Jillian Michaels Champions Fitness as Key to Preventative Health, Urges Action Against Obesity Crisis
Fitness expert Jillian Michaels, a prominent voice in the Make America Healthy Again movement, is advocating for prioritizing fitness as a fundamental aspect of preventative medicine. In an on-camera interview with Fox News Digital, the Miami-based host of the "Keeping It Real Podcast" emphasized the paramount importance of physical activity, especially in light of alarming statistics regarding obesity rates in the United States.
Michaels underscores that while she supports initiatives aimed at improving nutrition, including HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to reform FDA regulations concerning food additives, the onus ultimately falls on individuals to take charge of their own fitness. She challenges the notion of settling for the "bare minimum" and urges people to actively incorporate exercise into their daily lives.
"This is not new news, and this is really where we have to encourage people to take agency," Michaels stated. "When it comes to exercise, this is really where we need to pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and start moving, even if it’s just having a daily step goal."
Her call to action comes at a critical time, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 100 million adults in the US are living with obesity, with more than 22 million suffering from severe obesity. Data from August 2021 to August 2023 reveals that a staggering 40.3% of American adults over the age of 20 were classified as obese. These statistics highlight the urgent need for widespread adoption of healthier lifestyles.
Michaels, leveraging her experience as a former celebrity trainer, advocates for exceeding minimal expectations and suggests that walking can be a highly effective starting point for individuals seeking to improve their fitness levels. She points to research indicating that a mere 150 minutes of walking per week can extend one’s lifespan by up to seven years.
"Something simple like that goes such a long way," Michaels remarked. She expresses concern about messages that promote complacency and discourage individuals from striving for more. "I worry about false messages of lethargy. In other words, ‘just do the bare minimum’ – I don’t love that messaging because it implies that’s all somebody can do. That’s simply not true."
Recognizing that barriers such as cost, time constraints, and perceived lack of fitness can deter people from embarking on a fitness journey, Michaels offers practical advice and encouragement. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals and gradually increasing activity levels.
"Don’t be intimidated, don’t be overwhelmed. I know you’re worried about cost. I know you’re worried about time. I know you’re worried that you’re not fit enough to do some of these things that you’re hearing from people like myself," she acknowledged.
To address these concerns, Michaels suggests starting with a simple goal of 5,000 steps per day and utilizing a walking pad as a convenient way to accumulate steps throughout the day. She notes that walking pads are relatively affordable and can be easily incorporated into daily routines.
"[Walking pads] are a couple of hundred bucks," Michaels said. "Put them under a stand-up desk or right by a kitchen counter, and you can shuffle around working, and you will hit those 5,000 steps no problem, every single day."
She also shares insights into her own morning routine, emphasizing the importance of consistency and flexibility. While her routine varies depending on her schedule, she prioritizes hydration and finds opportunities to incorporate exercise throughout the day.
Michaels advocates for a holistic approach to health, encompassing both nutrition and exercise. While she supports efforts to improve the quality of food available to consumers, she maintains that exercise is an indispensable component of a healthy lifestyle. Her message is clear: individuals must take ownership of their fitness and actively pursue a healthier, more active way of life. By doing so, they can not only improve their overall health and well-being but also contribute to a healthier America. The initiative to "Make America Healthy Again" necessitates a collective effort, with each individual playing a vital role in prioritizing fitness and embracing a more active lifestyle. The small daily choices, such as walking more or using a walking pad, contribute to long term health and prevention of obesity. Taking control of one’s own fitness is an important contribution to the overall health of the nation. It is a matter of individual agency, as Michaels states.
