How Did Celebrities Lose Weight? What the Stars Have Said
Celebrity weight loss is one of the most searched topics on the internet. And it’s no wonder. When someone we see on TV or hear on the radio suddenly looks different, we want to know how they did it. But not every celebrity is open about their journey, and some stories get twisted by rumours and tabloid guesswork.
This post covers 21 well-known celebrities and what we actually know about how they lost weight. Where a celebrity has spoken openly, we share what they said. Where it’s speculation or rumour, I’ll be clear about that too. No scaremongering, no miracle claims, just an honest look at the facts of some popular celebrities’ weight loss.
It’s also worth saying upfront: weight loss is deeply personal. What works for one person may not work for another, and some methods covered here, such as prescription medication or surgery, should only be discussed with a doctor. These celebrities weight loss stories are just their experiences!
Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson is the Grammy-winning singer behind hits like Since U Been Gone and, more recently, the host of The Kelly Clarkson Show in the US. Her noticeable weight loss made headlines, and thankfully, she has spoken about it openly.
In a January 2024 cover interview with People magazine, Kelly said: “I dropped weight because I’ve been listening to my doctor. I eat a healthy mix, and 90 per cent of the time I’m really good at it because a protein diet is good for me anyway.”
She also credited walking around New York City as a surprisingly effective workout: “Walking in the city is quite the workout.” She has also confirmed she takes medication to help with how her body processes food, though she hasn’t named the specific drug.
Verdict: Openly confirmed. Diet, walking, protein-rich eating, and doctor-guided medication.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is arguably the most famous talk show host in history and has been open about her weight struggles for decades. In 2023, she revealed to People that she had started using a GLP-1 weight loss injection, calling it “a gift.”
In a follow-up interview from late 2025, Oprah shared that she had actually stopped taking the medication cold turkey on her 70th birthday in January 2024 to see if she could manage without it. She gained 20 pounds over those 12 months and said, “It’s going to be a lifetime thing. I’ve proven to myself I need it.”
She has also spoken about the science of obesity, saying she came to understand that “overeating doesn’t cause obesity, obesity causes overeating,” and that for her, the medication is a health tool rather than a shortcut.
Verdict: Openly confirmed. GLP-1 medication, alongside diet and exercise.
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg is an EGOT-winning actress and co-host of the US talk show The View. On a 2024 episode of the show, she revealed she had used Mounjaro, a GLP-1 type 2 diabetes medication, to help lose weight after reaching nearly 300 pounds while filming the 2022 biographical drama Till. At the time, she had also been recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia and sepsis.
“One of the things that helped me drop the weight was the Mounjaro. That’s what I used,” she told her co-hosts.
She also shared a broader message about compassion: “My weight has come and gone and up and down, but it’s never been an issue for me because I don’t listen to what other people say about me.” I love this as she is one of the most widely discussed celebrities’ weight loss stories online.
Verdict: Openly confirmed. Mounjaro (a GLP-1 medication).
Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling is an actress, writer, and producer best known for The Office and The Mindy Project. She lost a noticeable amount of weight over a few years and has spoken about it thoughtfully.
In 2022, she told People: “I’ve tried really hard to let go of this idea of losing weight for vanity reasons and really trying to think of how I can be healthy.” She has said she walks around 15 to 20 miles per week, focuses on moderation rather than restrictive dieting, does strength training, and stays well hydrated. In one interview she added: “Honestly, I just eat less.”
Her motivation, she says, is her kids rather than her appearance.
Verdict: Openly confirmed. Walking, strength training, moderation in eating, and a mindset shift.
Lizzo
Lizzo is a Grammy-winning singer and performer known for championing body positivity. Her weight loss journey has been notably thoughtful, and she uses the phrase “weight release” deliberately, saying: “I want to be very intentional with the words that come out of my mouth.”
She has confirmed she lost weight through Pilates, walking, calorie deficit, and weight training. In early 2025, she posted on Instagram that she had reached her “weight release goal” after working towards it slowly and methodically. She denied using Ozempic in 2020.
She has also been open about the mental side of things: “There is never a day when I regret taking a walk or doing some Pilates.”
Verdict: Openly confirmed. Pilates, walking, calorie deficit, and weight training.
Alison Hammond
Alison Hammond is one of Britain’s best-loved TV presenters, known for her warmth and humour on This Morning and The Great British Bake Off. She lost an impressive amount of weight after receiving a pre-diabetic diagnosis, which frightened her following the death of her mother, who had Type 2 diabetes.
Speaking to Good Housekeeping, she said: “My mum had Type 2 diabetes and she was worried for me, so when I then found out that I was pre-diabetic, that was frightening. The sweets had to stop, and the fatty foods.”
She works with a personal trainer twice a week, walks, stretches, and does yoga. She has also confirmed she chose not to use weight loss medication, but has been supportive of those who do: “I think that for people who need to use them, they’re a good thing.”
Verdict: Openly confirmed. Exercise, personal training, cutting sugar and fatty foods, health-led motivation.
Adele
Adele is one of the best-selling music artists in the world, and her dramatic physical transformation between 2019 and 2021 sparked huge public interest. She lost around 100 pounds and has spoken about how she did it in several interviews.
In a 2021 interview with British Vogue, she said, “I just got really into working out. I started because I had really bad anxiety after my tour, and I was told to do it.” She also said, “If anything, I eat more than I used to because I work out so hard.”
Her trainer has confirmed she did intense circuit training and weightlifting, with up to three sessions per day at her peak. Some reports mention the Sirtfood Diet as a contributing factor early on, but Adele herself has not confirmed this. She has been clear that her goal was mental health and strength, not weight loss specifically.
Verdict: Largely confirmed. Exercise and weight training for mental health. The Sirtfood Diet is speculated but not confirmed by Adele.
Rebel Wilson
Australian actress Rebel Wilson, known for her role in Pitch Perfect, lost a significant amount of weight around 2020 to 2021, which she called her “Year of Health.” She spoke openly about using the Mayr Method, a wellness programme she followed at a clinic in Austria. The programme focuses on gut health, mindful eating, and cutting out sugar and processed food.
She also confirmed she worked with a personal trainer and made regular exercise a priority. More recently, she has also spoken about using a weight loss injection, though she has not specified which medication.
Verdict: Largely confirmed. Mayr Method retreat, exercise, and more recently weight loss medication (unspecified).
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian is a media personality and businesswoman. Her much-discussed 16-pound weight loss ahead of the 2022 Met Gala to fit into Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress raised concern among health experts at the time.
In an interview with Vogue, she described the process as “an extreme” regimen involving sauna suits, cutting carbs, and strict food restriction, saying: “I didn’t starve myself, but I was so strict.” Doctors and nutritionists publicly warned against replicating this approach, and the NHS advises against crash dieting for good reason.
More recently, she has been open about using weight loss injections, though the details remain vague.
Verdict: Partially confirmed. Extreme dietary restriction for the Met Gala. Weight loss medication speculated more recently but not fully confirmed.
Khloé Kardashian
Khloé Kardashian has been on a long, public health journey and has spoken about it across interviews and her TV show Khloé and True Take the Runway. She credits regular exercise, particularly working with celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson, as a major factor in her transformation. She also overhauled her diet, cutting out many processed foods.
In recent years, given the wider Kardashian conversation about weight loss medications, there has been significant speculation about whether Khloé uses Ozempic or similar drugs. She has denied using it, attributing her results to hard work in the gym.
Verdict: Partly confirmed. Exercise and dietary changes confirmed. Medication is speculated but denied by Khloé.
Ariana Grande
Pop star Ariana Grande looked noticeably slimmer in 2023, which sparked widespread concern from fans about whether she was well. She addressed this publicly, explaining that an older, heavier version of herself was actually not a healthy point, and that she had been eating poorly and taking medications that affected her body at the time.
Grande has said she has followed a plant-based diet for years. She has not confirmed using any weight loss medication, and the specific reasons for her 2023 change in appearance have not been fully explained publicly.
Verdict: Partially confirmed. Vegan diet long-established. 2023 weight loss not fully explained; no confirmed medical or surgical cause.
Jelly Roll
American country and rap artist Jelly Roll made headlines for a remarkable physical transformation, losing around 200 pounds. He has been open about his journey, saying it began when he struggled to fit into a seat on an aeroplane and decided something had to change.
He has spoken about overhauling his diet and committing to regular exercise, including running. In late 2024, he ran a 5k race in front of a crowd after pledging to do so publicly. He has not confirmed using weight loss medication.
Verdict: Openly confirmed. Diet overhaul and consistent exercise, including running.
Ed Sheeran
British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran revealed a 30-pound weight loss in late 2025. He has shared that his main motivation was his daughter, wanting to be healthy enough to be around for her. He spoke about cutting back on alcohol and making lifestyle changes, though he hasn’t gone into extensive detail about a specific diet or exercise regime.
Verdict: Openly confirmed. Cutting alcohol and lifestyle changes, motivated by family.
Meghan Trainor
American singer and TV personality Meghan Trainor, known for songs like All About That Bass, has spoken about her weight loss journey in the context of getting fit after having children. She has shared workout routines on social media and credited walking and strength training. She has not confirmed using any medication.
Verdict: Partially confirmed. Exercise, including walking and strength training.
Billy Gardell
Billy Gardell is the American actor best known for playing the lead role in Mike and Molly and Bob Hearts Abishola. He has lost a significant amount of weight and has been very open about it. He revealed he had surgery for Type 2 diabetes, which also contributed to his weight loss, and he has also confirmed he worked with a doctor and changed his diet significantly.
Verdict: Openly confirmed. Medical intervention for Type 2 diabetes, dietary changes.
Chrissy Metz
Chrissy Metz is an actress best known for playing Kate on the hit American drama This Is Us, a role that actually required her to work on her weight as part of the character arc. She has spoken honestly about emotional eating and her complicated relationship with food over the years.
She has confirmed working with a therapist and focusing on a calorie deficit, aiming for around 2,000 calories per day alongside walking. She has not confirmed using weight loss medication.
Verdict: Largely confirmed. Therapy, calorie awareness, and walking.
Jonah Hill
American actor Jonah Hill, known for films like Superbad and 21 Jump Street, went through a noticeable transformation and later made a documentary film (Stutz, 2022) in which he explored his relationship with his body image and therapy. He has spoken about how he came to view diet and exercise as tools for mental well-being rather than appearance-focused goals.
He has credited therapy, surfing, and dietary changes, including working with a nutritionist. He has not publicly confirmed using any medication.
Verdict: Largely confirmed. Therapy, surfing, diet improvements, and a mental health-led approach.
Melissa McCarthy
Actress Melissa McCarthy, known for Bridesmaids, Spy, and Gilmore Girls, went through a visible transformation and has given a few interview hints over the years. She has spoken about working with a doctor and changing her diet, mentioning a plan where she significantly cut her food intake for a period. She has been private about the specifics.
More recently, given her continued slim appearance, there has been speculation about GLP-1 medication use, but she has not confirmed this.
Verdict: Partially confirmed. Doctor-supervised diet. Medication is speculated but not confirmed.
Post Malone
American rapper and singer Post Malone revealed a striking transformation in 2023, appearing significantly slimmer at public appearances. He credited cutting out alcohol as the main driver, saying he had stopped drinking heavily and started exercising more. He has not confirmed using any medication.
Verdict: Openly confirmed. Cutting alcohol and increased exercise.
Peter Kay
British comedian and Phoenix Nights creator Peter Kay returned to the public eye after a lengthy break, and appeared slimmer than before. He has not spoken publicly about how he lost weight, and any claims you read about him following a specific diet or programme are speculation. We simply don’t know.
Verdict: Not confirmed. No public statements made about his weight loss.
Nick Frost
British actor Nick Frost, best known for the Cornetto Trilogy films (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The World’s End) with Simon Pegg, also went through a physical transformation. Like Peter Kay, he has not spoken in detail publicly about how he lost weight. Any specific claims floating around online are largely speculative.
Verdict: Not confirmed. No detailed public statements available.
What Can We Learn From Celebrity Weight Loss Stories?
A few themes keep coming up across these stories, and they’re worth paying attention to.
Medical guidance matters. Kelly Clarkson, Billy Gardell, Melissa McCarthy, and others all worked closely with doctors. That’s not a coincidence.
There’s no single method. Some celebrities used medication, some had surgery, some walked daily, and some overhauled their diets. Weight loss is not a one-size-fits-all situation.
Mental health plays a huge role. Jonah Hill, Mindy Kaling, and Lizzo all talked openly about the emotional side of their journey. Chrissy Metz worked with a therapist. The mind and body are connected.
Speculation is everywhere. For every celebrity who has spoken openly, there are three more surrounded by tabloid rumours. Be critical of what you read online.
If you’re on your own health journey, these stories can be inspiring, but they shouldn’t be used as a blueprint without professional guidance. The NHS weight loss guide is a great free starting point, as is speaking to your GP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Oprah Winfrey use Ozempic?
Oprah has confirmed she used a GLP-1 weight loss medication but has chosen not to name the specific brand. It is not confirmed to be Ozempic specifically.
Did Alison Hammond have weight loss surgery?
No. Alison Hammond has confirmed she lost weight through exercise, working with a personal trainer, and cutting sugar and fatty foods after a pre-diabetic diagnosis. She has said she did not use weight loss medication.
Did Adele follow the Sirtfood Diet?
The Sirtfood Diet has been widely reported in relation to Adele, but she has never confirmed it herself. What she has confirmed is that intense exercise and working out are good for her mental health.
Is using GLP-1 medication like Wegovy or Mounjaro safe?
GLP-1 medications are prescription-only in the UK and should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. They are approved for specific use cases, such as obesity or Type 2 diabetes. You can read more on the NHS website about weight loss medicines.
How do I know if weight loss tips I see online are reliable?
Look for sources that cite medical professionals or research. Be cautious of anything promising quick results. Useful resources include the NHS, British Heart Foundation, and NICE guidelines on obesity.
Can I copy exactly what a celebrity did to lose weight?
It’s always worth speaking to your GP before starting any new diet or exercise programme, particularly if you have existing health conditions. What worked for a celebrity may not be right for your body or circumstances.
Finding Your Own Path
Celebrity weight loss stories make for entertaining reading, but they rarely tell the full picture. Behind every headline is a person with a specific health history, access to personal trainers, private chefs, expensive clinics, and sometimes medical teams. Most of us don’t have those resources, and that’s okay.
What we can take from these stories is that there is no single magic method. Consistency, professional guidance, and a realistic mindset tend to come up again and again. Progress over perfection, as the saying goes.
