The number 5 represents that added something that brings the situation out of balance again.  It represents the struggle and challenge of inner and outer growth.  The suit of Swords is associated with  reason, thought, logic, will, courage, verbal skill, matters pertaining to the mind, communication and the element of air.  This is a card of struggle, of dealing with intellectual cruelty and taunts. 

"Your lifestyle is being challenged or changed.  You are aware of the limitations of a given philosophy as you act it out in your daily life.  Your communication patterns may be in flux as a result of feedback from others.  You could be adjusting (editing) something you've written or said." - Gail Fairfield

"The desire for revenge or retribution can obscure out true goals" - Spirit World LWB

Looking at the image on the Whispering card I was struck by the idea that the figure looked at though he is pinned to a wheel being blown about by the winds of chance and fate.  He seems to have no control over the situation.  Although when I look closer I realize that he is not actually pinned to the wheel, he is merely surrounded by 5 swords.  On the Spirit World 5 of Swords two men holding swords are posed in front of a larger, blindfolded figure holding a sword aloft.  The appear to be dancing rather than battling with the swords.  It almost seems to be a ritualist rite to honor the goddess before whom they stand.

I find it interest that both cards give me a sense of being engaged in an activity over which we are not actually in control.  The men on the Spirit World 5 of Swords are moving through steps that have been predetermined.  They cannot decide to change the steps without risking offending the goddess.  On the Whispering 5 of Swords the man on the wheel is letting himself get spun about and not trying to take any steps to change this situation.

In light of my question I think the answer is simple - I have to stop letting chance and outside influences control my health.  Instead of saying "well it's not my fault, I was stressed" or finding another excuse, I need to take more control and responsibility for the situation.  The truth is that if I start making healthier food choices and being more physically active I should see an improvement in my health.  It's very simple and very basic and I am the only one who can do it.  What I'm ignoring is that I'm the one in control; I'm in charge of my body and my life.  I'm the one who chooses to eat more than is good for me.  I'm the one who decides to eat five cookies at a sitting rather than just one.  Ironically I often don't even enjoy the food I overeat.  It's almost a reflex action - stuffing my face without conscious thought.  I have to be more present in my body, more conscious of my choices.  Then and only then will I see improvements in my health.