Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Oates.
Hi Candace, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I never imagined that a routine doctor’s appointment would change my life forever. I went in for a check-up, expecting nothing out of the ordinary, but what I discovered was shocking—I was 6.5 months pregnant. I had no idea. At over 300 pounds, I had become accustomed to dismissing my body’s signals, and my weight had become a barrier to truly understanding my health.
The news hit hard. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and prediabetes—all conditions that could have been life-threatening if left unaddressed. But what hurt even more was the way I was treated during that appointment. The Nurse Practitioner was dismissive and looked at me with clear disgust. She threw an Atkins diet book at me and told me to read it, adding that if I had questions, I should email the staff. I felt lost, disregarded, and incredibly alone.
That day marked a turning point. Instead of feeling defeated, I decided to take control. I enrolled in health and wellness education classes, eager to learn how I could improve my life. I realized that knowledge is power, and I was determined to understand my body, my health, and how to make lasting changes.
My journey was not easy, but it transformed me. I lost over 125+lbs, gained confidence, and most importantly, reclaimed my health. More than that, I found a passion — to help others who feel overlooked or misunderstood because of their size or circumstances. Today, I dedicate myself to educating, inspiring, and empowering others to take charge of their health, no matter where they start.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has been far from smooth. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is overcoming my own mind and emotions. Food was more than just fuel—it was a source of comfort, a way to soothe stress, anxiety, and even boredom. Thoughts and feelings often triggered cravings for foods high in fat, sugar, and empty carbohydrates, making it difficult to stick to healthier choices.
Retraining my mind has been one of the toughest parts of this journey. Learning to deal with emotions in healthier ways—whether through mindfulness, exercise, or seeking support—has required a lot of patience and persistence. It’s a continuous process, and there have been many setbacks along the way. But each challenge has taught me resilience and the importance of compassion toward myself.
Changing habits that have been ingrained for years isn’t easy, but I believe that with time, support, and a lot of self-awareness, it is possible. My journey has shown me that wellness isn’t just about physical changes; it’s also about mental and emotional growth. That ongoing process is tough, but it’s absolutely worth it.
We’ve been impressed with Obesity Awareness IN Action, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Obesity Awareness IN Action (OAAMovement.org) is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to empowering underprivileged and underserved youth from 5th to 12th grade by teaching them about the totality of health and wellness. Our signature program, Awareness Bound, is an 8-week journey that combines education with action. Each week, we dedicate 45 minutes to teaching a topic within one of the eight dimensions of wellness—covering physical, emotional, mental, social, environmental, spiritual, occupational, and financial health—and then spend 45 minutes moving our bodies.
Our goal is to help these young people understand that wellness isn’t just about eating salads or running laps. It’s about finding balance in all areas of life—nurturing their mental health, building strong social connections, managing stress, and taking care of their environment, among others. We want them to see wellness as a holistic lifestyle that promotes overall happiness and resilience.
In addition to education and movement, we’re also creating a shoe donation program to provide new athletic shoes to youth in need. We believe that safe, supportive movement is vital—not just for physical health, but for building confidence and a sense of belonging. By removing barriers like inadequate footwear, we aim to encourage consistent activity and foster a lifelong love of movement.
Ultimately, our mission is to inspire these young individuals to see wellness as a balanced, achievable goal—empowering them to take charge of their health and future as well as teach our future these traits and habits.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is encouraging others to become the healthiest version of themselves. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a vibrant, fulfilling life—free from unnecessary medications and the pitfalls of a sedentary lifestyle. My passion is to inspire and empower individuals to take control of their health, to make mindful choices, and to embrace a balanced way of living.
My ultimate goal is to save as many lives as possible. Whether it’s through education, support, or simply being a positive example, I want to help people realize that real change is possible—no matter where they start. When we prioritize our health and wellness, we open the door to a happier, longer, and more meaningful life. That’s what drives me every day.
Contact Info:
- Email: www.oaamovement@outlook.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lowcarbcandace.oaa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oaamovement
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@healthylivingwithCandace
Image Credits
Elise Taylor Photography
