Stef, a wellness expert, has warned people over the age of 30 that being thin does not mean you are healthy after she was diagnosed with an unexpected condition
A seemingly fit and healthy woman has issued a stark warning to those over 30 after receiving an unexpected health diagnosis.
Stef, a US-based certified meditation teacher and wellness guru, took to TikTok to caution people over 30 that being slim is “not a flex”. She revealed she has recently been diagnosed as having pre-diabetes.
In her video, the 37-year-old – from Los Angeles, USA – stated: “If you are over the age of 30, I need you to listen to me. It doesn’t matter what your body shape looks like because clearly I’m probably the ideal body shape for most Americans, right – whatever that means.”
She continued, explaining the importance of muscle mass: “When you’re 30+ if you do not have muscle mass your body is going to have a hard time processing sugar. I will have a banana and it will send me way over. When you’re over 30 your muscles literally shrivel, like it’s the saddest thing I’ve ever seen, it’s so bad.”
According to the NHS, diabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are excessively high, which if left untreated can lead to damage or failure of various organs, including eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels.
Stef also shared her personal struggle with gestational diabetes during pregnancy, describing it as the “worst” and something she wouldn’t wish on anyone. The wellness expert concluded the advice: “So listen to me when I tell you that if you could prioritise anything, prioritise muscle mass.”
In her viral TikTok video, which has amassed three million views and a whopping 316,000 likes, Stef wrote: “Don’t assume you’re healthy just because you’re ‘thin’ especially over 30+. I’m 37 and my body needs the extra muscle mass.”
She urged those aged 30 and above to engage in weight training, asserting “it’s worth it” for the benefits it brings to bones, muscles, overall health and wellbeing. In the caption of her video, she further advised: “Take care of your body. Weight training is known to help with the ageing process, support organ function, bone density, circulation etc.”
Several TikTok users left their thoughts in the comments section. One user claimed: “Muscle mass is insanely crucial as you age. Important for bone health. Helps you survive if you get cancer and if you do chemo, weight lift!”.
Another added: “Muscle mass is also the biggest contributor to successfully beating cancer”, to which Stef responded “I need to get on it!!!”.
Other users shared personal stories about their family members who, despite being ‘thin’, suffered from health issues. One user said: “My mum is so skinny and petite and people were absolutely shocked that her cholesterol levels were high”.
Another commented: “My grandma was super small and she was diabetic”, while a third shared: “My dad was thin and worked labour then had a stroke and found out he had diabetes and high cholesterol at 50”.
For more advice on diabetes, see your doctor for support. You should also visit the NHS website for more information.
