Why You Shouldn’t Take Fitness Advice from Obese People

by Jon Stone | Iron Resilience

We live in strange times. Overweight people hand out diet tips to shredded lifters. Obese keyboard warriors play coach to men with abs, grit, and results. People who haven’t seen their jawline in years crown themselves “fitness experts.”

Here’s the hard truth:
If you’re healthy, disciplined, or already walking the walk—you don’t owe these people your attention.

The Body Doesn’t Lie

You wouldn’t take money advice from someone broke. You wouldn’t learn mental toughness from someone who gave up.

So why take health advice from someone who doesn’t follow their own?

Words are cheap. Results are real.
You can talk about macros and workouts all day—but if you’re not living it, you’re not qualified to teach it. Plain and simple.

In this world, the only thing that earns respect is proof. Not opinions, not intentions. Your body is the evidence. Your routine is the resume. You either show up or you don’t.

Why Do Obese People Give Fitness Advice?

1. Ego Protection

Giving advice helps them feel involved in the fitness world without doing the hard part. It’s roleplay. Makes the ego feel safe while the body stays soft.

2. Fantasy Coaching

They live online, watching YouTube and reading Reddit—thinking that makes them a coach. But knowing theory and living it are two different things.

3. Backwards Culture

We flipped the script. Now, telling someone to earn respect through discipline is called toxic, and making excuses is called brave. That’s not strength. That’s cowardice dressed as kindness.

Are There Exceptions?

Sure—but don’t get it twisted.

Respect the message, but always verify the messenger.
If someone’s not applying the advice and not getting results, why would you listen? Especially if you’re already healthier than them?

The body doesn’t lie. Results are the only credential that matters.

Backed by Science: Not Just Opinion

Here’s what the research says:

• Appearance Affects Credibility:
  People trust diet advice more from professionals who look fit.
  Source: The Guardian
• Many Obese People Misjudge Their Health:
  Almost half of overweight women think they’re in “good health” despite the risks.
  Study Link
• Knowing Isn’t Doing:
  Just because someone knows they’re overweight doesn’t mean they’re doing anything about it.
  Study Link
• People Follow Advice When It Matches the Messenger:
  Patients take advice more seriously when it comes from someone who actually lives it.
  Study Link
• Bias Toward Fit Coaches Isn’t Just Prejudice—It’s Pattern Recognition:
  Obese people are seen as lacking discipline for a reason—it’s often true.
  Study Link

Final Word

Look—this isn’t about shaming. It’s about standards.

You don’t need to take advice from someone whose results don’t back it up. Respect the grind. Ignore the noise.

And remember:

• Your body is your proof.
• Your output is your voice.
• Lead by example—stay lean, stay locked in, stay unshakable.

— Jon Stone
Iron Resilience