‘It was just a joke’: How comments about weight can affect people for years

Résumé détaillé

At a Dubai summit, Kris Fade, Karen Wazen and Hadeel Marei shared how comments from family members, friends and strangers affected their confidence for years ...

Kris Fade, Dubai-based radio presenter and entrepreneur was just 12 years old when an aunt grabbed the fat around his waist and made a comment about his 'little love handles'. It may have seemed like a harmless remark, but more than two decades later, the radio presenter still remembers those words.

"I remember an auntie telling me, grabbing my little love handle at the age of about 12 and going, 'Look at your little love handles.' And I remember that has sat with me forever," he recalled.

Even after growing up, working out and becoming leaner, the comment continued to bother him. "I should've not known what a love handle is at the age of 11 or 12, but it has sat with me," he said.

Fade was speaking during a panel titled 'The Impact of Words' at RE 2026, held at Madinat Jumeirah Arena. Organised by Lilly, the event brought together medical experts and public figures to discuss obesity, health, body image and the pressure people face over their appearance.

The event attracted more than 1,000 people from 62 nationalities. The discussions explored why obesity is more complex than simply eating less or exercising more, and how comments about weight can affect a person's confidence and wellbeing.

Joining Fade were entrepreneur Karen Wazen and UAE-based content creator Hadeel Marei, with Anas Bukhash moderating the discussion.

Fade also spoke about a difficult period in his life when he was going through a divorce, weighed 128kg and smoked a pack of cigarettes every day.

He recalled struggling with anxiety and depression and eventually deciding to change his lifestyle. Through exercise and changes to his eating habits, he brought his weight down to 89kg.

But the journey came with another challenge. "From 128, I got down to 89. But one thing that I want to say is that you become obsessed," he said.

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