In this episode of American Glutton, Ethan Suplee sits down with Ethan Benard, a 26-year-old on a remarkable weight loss journey. From being 200 pounds at age nine to surviving a life-threatening battle with COVID at over 600 pounds, Benard opens up about the turning points that reshaped his perspective on life. He shares the struggles of losing and regaining weight, finding purpose, and building a sustainable path forward.
With raw honesty and inspiration, Bernad discusses discipline, setbacks, resilience, and the mindset shift that fuels his transformation. This conversation is heartfelt, motivating, and a must-listen for anyone seeking change.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:01 – Introduction
01:25 – Childhood weight struggles
02:06 – Mental health and neglect
02:26 – Hospitalized with COVID
05:04 – Near-death experience sparks change
10:06 – Life after hospitalization
12:34 – Physical pain of extreme weight
17:46 – New mindset and motivation
19:00 – Losing 100 pounds naturally
23:18 – Starting to walk and record progress
24:16 – Social media growth and support
27:05 – Walking 10,000–20,000 steps at 500 pounds
28:44 – Long-term weight and fitness goals
33:29 – Doing it without weight loss surgery
38:22 – Loose skin and surgery reflections
42:39 – Rethinking goal weights
49:37 – Body composition and goals
53:49 – Skin removal surgery considerations
57:21 – Commitment to natural weight loss
59:25 – Building a supportive team
01:01:52 – Documenting the journey
01:03:55 – Closing remarks
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On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
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