Weight loss and body image have always been hot topics, especially in the public eye. This article explores the experiences of Barbara Bush's family and Kelly Clarkson, delving into the pressures, struggles, and triumphs associated with weight loss journeys.
Barbara Bush's Impact on Jenna Bush Hager
Jenna Bush Hager, one of the fraternal twins of former President George W. Bush, has openly discussed the impact of her grandmother, Barbara Bush, on her body image. According to Bush Hager, her grandmother made comments about her bikini body when she was a teenager.
Bush Hager also recalled how her mother, Laura Bush, would often compare her to her sister, Martha, saying, "Martha's the pretty one. You're the funny one." These comments, while perhaps unintentional, can have a lasting impact on a young person's self-esteem.
Despite these early experiences, Bush Hager has embraced her body after having three children via C-sections. She finally donned a bikini again, showcasing her confidence and self-acceptance.
Kelly Clarkson: Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle
Kelly Clarkson has been candid about her weight fluctuations and health journey. She has faced body shaming throughout her career and has been open about the pressures to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.
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Clarkson has revealed that she began experiencing thyroid and autoimmune issues around 2006, which contributed to her weight fluctuations. In an effort to manage her symptoms, she made changes to her diet, which resulted in a weight loss of about 37 pounds.
Clarkson emphasized that her weight loss journey was not solely about aesthetics. "I know the industry loves the weight gone, but for me it wasn’t (about) the weight," she said.
Lifestyle Changes and Medication
Clarkson has implemented several lifestyle changes to improve her health and well-being. She relocated her talk show to New York City in 2023, which has led to a more active lifestyle. "Walking in the city is quite the workout," she told People.
In addition to increased physical activity, Clarkson has also adopted a high-protein diet and enjoys infrared saunas and cold plunges.
In May 2024, Clarkson revealed that she was taking medication to assist in her weight loss journey. While she did not specify the exact medication, she clarified that it was not Ozempic. She explained that her doctor had been urging her to consider medication due to concerning blood work results.
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“Everyone thinks it’s Ozempic - it’s not. It’s something else,” she told Goldberg. “But it’s something that aids in helping break down the sugar. Obviously my body doesn’t do it right.”
Addressing the Backlash
After sharing her experience with weight-loss medication, Clarkson faced criticism from some who felt she had previously attributed her weight loss solely to lifestyle changes.
Whoopi Goldberg defended Clarkson on "The View," pointing out the hypocrisy of the comments. "They kick her behind when she's bigger, they kick her behind when she's lost the weight, and now they're kicking her behind because she said it out loud."
Goldberg also emphasized that many people take weight-loss medications for legitimate health reasons, such as diabetes or to jumpstart their metabolism.
Clarkson's Perspective on Body Image
Clarkson has consistently advocated for body positivity and self-acceptance. She told Glamour UK in 2020 that being thin doesn't always equate to confidence.
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She also shared that she landed her coaching role on "The Voice" after gaining weight, proving that talent and personality are more important than physical appearance.
“I got on the No. 1 television show at my heaviest point, because it was right after I had kids, and it was like they didn’t care,” Clarkson said. “Paul (Telegdy, chairman of NBC Entertainment) hired me from NBC because he loved my personality, he loved that I connect with people and I’m really raw and real. It had nothing to do with my sex appeal or my look aesthetically. It had to do with me as a person. I think it’s really up to artists to force people to have that mentality.”
Jenna Bush Hager and Kelly Clarkson Bond Over Weight Struggles
Clarkson and Jenna Bush Hager bonded over their shared experiences with weight struggles when the Bush sisters appeared on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" in November 2023.
During the conversation, Clarkson showed a photo of Jenna and Barbara dressed identically as children. Jenna remarked that they "were chubby" in the photo, but Clarkson quickly interjected, saying, "You were not."
The exchange highlighted the societal pressures and self-perception issues that can arise around weight and body image.
Clarkson's Health Issues
Clarkson has been open about her thyroid and autoimmune issues, as well as her experience with prediabetes.
In 2018, she revealed that she had adopted a lectin-free diet to address these health concerns. The diet involved cutting out legumes, beans, whole grains, dairy, and certain vegetables.
In January 2024, Clarkson shared that she was prediabetic and had decided to make lifestyle changes to manage her condition.