MAMAMOO's Hwasa has recently garnered attention for her noticeable weight loss. She has openly discussed the methods and motivations behind her transformation, revealing a focus on both physical health and artistic expression. Her approach involves a combination of diet, exercise, and a mindful consideration of her body's role in conveying the emotions of her music.
A Deliberate Transformation
Hwasa has stated that her recent weight loss was a conscious decision driven by the artistic demands of her new music. In a YouTube video on the channel “gwang series,” she explained that her comeback song, a ballad centered around a breakup, required a different aesthetic than her usual powerful performances. She aimed for a more delicate and soft body type, a departure from her previous focus on building muscle mass.
"This comeback is for a ballad - a breakup song - so I wanted to create a body type I’ve never had before, something more delicate and soft," she stated.
Diet and Exercise Regimen
Hwasa's weight loss strategy involves a combination of dietary changes and regular exercise.
Dietary Adjustments
One of the most significant changes Hwasa made was cutting out oily foods. This was a notable shift for the singer, who had previously gained fame for her love of food, particularly grilled beef intestines, earning her the nickname "mukbang goddess."
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Experts emphasize that reducing the intake of oily foods can be beneficial for weight loss. High-fat foods, such as fried chicken and donuts, are calorie-dense, containing more than double the calories of protein or carbohydrates per gram. Overconsumption of these foods can contribute to visceral fat buildup and increase the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. However, it's important to note that healthy fats are essential for overall health and play a role in cell structure, hormone production, and vitamin absorption.
Exercise Routine
In terms of exercise, Hwasa focuses on personal training and running. She shared on SBS Radio’s “Cultwo Show” that she enjoys running. When running at home, she runs 3 km (1.86 miles), but when she runs outdoors, she increases the distance to 7 to 8 km (4.3 to 4.9 miles).
She also incorporates fasted cardio into her morning routine, which she believes gives her more energy and focus throughout the day, leading to better eating habits.
Previously, Hwasa focused on building muscle mass through her workouts. However, she has adapted her training to align with her current goals.
Artistic Intent vs. External Pressure
Hwasa has emphasized that her weight loss is driven by artistic intent rather than external pressure. She adjusts her body to reflect the emotions of her music, rather than conforming to industry expectations.
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“My stage performances are intense - I go full-out from the first song to the last,” Hwasa said. “It’s hard to handle that with a thin body. I used to feel better with some muscle and weight. But my new song is delicate and emotional, so I wanted to reflect that feeling through my body - like how people lose weight when they’re emotionally drained.”
This approach is a departure from her earlier experiences as a trainee, during which she struggled with depression due to weight-loss pressure. Now, she approaches fitness on her own terms, prioritizing her artistic vision and overall well-being.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Hwasa's journey highlights the importance of a balanced approach to weight loss and fitness. Her focus on both diet and exercise, combined with her mindful consideration of her body's role in artistic expression, demonstrates a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
She acknowledges the importance of maintaining some body mass for her performance style, stating, “I always try to increase muscle mass because I feel like having some weight makes the dance movements more solid." However, she also recognizes the need to adapt her physique to suit the specific demands of her music.
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