Jessica Chubbs Shannon, a prominent figure in reality television alongside her mother, "Mama June" Shannon, has embarked on a notable weight loss journey. This article delves into her experiences, exploring the various approaches she has taken to achieve her health and fitness goals, as well as the broader context of her family's health journeys.
A Family Affair: Weight Loss in the Shannon Household
Weight gain and loss is a common topic of discussion in the Shannon household. Mama June Shannon, Alana Thompson, Pumpkin and Jessica Shannon chat with ET about 'Mama June: Family Crisis,' returning to WE tv on June 14. The family's experiences with weight management have been chronicled on television, providing viewers with an intimate look at their struggles and triumphs.
Mama June's Journey: From 240 to 141 Pounds
Mama June's weight loss journey has been a central theme in their reality shows. She once weighed nearly 240 pounds and trimmed it down to 141. Mama June underwent a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) aka Gastric Sleeve Surgery, which led to the removal of a portion of her stomach. It works to reduce caloric intake as well as decrease appetite due to which she experienced a reduction in her cravings (4).
June Shannon, Alana Thompson, Pumpkin and Jessica Shannon chat with ET about 'Mama June: Family Crisis,' returning to WE tv on June 14. In February 2020, both of them took a trip to Los Angeles for plastic surgery. Jessica had a balloon inserted into her stomach, liposuction on her abs, flanks, bra and back areas and a tummy tuck. Anna, meanwhile, had a breast lift and implants.
Jessica's Weight Loss Strategies
Jessica Shannon showcased her weight loss in a new side-by-side photo after sisters Lauryn Efird (a.k.a. Pumpkin) and Alana Thompson (a.k.a. “Cravings can be a struggle, but I’m glad I’ve been staying committed to my resolution so far this year,” the Mama June: From Not to Hot star, 24, captioned her health-related Instagram post on Tuesday, January 19. “The thing that bothered me the most about myself [was] my stomach,” she told HollywoodLife in April 2020. “I never liked it.
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Jessica Shannon's weight loss journey has involved a combination of surgical and lifestyle changes. During the premiere, viewers also saw June's daughters Jessica and Anna get body makeovers of their own. In February 2020, both of them took a trip to Los Angeles for plastic surgery. Jessica had a balloon inserted into her stomach, liposuction on her abs, flanks, bra and back areas and a tummy tuck.
Jessica said she began adding fruit, yogurt, smoothies and soup into her diet post-surgery. “It’s completely different from what I’m used to, but I’m starting to enjoy it,” the Mama June: Family Crisis star added. “I’m more confident in myself. I’ll go and wear a tight-fitting shirt or something super cute and not have to worry about my stomach bulging out.
Surgical Interventions
In February 2020, Jessica underwent several procedures to address her weight concerns. Jessica had a balloon inserted into her stomach, liposuction on her abs, flanks, bra and back areas and a tummy tuck.
Gastric Balloon
The insertion of a gastric balloon is a non-surgical procedure that involves placing a deflated balloon into the stomach, which is then filled with saline. This reduces the amount of space available for food, leading to decreased appetite and portion sizes.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, flanks, bra area, and back. This can help to improve body contours and create a more sculpted appearance.
Read also: Weight Loss Journey
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. This can help to flatten the stomach and improve overall body shape.
Dietary Changes
Following her surgical procedures, Jessica made significant changes to her diet. Jessica said she began adding fruit, yogurt, smoothies and soup into her diet post-surgery. “It’s completely different from what I’m used to, but I’m starting to enjoy it,” the Mama June: Family Crisis star added.
Incorporating Healthy Foods
Jessica's decision to incorporate more fruits, yogurt, smoothies, and soups into her diet reflects a commitment to healthier eating habits. These foods are typically lower in calories and fat and high in nutrients, which can support weight loss and overall health.
The Role of Confidence and Body Image
Jessica has expressed that she is now more confident in herself. “I’m more confident in myself. I’ll go and wear a tight-fitting shirt or something super cute and not have to worry about my stomach bulging out.
Embracing Body Positivity
Jessica's journey highlights the importance of body positivity and self-acceptance. By feeling more confident in her skin, she is better able to embrace her new body and live a more fulfilling life.
Read also: Transformation and inspiration: Weight loss stories
Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson's Weight Loss Journey
Alana Frances Thompson, also known as Honey Boo Boo, has also undergone an incredible weight loss transformation. Despite facing criticism about her weight loss decision at an early age, she focused on her fitness goals and continued living in high spirits.
Non-Surgical Weight Loss Procedure
According to her manager, Alana opted for a non-surgical weight loss procedure. As per research, lifestyle interventions and antiobesity medications are a few of the nonsurgical options for obesity that have proven to be beneficial for her(1).
Motivation and Support
The reality star once admitted that it was difficult for her to lose weight all by herself as she lacked the motivation to stick to healthy eating habits. As per a research paper published in NCBI, an imbalance in dietary patterns may give rise to ailments such as obesity (2). Thus, she wished to undergo weight loss surgery called suture sculpt endoscopic sleeve, which can cost upwards of $13,000 to get down to about 145 lbs.
Suture Sculpt Endoscopic Sleeve (ESG)
It is a therapeutic endoscopic technique for reducing the size of the gastric reservoir in obese patients (3). As per a study published in NCBI, the ESG procedure is relatively safe and suitable for those unwilling to undergo a surgical procedure (2).
Honey Boo Boo's Diet and Workout
Honey Boo Boo is yet to reveal what her diet includes. However, she has always found it difficult to stick to healthy eating habits for shedding a few pounds naturally. As per research, the fundamental dietary advice to reduce weight includes strategies to lower the energy density of the diet. For that, one must focus on increasing vegetable and fruit consumption and decreasing consumption of high-calorie food.
Honey Boo Boo posted a couple of photographs of her body empowerment shoot. She then, revealed that she visited the gym 5 days a week and found a big difference in how she feels and looks. In fact, her mother once wrote to her saying, “Alana, I promise, once you make fitness a habit, you'll crave it. I rolled my eyes as I typed that last sentence, but I swear, it's true.” As per a study published in NCBI, exercise is an integral part of any weight loss program.
Other Celebrities' Weight Loss Journeys
Many celebrities have openly shared their weight loss journeys, providing inspiration and insights into the various methods they have used to achieve their goals.
Mama June's Weight-Loss Update
June and Jessica Shannon, Alana Thompson and Lauryn Efird chat with ET about 'Mama June: Family Crisis,' returning to WE tv on June 14. Mama June gives health, weight-loss update as she vows to never return to drugs (Exclusive).
Jelly Roll
I did, this summer, lose a good chunk of weight by micro-dosing a GLP-1," the 57-year-old revealed in September 2025 during an episode of his SiriusXM Andy Cohen Live radio show. "I was really unhappy with my weight. My doctor and I talked about this last year, had recommended a GLP-1 a few times to not only address what I was feeling about my weight, but treat plaque in my arteries and high blood pressure.
Kelly Clarkson
Informed by doctors she was pre-diabetic, "I dropped weight because I've been listening to my doctor-a couple years I didn't," the singer explained to People. "Everybody thinks it Ozempic. It's not." Rather, it's another unnamed medicine, she continued, "Something that aids in helping break down the sugar-obviously my body doesn't do it right."
Oprah Winfrey
While Winfrey hasn't named the weight loss medication she's using, she told People in December, "The fact that there's a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift, and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for," she explained of adding that particular tool to her arsenal.
John Goodman
His sensible approach-lots of walking and a Mediterranean diet heavy on fish, vegetables and nuts-has helped him maintain a 200-pound weight loss. “It’s a life of rehab,” he admitted to Men's Health.
Post Malone
His inspiration, he continued, was the daughter he welcomed in 2022: "i guess dad life kicked in and i decided to kick soda, and start eating better so i can be around for a long time for this little angel. next up is smokes and brews, but i like to consider myself a patient man."
Tammy Slaton
"Like being able to buckle a seatbelt and not have to use an extender. It's big for me. Now, continued the reality star, "I'm more or less like giving myself a pat on the back for achieving something and doing it. Getting the weight off and living. That's what I'm doing. I can finally say I'm living life."