Episode 16: Cath – Fighting Food Addiction for Decades

In this episode, I’m joined by Cath, who shares a story that spans decades of dieting, bariatric surgery, food addiction treatment, trauma, grief, and finally — relief.

Cath talks about growing up with food scarcity, learning early that willpower defined her worth, and building an identity around restriction and calorie counting. She reached 350 pounds and spent years trying to out-discipline a disease that was never about discipline.

We talk about her first marriage, the emotional fallout that followed, binge eating disorder treatment, a PTSD diagnosis, endometrial cancer, and traveling to Mexico for gastric sleeve surgery after facing long wait times in Canada. She lost weight — and then struggled again. Grazing returned. The obsession never fully left.

After losing her brother to complications related to obesity, Cath made a promise to herself: she would keep fighting this disease.

GLP-1 medication changed everything.

We talk about what it feels like when the noise finally quiets, the difference between surgery and metabolic treatment, and why obesity must be treated as a chronic medical condition — not a moral failure.

This conversation is honest, raw, and hopeful. And if you’ve ever wondered why willpower wasn’t enough, Cath’s story might feel very familiar.

This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.

Run by: @lidellan

Edited by: @literalcreations

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