again and this weight gain can be enormous.
How do you relate to food today?
When you have surgery on your stomach, you lose the feeling of hunger. I still don’t feel hungry. I am someone who maintains a small stomach. That doesn’t prevent me from loving cooking, often inviting my children or other people to eat and having an aperitif, starter, main course, dessert. I love to cook and I love to please others. When I want something, I eat it. Even if it’s in small quantities, I enjoy myself. Always.