Leading by example while confronting obesity

For over 36 percent of the people who call Iowa home, obesity is a part of daily life. There has been an overwhelming amount of media coverage over the past 20 years about the epidemic of weight in this country, largely focused on physical health outcomes and visible effects. Viewers tune in by the millions to reality shows, hourlong specials, and exposés on the latest miracle drug or procedure. When producing a one hour episode with five commercial breaks, a before and after reveal, and the prerequisite lengthy exercise montage there often isn’t enough time to talk about the impacts of living with obesity you can’t see — particularly in terms of mental health and isolation.

Heath Thompson is quiet for a moment when I ask him how he made the decision to confront his weight head on.

“A lot of people talk about that ‘aha’ moment … I didn’t have that. I was just a depressed guy who didn’t take care of himself. I saw myself as a token obese fat friend people kept around.”

These are your friends you’re talking about — you say they just kept you around. Did it feel like those relationships were disingenuous?

“I’m not sure if it was really that they were disingenuous or if it was my own anxiety and demons telling me those things. I felt it — so it was real to me.”

Perception can be reality?

“Very much so. Food is not the problem — mental health is the problem. Food is the drug of choice.”

Heath decided to commit to working to improve his physical health and mental well-being. An encounter with a medical professional left him stunned by their recommendation — too heavy to be measured by the scales at the hospital, the doctor told him to visit the scrap yard and get on the junk scale. Dejected but determined, he engaged in physical activity and a moderating diet to lose several pounds. Eventually, Heath found a local nutrition club where he was able to stand on a scale and get an accurate understanding of his starting point.

“I knew I was big, but I didn't know how big. It was a punch in the gut seeing an actual number close to 500 lbs. Once I got over the initial shock, the club became a place I could go once a week to see a difference in a scale number. When you are that big, you have to lose a significant amount to see much physical difference. Seeing the number go down over time helped keep me motivated and going.”

Over the past 10 years, Heath has gone from somewhere over 500 lbs. to hovering around 249.

“At 36,” he quips, “I weigh less than I did in the 8th grade.”

What should people know about your journey?

“I have been fully committed to this since 2014. Much like everything in life, there’s not a linear perfect straight path. There have been ups and downs. (For example) With COVID, the many events of 2020, the adjustment of working so differently, no longer going to a gym to get that extra activity — I had to adapt to the changing world to keep working toward my goals. That’s going to happen on any journey.”

You’re riding RAGBRAI this year for the first time. Are you terrified?

“I’m terrified about the amount of water I will need to drink. Yesterday was my longest ride so far — 46 miles. Petty sure I'm still dehydrated from yesterday!” He laughs. “I’m also super excited, I’m hoping other people can use my ride as inspiration for their own journey through life’s challenges. Originally, I had planned to ride solo — but after my story was shared in quite a few social media groups, I have had several established RAGBRAI groups requesting I ride with them on certain days.”

Often, we are inspired by the actions of someone who showed up for us in life and helped to guide us along the way. Is there anyone specific who you would say was the catalyst for dedicating your life to paying it forward?

“I have a lot of supportive family, but I wouldn’t say I had a specific individual — I grew up in a bit of a messed up household. Mom doing her best to be there while working a full-time job while dad was hustling however he could to get his next drink. When I was young we had a neighbor named Mrs. Duvall. Her husband was blind. He would come outside and only walk the few steps in front of his home. I was maybe 7 or 8 — I would quit playing with friends and walk down the steps with him and from his house to the corner and back. I just wanted to help. All I have wanted to do my whole life is help other people.”

Being the person that you needed?

“Maybe that’s it.”

Heath took up photography as a creative outlet in 2020, and has amassed a catalog of stunning naturescapes captured while hiking.

“I enjoy the seclusion, meditating … a lot of people have thoughts that run through their head nonstop. It’s the one thing I can go out and do alone. I'm paying attention to what is within the lens. It quiets the clamor in my head.”

How did this experience change your perspective on understanding that everyone is facing their own battles?

“My battle has been visible — but there are so many challenges a person can be struggling with that you can't see. Part of why I am so transparent about my struggles of ups and downs with weight loss is because I wouldn't have wanted to go for help had it not been physically noticeable to others that I needed help. If others are going through something that is invisible, that feels shameful, they may want to hide. Maybe my story can be a catalyst for whatever changes they may need to make.”

Sofia DeMartino is a Gazette editorial fellow. sofia.demartino@thegazette.com