I started my own class for people like me who can't find any place else to go.

Ninety percent of people who lose weight gain it back. It's very sad.

I've never lived in the visual world. I live very much in an emotional-contact world.

I hope in my lifetime we can all continue to laugh at ourselves and not put down anyone for what they weigh.

We overweight people, we say terrible things to ourselves. Oh, you wouldn't believe it. 'You fat pig. How can you do this? You're a disgusting jerk.' And that gets you nowhere. That gets you right back into a bowl of pasta fregula.

Stop trying to find something in food that will make you feel better. I used to have eating disorders; I'd binge and purge all the time: fried oysters, po' boys, muffulettas, beignets, coffee and doughnuts. I tried to medicate myself with food when people made fun of me or hit me with a bat in school. I'd always turn to food. Knowing what I now know, I'd turn to me.

I'm the clown you take out of the box and wind up when you need a good laugh. And then, when you're done with me, I go back in my box.