Kathy Bates, the acclaimed actress known for her fierce characters, has recently made headlines for her impressive weight loss journey. Over the past six or seven years, she has shed an incredible 100 pounds, leading to significant improvements in her health and overall well-being. At 76, Bates is starring in CBS’ Matlock reboot. And despite recent reports of her retirement, she is charging full-speed ahead as her cut-throat character, lawyer Madeline Matlock-a feat that Bates says was partially made possible by her significant weight loss. This article delves into the details of her transformation, exploring the various factors that contributed to her success.
The Turning Point: A Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis
Bates's weight loss journey began in 2017 after receiving a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Witnessing the impact of the disease on her father, who underwent a leg amputation, and her sister, who was seriously affected, served as a wake-up call. Determined to avoid a similar fate, Bates embarked on a path toward better health. She decided to rethink her relationship with food after receiving a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis seven years ago, she told People. “I ate because I was afraid, and I ate because it was a FU to my self-esteem,” she said.
Lifestyle Changes: The Foundation of Success
Bates attributes the majority of her weight loss, approximately 80 pounds, to sustainable lifestyle changes. She emphasized that her transformation was the result of "hard work," particularly during the pandemic when it was challenging to control cravings. Bates said she lost most of the weight, 80 pounds, after making changes to her diet and lifestyle following a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2017, she said. Ozempic helped her to drop the remaining pounds.
Dietary Adjustments
One of the first steps Bates took was to modify her diet. She made a conscious effort to eat healthier foods and eliminate unhealthy choices like burgers, Cokes, and pizza. Kathy Bates recently opened up about her weight loss journey and the various techniques she used to lose 100 pounds. Bates also stopped eating after 8 pm, a practice that aligns with intermittent fasting principles. “I used to eat terribly: burgers and Cokes and pizza,” Bates said.
Mindful Eating
Bates also learned to develop 'mindfulness' about eatingBates began her weight loss journey by first tuning into her body and training herself to stop eating once she felt full, but she admits it took time. She attributed her success to developing a “mindfulness” about her eating, which helped her with “knowing when to push my plate away.”Bates began her weight loss journey by first tuning into her body and training herself to stop eating once she felt full, but she admits it took time. In January 2019, the Oscar winner opened up to Us Weekly about her weight loss journey, noting at the time that she had lost 60 pounds. She adopted a mindful approach to eating, paying attention to her body's signals of fullness. She learned to recognize the "involuntary sigh" that occurs when the stomach communicates to the brain that it has had enough. By heeding this signal and pushing her plate away, she was able to avoid overeating. She added that she was “in the best health I’ve been in in years ” and was “so grateful,” calling the journey “a miracle.”
Read also: Determination and Healthy Habits
The Importance of Flexibility
While committed to her health goals, Bates also allowed herself occasional treats. She understood that rigid dieting can lead to feelings of deprivation and ultimately hinder long-term adherence. By incorporating flexibility into her eating plan, she maintained a healthy relationship with food and made her weight loss journey more sustainable. When food trucks recently arrived at the Paramount lot during shooting of "Matlock," Bates ate a Pink's Hot Dog. “Oh, my God, I hadn’t had a hot dog in such a long time," she said, adding, "Today, I’m getting back on my track."
Embracing Exercise
Exercise played a crucial role in Bates's weight loss journey. She incorporated physical activity into her daily routine, both on and off the set. Bates said she has been “running back and forth on set” and has a treadmill at home, which have all helped her stay active. Bates makes exercise a priority nowBates has also learned to make exercise a priority in her life.“I have a treadmill here at the house, and I might try Pilates," she told People. Bates has also learned to make exercise a priority in her life. “I have a treadmill here at the house, and I might try Pilates," she told People.
Ozempic: A Helping Hand
In addition to lifestyle changes, Bates also utilized Ozempic, a medication that aids in weight loss by reducing appetite and regulating blood sugar. However, she emphasized that Ozempic was only responsible for the final 20 pounds of her weight loss, with the majority resulting from her own efforts. ARI & LOUISE / PEOPLEBates reiterated the message to Barrymore."I've recently gone on Ozempic and everybody said, 'Oh, she did it with Ozempic' but that's not true. I started doing that about a year ago for my diabetes and that's helped me lose the last 15 pounds or so," she shared. The weight-loss effects of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are well documented. The medications can aid with weight loss by reducing appetite and regulating blood sugar.
The Benefits of Weight Loss
Bates's weight loss has had a profound impact on her life, both personally and professionally. She has experienced increased energy levels, improved mobility, and a greater sense of overall well-being.
Enhanced Physical Capabilities
Before losing the weight, Bates noticed how carrying it around affected her work-namely on Harry’s Law in 2011. “I had to sit down every moment that I could. It was hard for me to walk,” she said. One of the most significant benefits of Bates's weight loss has been her improved physical capabilities. She is now able to stand and move for extended periods without fatigue, allowing her to fully engage in her work as an actress. “I don’t think I’ve been this slim since I was in college.”
Read also: Staying Hunky Dory: A Guide by Kathy Hilton
Improved Health
In addition to increased stamina, Bates told People in 2019 that her weight loss also “really helped” her post-cancer lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling and fluid retention in limbs, per Mayo Clinic. Her weight loss has also had a positive impact on her lymphedema, a condition she developed after undergoing a double mastectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis in 2012. By reducing her weight, she has been able to manage the swelling and discomfort associated with the condition.
A Boost in Confidence
Bates has also experienced a boost in confidence since becoming healthier. She feels happier and more empowered, which has translated into a more fulfilling life. Staying fit also helps Bates to feel happierDuring her appearance on "The Drew Barrymore Show," Bates noted that she's felt happier and more confident since becoming healthier."The thing that's most interesting is that my getting healthy just by chance came at the same time as getting the script for 'Matlock.' And so I was ready to do it.
The Power of Determination
Throughout her weight loss journey, Bates has emphasized the importance of determination. She replaced the word "willpower" with "determination," viewing it as a conscious choice to fight for her health. She acknowledges that there are moments when she overeats, but she quickly course-corrects and recommits to her goals. All of it took enormous focus, she revealed during an Oct. 2024 appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show.”“You know, they always say, ‘Oh, you don’t have enough willpower.’ I just changed that word to determination. It was my choice,” Bates said of getting healthier.
Read also: Discover the real Kathy Kinney behind Mimi Bobeck