Magda Szubanski has spoken out against the “diet culture” and stigma surrounding obesity.
In an essay published by ABC News on Sunday, the former Kath & Kim star, 61, reflected on her lifelong weight struggle and why dieting isn’t the answer to her problem.
“We’ve all been on diets and the stats are grim — only a small minority of people manage to maintain the weight,” the 61-year-old wrote.
Magda Szubanski, 61, (pictured) criticized the “nutrition culture” and “horrible” doctors who tell her to lose weight in an essay published by ABC News on Sunday
“What is sustainable and maintainable is far more challenging. I’ve lost weight before, and as my endocrinologist said, that urge to eat — the hunger drive — is very strong,” she explained.
Magda insisted dieting had done nothing but disrupt her metabolism, making it even more difficult to control her weight.
“I’ve been told really horrible things by doctors in the past, like, ‘You need to lose weight,’ and I’m going to be like, ‘What do you suggest I do?’ And they say, ‘Eat less, exercise more,'” she wrote.
Magda insisted dieting had done nothing but disrupt her metabolism, making it even more difficult to control her weight
“That’s not even true, now there’s a lot more understanding of the complex endocrinology for obese people – a lot can happen there.”
The Babe star even blamed society’s obsession with “healthy ideals” and “anti-fat attitudes” as the reason people get fatter.
She believes that when obese people stop being bullied, their cortisol levels drop, making it easier for them to lose weight.
“I’ve been told really horrible things by doctors in the past, like, ‘You need to lose weight,’ and I’m going to be like, ‘What do you suggest I do?’ And they say, ‘Eat less, exercise more,'” she wrote
Cortisol stimulates your fat and carbohydrate metabolism, which increases your appetite.
Magda hopes to raise awareness of the importance of healthy living with her new ABC TV series Magda’s Big National Health Check, which airs Tuesday.
It comes after Magda publicly denounced the defamation of “fat people” in a controversial tweet last Sunday.
It comes after Magda publicly denounced the defamation of “fat people” in a controversial tweet last Sunday
“It’s interesting to me that you’re banned from attacking pretty much any identity on Twitter except that you’re fat. Why aren’t we protected from slander?’ she thought.
The star was immediately targeted by social media users who viciously attacked her.
“Have another Snickers bar. Sounds like your blood sugar is low,” wrote one user.
“It’s interesting to me that you’re banned from attacking pretty much any identity on Twitter except that you’re fat. Why aren’t we protected from slander?’ she thought
“Lose some weight,” added another.
Despite garnering plenty of support from fans, the controversial tweet saw more personal attacks.
“Have you ever seen obese old people? No, because they all die young. If you do this to yourself, you have to accept that you notice it,” wrote another.
“Because you choose to be fat,” wrote another.
“Have you ever seen obese old people? No, because they all die young. If you do this to yourself, you have to accept that you notice it,” wrote another
Magda was only too happy to beat the backlash by accusing online users of saying they dump their “toxic self-loathing” on her as they believe she “won’t fight back”.
“It’s pretty clear from the response to my tweet that some people hate fat people because their own hearts are so full of hate that they have to dump all their toxic self-hatred on someone they think won’t fight back .
“Well, not that little fat duck. She has teeth,” she wrote.
“It’s pretty clear from the response to my tweet that some people hate fat people because their own hearts are so full of hate that they have to dump all their toxic self-hatred on someone they think won’t fight back . Well, not that little fat duck. She has teeth,” she wrote
This isn’t the first time Magda has contradicted cruel online trolls who have mocked her for being overweight.
A troll tweeted Magda in March this year: “Go on a diet. No rocket science and stop being a pathetic victim.’
Magda’s scathing response went viral after telling them there’s “no cure for wicked”.
“Thanks for your unsolicited medical advice, WinnieLotsOfNumbersBot. I’ve been on a lot of diets,” she added.
Magda is one of Australia’s most recognized actresses and comedians, best known for playing the loveable loser Sharon Strzelecki on the ABC sitcom Kath & Kim
‘Maybe you are right. Perhaps dieting is the long-term solution (debatable). Unfortunately for you there is no cure for evil.’
Magda is one of Australia’s most recognized actresses and comedians, best known for playing the loveable loser Sharon Strzelecki on the ABC sitcom Kath & Kim.
The Babe star is also a passionate advocate for LGBTQI rights.
Magda’s Big National Health Check will premiere Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. on ABC.
Magda’s Big National Health Check will premiere Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. on ABC