Issa Rae Opens Up About Gaining 'New Money Weight' & Her Self-Esteem

Issa Rae is on the cover of Women’s Health‘s April 2019 issue, out now.

Here’s what the 34-year-old Insecure star had to say…

On the “new money weight” she gained after finding success with her YouTube Web series, The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl: “When the web series started, I was very, very broke. Then more opportunities began to come. I was gaining New Money Weight. When you get a new job, you’re like, ‘I can afford to eat at restaurants all the time!’ That adds up in weight.”

On when weight began to mess with her self-esteem: “Time to work out is so limited, but when I first started seeing myself on TV, I was like, ‘I gotta make time.’”

On daily exercise not coming naturally: “I was a big excuse person when it came to exercising and eating right. I’d have spurts of trying to work out and be good. Then once I fell off, I’d be like, ‘Well, there’s always next year. Let me make it my New Year’s revolution.’ But even then, I would still be eating wrong while exercising vigorously.”

On accidentally discovering how exercise helps her mental well-being: “You know those earbuds that you put in your ears? I was running, and one fell. It was dark outside and I couldn’t find it. So I was just forced to be alone with my thoughts, and I was like, ‘Oh, I need to do this more often.’ Those moments are the most creative. I think finding those moments while also nurturing your body is important.”

For more from Isa, head to WomensHealthMag.com.