Amanda Batula, a prominent figure on Bravo's "Summer House" since 2017 and its spin-off "Winter House," has found herself in the public eye, with her appearance and personal life frequently under scrutiny. In particular, her weight loss journey has garnered significant attention, especially as it intertwines with her and her husband Kyle Cooke's documented fertility struggles.
Early Weight Loss and Body Image
Batula first addressed her weight in 2020, revealing in an Instagram Q&A that she had intentionally shed pounds after her initial season on "Summer House." "Season 2, which was my first official season, was actually when I was at my heaviest," she stated. Although she avoided the scale, she estimated having lost approximately 15 to 20 pounds since then, returning to her college weight.
She noticed that she "gained weight very evenly and I carry it in my face a lot too. But I had to buy a whole new wardrobe because I could not fit into my clothes that year."
The Impact of Stopping Birth Control
More recently, Batula's weight loss became a focal point as she and Cooke embarked on their fertility journey. After discontinuing birth control in pursuit of starting a family, Batula experienced unexpected side effects, including weight loss. On "Summer House," she openly discussed these changes, telling co-star Samantha Feher, "We want to have kids." She also shared with her friends that she had stopped taking birth control soon after her wedding to Kyle in September 2021.
Cooke elaborated on the situation during an episode of Page Six's "Virtual Reali-Tea" podcast, explaining that Batula's fertility struggle was "more complicated" than viewers might realize. He clarified that going off birth control can cause weight loss and hormonal imbalances. Furthermore, he mentioned that Batula was prescribed acne medication with weight loss as a side effect. "There’s obviously a lot more to it than what made it into the [show]," Cooke said. He added, "She went on … a medication where the byproduct happens to be clearer skin. One of the side effects was also it caused her to lose some weight."
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Cooke expressed his concern for his wife, acknowledging the challenges she faced: "It was tough because she’s going through the weight loss, she’s going through the acne and oh, by the way, what’s going on with her menstrual cycle and her fertility." He also revealed that Batula had not had her period since going off birth control in the fall, raising concerns about her fertility. "It was kind of concerning," he noted.
In a confessional on "Summer House," Batula admitted to fearing potential fertility issues, stating, "I haven’t talked to Kyle about the fertility. I don’t love telling people things that might cause them fear or concern without having the answers, and I know I have to see a doctor, but maybe I’m not ready to know what’s going on."
Addressing Health Concerns and Finding Solutions
Amanda Batula shared new details on her health in November 2023. In a November 11, 2023 Instagram post, Amanda shared the positive news that she was feeling “better” following the health concerns she discussed during Summer House Season 7 and then on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in March.
In a November 11 Instagram post showing photos and videos from BravoCon 2023, Amanda shared an update on her health after a follower pointed out she looked “healthy and absolutely glowing” in the latest photos. “I feel better now too," she responded in the comments section. "Everyone just needed to bear with me while my body and hormones sorted themselves out. We’re still working out the kinks but we’re moving in the right direction!!"
In March 2023, Amanda appeared on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen" and shared that her health was improving. "My health is a lot better… Everything's flowing the way it should," Amanda told Andy Cohen. "Yeah, I'm flowing."
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Diet and Lifestyle Changes
In April 2020, Amanda revealed that she had lost weight since first appearing on the show in Season 2, which aired in 2018. Back in 2020, Amanda said she was on an intermittent fasting schedule in order to lose what she felt was the weight she'd gained prior to 2018. In addition, she drank Bulletproof coffee and was “cutting out all sugar and carbs.” Instead, she said she loaded up on “a lot of protein” and vegetables while trying to lose wait. Still, she shared at the time that she allowed herself to “give into my cravings in small doses, so that you don't over indulge.” She also said she didn’t track her weight by numbers. "I avoided the scale for a full year because the number that you see doesn't matter, what mattered to me was how I felt in the clothes that I was wearing and how I physically felt about myself," she explained.
Acne Struggles and Mental Health
Amanda has also been open about her struggles with acne and its impact on her mental health. "When my acne was at its peak, I was hiding from the world," Amanda told People magazine in an interview published July 21. "I wouldn’t go to events. I wouldn’t go out. "There was a lot of insecurity, especially being online and on TV all the time," she continued. "But I think the more we talk about it, the more we normalize it. And honestly?
"I actually think I was more comfortable talking about my mental health than I was talking about my acne," Amanda-who has been married to costar Kyle Cooke since 2021-reflected. "Which is so crazy to say, because there’s such a stigma with mental health-and you can’t tell what someone’s going through. But acne? She has found relief through monthly peels and extractions, emphasizing the importance of consistency in her skincare routine. “Having a routine I can stick to has been huge," she told the outlet, noting she now goes for monthly peels and extractions.
Amanda also shared words of wisdom for fans seeking treatment for their anxiety problems, whether they stem from acne-related issues or not."My best piece of advice for everyone with mental health is to talk to someone and just to open up," she said. "Just saying it out loud is extremely helpful and beneficial. It is a weight off your shoulders. And it finally, for me, felt like I could take action just admitting it out loud.
Other Celebrity Health Struggles
Amanda Batula is not alone in facing health challenges in the public eye. Many other celebrities have shared their experiences with various conditions, raising awareness and normalizing conversations around health.
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Amy Schumer: The comedian revealed she was diagnosed with Cushing syndrome after fans online noticed changes in her face. She attributed the condition to steroid injections she received for scars from a breast reduction and C-section.
Hailey Bieber: The model experienced stroke-like symptoms due to a small blood clot in her brain. She later discovered she had a hole in her heart called a patent foramen ovale (PFO), which contributed to the clot.
Justin Bieber: The singer was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a virus that caused temporary facial paralysis.
Jamie Foxx: The actor suffered a brain bleed and stroke, leading to a period of hospitalization and recovery.
Emilia Clarke: The "Game of Thrones" star survived two brain aneurysms, undergoing multiple surgeries and experiencing aphasia.
Shailene Woodley: The actress battled a mysterious health condition for years, experiencing symptoms like hearing loss and difficulty walking.
These are just a few examples of celebrities who have openly discussed their health struggles, helping to break down stigmas and encourage others to seek help and support.