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Burn with Kearns: Obesity, trauma, and movement must be addressed together – Kevin Kearns
by Kevin Kearns, contributing writer, exercise and fitness. Coach Kevin Kearns – Creator of Burn with Kearns, Author, Speaker, and Fitness Expert for 40+ Longevity
“Obesity isn’t always about food. Most of the time, it’s about pain—and movement is the medicine.”
The Hidden Weight: Why Obesity, Trauma, and Movement Must Be Addressed Together—Especially After 40
Back in 2002, I had the opportunity to sit in on a bariatric support group at Tufts Medical in Boston. Before that day, I thought obesity was just a lifestyle issue —”eat less, move more.”
That day changed my life.
There were over 200 people in the room. One by one, they shared their stories. And what I heard shocked me: nearly every one of them had suffered physical or emotional trauma. Abuse, neglect, bullying. I suddenly saw the connection between emotional pain and physical weight.
I had lived it, too. I was bullied relentlessly growing up. I was the last kid picked, the one who couldn’t tie his shoes, the one who avoided sports. After my father died at 48 from alcoholism, I spiraled. I could have turned to food. Instead, I found a lifeline in martial arts. My uncle paid for my first karate lessons, and the dojo became my sanctuary. From that point on, everything changed. I found strength, community, and confidence. And eventually, I became a coach to others who needed the same thing.
Obesity Isn’t Just Physical—It’s Emotional
Many people battling obesity aren’t just fighting fat. They’re fighting trauma. They’re battling deep emotional wounds. And like addiction, obesity is a complex, layered condition. But unlike drugs or alcohol, you can’t quit food.
Food becomes a coping mechanism. A source of comfort. And for many, movement becomes a punishment, not empowerment. That’s why fitness programs that focus only on “calories in vs. calories out” fail so many people.
We have to approach it differently.
The Burn With Kearns Approach: Movement = Medicine
At Burn with Kearns, we believe in movement as medicine. Functional movement. Real-world drills. Martial arts-based conditioning. Not to make people look good on Instagram, but to help them feel powerful in their own skin.
Here’s what we know from 30+ years in the trenches:
• Hitting pads releases anger and trauma in a healthy, controlled way
• Resistance-based movement boosts dopamine and serotonin, lifting mood
• Real-world training builds confidence and capability
• Supportive group fitness reduces isolation, which fuels depression and binge behavior
And yes—even people battling obesity can do the same types of training we use with UFC fighters. We scale the load, the intensity, and the tools—but the movement patterns and outcomes are the same.
Movement Is the Bridge Between Pain and Power
Behind most people battling obesity is a child who was bullied, a person who was abused, someone who never felt good enough. When we start there—when we see the whole person—we don’t just help them lose weight.
We help them take their power back.
So if you’re in your 40s, 50s, or 60s and struggling with your weight, this is your invitation: start moving. Not for punishment, but for empowerment.
You don’t have to go to a hardcore gym or sign up for a bootcamp. You can start with resistance bands, a kettlebell, or even shadowboxing in your living room. You just have to start.
Let movement become your medicine.
Hustle = Muscle
Coach Kearns
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BIG NEWS: Burn With Kearns is now streaming on TrueTV+!
We’re proud to announce our partnership with @TrueTVPlus — bringing the “Hustle = Muscle” mindset to an even bigger audience!
Catch the Burn With Kearns SERIES on TrueTV+ now — where wellness meets warrior spirit. Learn how to transform your body, boost your mental strength, and train like a fighter (without taking a hit)!
Whether you’re 40, 50, or 60+, it’s time to move the needle on your health, strength, and longevity.
WATCH NOW: https://play.truetvplus.com/screen/1
Follow @burnwithkearns for content, workshops, and online programs designed for the 40+, 50+, and 60+ community.
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Read ALL articles by Kevin Kearns here: BURN WITH KEARNS
Both of Coach Kearns books may be purchased on www.Amazon.com. For more information about Coach Kevin Kearns, including scheduling speaking engagements and classes (both online and in person), please contact him at 508-404-8503 or [email protected].Author of There’s Light In The Tunnel” How to Survive and Thrive with Depression, Always Picked Last, A guide to navigating bullies on Amazon and Audible youtube.com/user/burnwithkearns https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/burnwithkearns
Coach Kevin Kearns has been coaching in the world of fitness, nutrition, and tactical self defense for over 3 decades. As the former conditioning coach to 15 UFC Pro Fighters, and ranked in the Top 5 in the UFC , he is no stranger to the the importance of proper nutrition and proper mindset programming. He has long advocated to all his clients “athletes or the general population“ about the importance of programming mind, body and spirit. Coach Kevin Kearns BS FMS CPT Former conditioning coach to 15 UFC Pros Ranked in Top 5 by the UFC Personal Fitness Coach, Author, Columnist, Motivational Speaker, Corporate Wellness Consultant, Youth Wellness Program Provider, Certification Specialist, Personal Self Defense, and Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics Specialist.BurnwithKearns.com.