Hollywood is not known to be kind when it comes to body image. In Hollywood, where the bright lights and cameras take center stage, many feel pressure to achieve a certain look – and in most cases, a certain weight – to make it in the industry. Once getting their foot in the door, some still find themselves needing to drastically transform themselves for roles.
Recently, there has been a noticeable shift from a completely scale-conscious mindset to one of health and well-being. Fitness, diet, and health issues are topics that people don’t shy away from. More celebrities have started spreading messages about health and self-care. One of these messages is about removing the stigma about obesity and the measures that one has to take to manage it, including prescription medical weight loss or the use of prescription medications to aid in losing weight in a healthy manner.
So without further ado, here are some celebrities who have taken steps to transform their bodies and lives, including those who have spoken out about their use of weight loss medications:
Oprah Winfrey
On March 18, 2024, Oprah Winfrey hosted a TV special highlighting obesity as an epidemic and the revolution brought on by new prescription weight loss medications. The feature was called An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution.
Oprah Winfrey has been open about her struggles with her weight, and her recent use of a weight loss medication along with regular exercise and lifestyle changes to help manage her weight. She has stated that she uses the medication as a tool to manage not yo-yoing and to maintain her 40 lb. weight loss.
Rebel Wilson
Actress Rebel Wilson, known for “Pitch Perfect” and “Bridesmaids” among many comedy films, had issues with her weight since she was 20. She also has a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome which caused her to gain 100 pounds.
The actress decided to start a health and wellness journey and documented that she lost 80 lbs. She works out for more than 2 hours a day and is on a high-protein diet. She also revealed that she took weight loss medication Ozempic for a short time to help her, but that she no longer takes the medication.
Adele
Adele is one of those celebrity weight loss news that shocked people. The Grammy Award-winning singer was quiet about her weight loss journey prior to revealing her transformation.
She admitted that she started exercising more for anxiety than weight loss. She has been reported to do cardio exercises, weight-lifting, circuit training, boxing, HIIT, and Pilates.
Kelly Clarkson
Singer and daytime talk show host Kelly Clarkson lost approximately 60 lbs over a span of two years. She has previously said that she was diagnosed to be prediabetic, and this prompted her to change her lifestyle and lose weight. In the past, she has also said she had thyroid and autoimmune issues which compounded her weight issues.
The American Idol star credits walking, eating a healthy mix of healthy foods, more protein intake, infrared saunas, and cold plunges as her weight loss methods.
Jennifer Hudson
Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson has also credited a GLP-1 medication for helping her lose weight. She went on a weight-loss journey in 2010 in order to adopt a flexible realistic healthy lifestyle with the help of a customized weight loss program. She lost about 80 lbs.
Jennifer Hudson continues her healthy lifestyle with a focus on healthy food, portions, and balance. She also does regular exercise which includes non-traditional workouts like boxing.
Charles Barkley
NBA Hall of Famer and sports analyst Charles Barkley lost more than 60 pounds in six months. His doctor prescribed Mounjaro, a weight loss medication similar to Ozempic, to manage his weight and type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro maker Eli Lilly has emphasized the use of the medication for diabetes and obesity and not cosmetic reasons.
Barkley reported increasing his physical activity and improving his diet to maintain his weight loss.
