Kathy Bates, the acclaimed 76-year-old actress renowned for roles in ‘Misery’ and ‘Matlock’, has shared her weight-loss journey that began in 2017 following a diabetes type 2 diagnosis. Bates’ longstanding poor eating habits and family history led to the disease, which damaged her father’s health ultimately leading to a leg amputation.
Bates felt compelled to change her lifestyle when she also developed diabetes. Bates cites healthier food choices, along with Ozempic treatment, a type 2 diabetes drug, as key contributors to her impressive weight-loss of seven stones. Notably, she no longer eats beyond 8 pm. This practice, known as intermittent fasting, can have weight-loss benefits for many, although, Does not work for all, according to Dr. Gareth Nye, Chester Medical School Senior Lecturer.
Dr. Nye elaborates on the potential benefits of intermittent fasting. He suggests that it can influence hormonal cycles which in turn, can alter metabolic processes. Fasting may also affect insulin sensitivity which could potentially lead to fat deposition as opposed to using cells for energy.
Bates also believes in treating herself occasionally, enjoying a hot dog on set when filming. This ‘cheat day’ approach can work well as a reward but, Dr. Nye warns, can risk inducing a relapse into poor eating habits. Staying active is Bates’ last strategy. This approach does not require rigorous gym work, as walking can be an effective weight-loss method, something Bates found beneficial, particularly during the long hours of shooting for ‘Matlock’.