Actress Chrissy Metz has captivated fans with her talent and authenticity, both on and off-screen. Known for her portrayal of Kate Pearson on This Is Us, Metz’s openness about her personal struggles, including emotional eating and weight loss, has inspired many. And she recently shared an update on how her childhood struggles played a role in her eating habits and weight gain. Metz's story is a reminder that weight loss isn’t just about physical changes-it’s about finding balance and self-acceptance.
Early Life Struggles and Their Impact
In her 2018 memoir, This Is Me, Metz, 44, revealed that she experienced hardships and physical and emotional abuse as a child, which led to unhealthy habits and obesity. She even recalled being the youngest person in Weight Watchers at age 11. Metz also wrote about her difficult relationship with her stepfather. “My body seemed to offend him, but he couldn’t help but stare, especially when I was eating. In an October 22, 2024, episode of The Jamie Kern Lima Show, Metz reflected on how there wasn’t as much awareness regarding food issues and behavior at the time. “Maybe he was just fearful. I don’t really know,” she said. “Why does my weight equate my worthiness? And as a 12-year-old kid, it’s like, how do you reconcile that in your mind?
“There’s so much stigma about weight. There’s this idea that you can’t put the food down or you’re lazy,” the actress shared on The Jamie Kern Lima Show. But her weight and the trauma of her past never stopped Metz from developing a passion for acting.
The Turning Point
In 2010, on her 30th birthday, Metz had a breakdown watching a movie with friends and family. “I had a full-blown panic attack in the theater,” Metz admitted to Woman’s World. “That was a catalyst that changed my thinking. In hindsight, Metz says she’s grateful for the panic attack that landed her in the hospital because it led her to seek help. “I needed to understand why I’ve been hurting my body with food and all the things that come with that,” she told VeryWell Mind. Metz also vowed to pay less attention to other people’s opinions, which inspired her to take better care of herself…and the weight began melting off.
Rapid Weight Loss: A Closer Look
“I was so gung ho, I lost 100 lbs. in less than five months,” she told People. Back in 2010, Metz lost 100 pounds in less than five months by following a 2,000-calorie diet and walking 20 minutes daily. While Metz’s transformation is inspiring, losing weight this rapidly is not typical. Losing 20 pounds a month, as Metz did, requires extreme focus. “Such rapid weight loss is not sustainable or safe for most people,” explains Michael Koehler, MD, Medical Director at Affinity Whole Health. “Rapid weight loss often results in muscle loss or other negative side effects, so I encourage my clients to focus on steady progress over speed,” adds Marlee Bruno, M.M.S., PA-C, Founder of Mind Body & Soul Medical.
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The 2,000-Calorie Diet
In general, consuming 2,000 calories a day is a realistic calorie target for many. It promotes fat loss while maintaining energy and satiety. But again, Dr. Koehler notes this depends on several factors, including activity level, muscle mass, hormonal changes and pre-existing health conditions. Metz’s two-pronged approach highlights the value of consistency over extreme measures like over-exercising or restricting. However, Dr. Koehler emphasizes that “results can vary significantly from person to person.
The Power of Walking
Meanwhile, walking is an underrated yet powerful form of exercise. “It is actually incredibly effective for weight loss and overall health,” says Bruno. “It’s gentle on the joints, reduces stress and improves cardiovascular health. Another bonus? It’s free! “Walking is accessible as a low-impact exercise that requires no special equipment or gym membership,” says Dr. For Metz, addressing her mental health was critical to her transformation.
The Importance of Mental Health
“[Mental health] is one of the most crucial aspects of any weight loss journey,” says Bruno. “Fixating on numbers or external pressures can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food and your body.” “I just have to be very clear,” she told TVLine. “Whether or not I lose weight or stay the same, it’s purely a choice of mine for health. Instead, Metz shifted her focus towards being healthy over simply losing weight. Having this mindset, Dr.
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