Celebrities like Kathy Bates, Eric Stonestreet, and Adele have openly discussed their weight loss journeys in the public eye recently. These stars have shared their personal transformations, whether for health reasons or a desire for change. Some have mentioned using weight loss medications, while others attribute their slimmer figures to diet and exercise. Here are a few celebrities who have shared their weight loss stories:
Jelly Roll began his weight loss journey in 2022 at 540 lbs. By April 2025, he had lost nearly 200 lbs. through a combination of protein and vegetables in his diet, walking, and training for a 5K. He aims to inspire others through his journey and has set a goal to be on the cover of Men’s Health by March 2026.
Lizzo embarked on her “weight release journey” in 2023 to improve her mental health. While she hasn’t disclosed the exact amount of weight lost, she celebrates reaching her goal weight in January 2025. She emphasizes self-love and keeping a positive mindset, acknowledging that acceptance of one’s body fluctuates.
Remi Bader faced criticism for undergoing bariatric surgery to lose weight. She defended her choice, emphasizing the hard work and dedication behind her transformation. Bader is proud of her journey and encourages others to focus on their own paths without judgment.
A recent Instagram post showcased her fitness journey after surgery. The influencer, known for promoting body positivity, shared her weight loss experience with Self magazine, saying, “I always embraced my curves; it was a part of who I was. I believed that you could be healthy and happy at any size.” However, she later expressed feeling lost about her identity and struggling with societal expectations regarding her body size.
In 2024, Oprah spoke openly about using weight loss medication and making lifestyle changes to achieve a weight she was content with. Following knee surgery, she adopted exercise and dietary modifications but found medication helpful in maintaining her progress. Oprah emphasized that obesity is a disease and not a matter of willpower, expressing relief in discovering a medical solution to manage her weight and well-being.
Discussing a TV special on weight loss medication, Whoopi Goldberg shared her own weight loss journey with the aid of a product called Mounjaro. Reflecting on her past struggles with weight, she urged compassion and emphasized the importance of self-acceptance amid societal judgment.
Actor Eric Stonestreet revealed his diabetes diagnosis during his time on “Modern Family” and initially felt ashamed, concealing his treatment from his partner. It was the passing of his father, who also had diabetes, that prompted Stonestreet to prioritize his health and well-being. He acknowledged the impact of his father’s condition and vowed to take a different path to avoid similar health issues.
For his 13-year-old twin sons and Schweitzer’s children, the actor felt a strong bond and responsibility to guide them positively. He expressed his commitment to being present in their lives and decided to make changes to his own lifestyle in order to set a better example. Embracing the benefits of Mounjaro since 2022, he described it as a transformative experience that has influenced his eating habits and approach to fitness. Determined to sustain these improvements long-term, he acknowledged the collaborative effort required to maintain a healthier lifestyle. John Goodman’s weight loss journey began in 2007 and has been marked by significant progress, with a focus on a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine. Similarly, Jim Gaffigan achieved a weight loss of 50 lbs. with the help of Mounjaro, sharing his candid experience with the medication and challenging any stigma associated with its use. Fat Joe’s decision to address his weight issues was prompted by a somber realization at a friend’s funeral, leading him to make substantial changes in his diet and lifestyle. Kathy Bates, an acclaimed actress, also underwent a remarkable weight loss of 100 lbs. over six years, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle modifications in achieving her goals.
As for her lifestyle and diet changes, she shared with PEOPLE, “There has been a lot of discussion that my weight loss was solely due to Ozempic. However, I want to emphasize to everyone out there that this was a result of hard work on my part, especially during the pandemic. It’s challenging to know when to stop.” – Bates
Former pro wrestler Dave Bautista has maintained a relatively fit physique throughout his career. But after gaining 300 lbs. for his role as Leonard in Knock at the Cabin, he focused on shedding weight by practicing jiu-jitsu, dropping 50 lbs. “I packed on the pounds for Knock at the Cabin. I was really heavy, over 300 lbs.,” he mentioned on Live with Kelly and Mark. “I had difficulty losing the weight, so I brought my buddy Jason Manly, a trainer, to Budapest with me while filming Dune.” – Dave Bautista
Kelly Clarkson has been discreet about her weight loss journey but mentioned using a supplement to assist with sugar breakdown due to her body’s limitations. She clarified, “People speculate it’s Ozempic, but it’s not. It’s something different.” – Kelly Clarkson
Adele’s weight loss journey was driven by her pursuit of better mental health, with exercise serving as a way to manage anxiety. Over three years, she lost 100 lbs. through rigorous weightlifting and circuit training sessions. “Working out became my sanctuary, eliminating my anxiety. It wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about building physical and mental strength,” she shared. – Adele
Khloé Kardashian faced public scrutiny about her appearance, particularly following her divorce from Lamar Odom, during which she shed 40 lbs. She now prioritizes health over weight, emphasizing lifestyle changes. She expressed, “If Ozempic had been available when I was heavier, I might have tried it. I was open to fad weight loss trends, but what truly works is a sustainable lifestyle change.” – Khloé Kardashian
Rebel Wilson embarked on her weight loss journey with the goal of becoming a mother. Her visit to a fertility doctor in 2019 served as the motivation to focus on her health and well-being.
Wilson was advised that she had a better chance of harvesting and freezing her eggs if she lost weight. She shared, “He looked me up and down and said, ‘You’d do much better if you were healthier.’ I was taken aback. I thought, ‘Oh God, this guy’s so rude.’ He was right. I was carrying around a lot of excess weight. It’s almost like I didn’t think of my own needs. I thought of a future child’s needs that really inspired me to get healthier.” After losing 80 lbs., she welcomed her daughter in 2022.
David Harbour, known for his role in Stranger Things, lost 80 lbs. for season 4 of the show through intermittent fasting and pilates. Despite the transformation, he mentioned he doesn’t plan to drop weight for a role again.
Billy Gardell underwent bariatric surgery and lost 150 lbs., emphasizing the importance of commitment to health post-surgery. He shared how the COVID-19 pandemic motivated him to prioritize his health for his family’s sake.
Al Roker underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2002, losing over 100 lbs. He reflected on his journey and shared his ongoing commitment to maintaining his health.
Jennifer Hudson, known for her appearance on American Idol, made changes to her lifestyle and diet to achieve a healthier weight.
Shonda Rhimes achieved an impressive 80-pound weight loss through lifestyle and diet modifications during her time as a Weight Watchers spokeswoman from 2010 to 2014. She shared with Yahoo that she manages to maintain her weight by not allowing food to intimidate her, and she throws away any excess food to stay in control. Rhimes emphasized the importance of being conscious of what she consumes and focusing on portion control. While she doesn’t work out extensively, she stays active. Similarly, her weight loss journey was motivated by her desire to be healthy for her daughters. She recounted a pivotal moment on an airplane when she struggled to buckle her seatbelt due to her size, prompting her to prioritize her health for her children. Rhimes acknowledged the need to take care of herself to be present for her family, despite her initial beliefs about body positivity and feminism.
“These days, Elliott manages her condition through medication, diet, and exercise,” she shared with PEOPLE in 2024. “Every morning I wake up grateful for my good health. I’m feeling much better now, with the occasional ache in my leg or knee, but overall, I feel great.”
Mo’Nique, known for embracing her curves, made a decision to prioritize her health. She shed over 80 lbs. and celebrated weighing under 200 lbs. for the first time in her adult life in 2018. In a video posted on Instagram, she said, “Today marks the first time in my adult life that I weigh under 200 lbs. I wanted to share this journey with all of you to show that it’s possible to make a change and reach your goals.”
Mo’Nique continues to inspire with her gym sessions, commitment to health, and motivational messages.
