Willis Michalchuk has worked as a personal trainer in the health and fitness industry for over 20 years. As a child, however, Willis Michalchuk suffered from childhood obesity and food addiction. Although Willis Michalchuk was able to overcome his struggle and implement a healthy lifestyle, he is aware that childhood obesity is an epidemic that is sweeping our nation. Willis Michalchuk hopes to motivate parents and children to get active and eat healthy with his story.

Willis Michalchuk states, “Having a food addiction was a terrible experience growing up. It is a type of addiction that often goes overlooked, but it is indeed an addiction. People need to realize that a trigger always surrounds those who struggle with this issue. If someone is suffering from alcoholism, liquor can easily be removed from a household; however, food is always present and obtainable.” Willis Michalchuk believes that the first step in fighting childhood obesity is acknowledging that it is an addiction and that it is not just about self-control. “I needed help but I just could not stop eating. The thing that helped me the most was admitting that I had a problem and then I started implementing small changes into my lifestyle. I knew I could not overcome my addiction overnight, so it was a slow process that had to take place over time,” Willis Michalchuk explained.

Willis Michalchuk hopes that more schools will begin to educate our youth about how to live a healthy lifestyle. Willis Michalchuk stated, “I was never really informed about nutrition. Although I had a 30 minute gym class once a week, that was it. I think schools need to show children that being healthy can be fun. Children who are obese struggle in gym class and often experience bullying, so schools need to provide them with a safe atmosphere where they can learn and grow. Additionally, I hope that someday children are taught about nutrition and how to cook healthy meals. Our society is so focused on processed meals, but children need to learn that fresh is always better.” Willis Michalchuk is aware that fighting this epidemic will be a long process; however, he believes it is worth the wait and effort.