Kelly Clarkson, renowned for her powerful voice and authentic personality, has inspired many with her remarkable weight loss transformation. Her journey wasn't driven by societal pressures but by personal wellness goals, including managing her autoimmune and thyroid conditions. Clarkson has been candid about the challenges she faced, including being pre-diabetic, and how she turned to both lifestyle modifications and, ultimately, weight loss medication for support.
The Catalyst: Health Concerns and a Wake-Up Call
Clarkson's commitment to altering her lifestyle was pivotal in her weight loss journey. In a January 2024 episode of her talk show, she revealed that she discovered she was prediabetic, which prompted her to change her habits. Having prediabetes means that blood sugar levels are higher than normal but still lower than the range for Type 2 diabetes, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Recognizing the potential health implications, Clarkson embarked on a journey to prioritize her well-being.
Multifaceted Approach: Diet, Exercise, and Wellness Trends
Clarkson's approach to weight loss is multifaceted, incorporating various strategies to achieve sustainable results.
Balanced Diet
Her diet included a healthy mix of foods, with an emphasis on protein intake. She mentioned using alternative flours and ingredients such as cassava flour, tapioca, and almond flour in her recipes, even for traditionally high-carb dishes like fried chicken. Focusing on protein-rich foods helped Clarkson to stay fuller for longer, reducing the temptation to snack on unhealthy items and maintaining a balanced diet.
Embracing a Lectin-Free Diet
Clarkson adopted the lectin-free diet as recommended by Dr. Steven Gundry’s book, The Plant Paradox. According to Today, Clarkson’s transition to a lectin-free diet required her to cut out specific foods like legumes, beans, whole grains, dairy, and certain vegetables.
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Walking as an Underrated Exercise
One of the most impactful changes Clarkson made was incorporating more walking into her daily routine. Walking is often described as an underrated exercise for weight loss. According to Healthline, regular walking has shown favorable outcomes for those looking to reduce weight. Clarkson chose to relocate her talk show to New York from Los Angeles in 2023. “I was very unhappy in L.A. and had been for several years. I needed a fresh start,” Clarkson told People. California, she said, wasn't good for her mental health. Her increased mobility around New York City has been an effective part of her weight loss strategy.
Incorporating Wellness Trends
Apart from walking, Clarkson has included wellness trends like infrared saunas and cold plunges as part of her activity regimen. "I’m really into infrared saunas right now. And I just got a cold plunge because everybody wore me down," the "Piece By Piece" singer added. Infrared saunas are known for their ability to aid in muscle recovery, stress reduction, and boosting metabolism, which can be beneficial for weight loss goals.
The Role of Medication: Addressing Underlying Health Issues
In addition to Kelly Clarkson’s weight loss strategies, she has openly discussed the role of weight loss medication in her journey. Today Show confirmed that the singer revealed she’s used a weight-loss drug to help her lose weight, though it’s not Ozempic. CNN reported that Clarkson said the prescription she is on helps her body better process sugar, addressing her pre-diabetic condition.
She confirmed the rumors during a May episode of "The Kelly Clarkson Show" when chatting with Whoopi Goldberg, who’s also been open about using Mounjaro, another weight-loss drug. While the “American Idol” winner was initially unsure about trying medication to lose weight, she said she decided to “because my blood work got so bad." “My doctor chased me for like two years, and I was like, ‘No I’m afraid of it, I already have thyroid problems,’” she explained. “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.”
Clarkson did not specify what weight-loss medication she is taking beyond that it is not Ozempic.
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Facing Criticism and Embracing Body Positivity
After sharing that she was using a weight-loss medication, Clarkson faced a wave of backlash which Goldberg addressed on an episode of "The View." Clarkson was on the receiving end of criticism from those who said she'd previously claimed she lost weight by walking. "Here's a point about that," Goldberg said. "A lot of people are taking this shot because the need it. Some people need (their) bodies jumpstarted, some have diabetes, there's lots of reasons. She has been walking, but this has helped." Goldberg went on to point 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."
Throughout her years in Hollywood, the "American Idol" star has had to deal with a lot of commentary about her size. She told Glamour UK in 2020 that being thin doesn't always give her more confidence, adding that she got her coaching role on "The Voice" after gaining some weight. “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.”
Sustainable Strategies: Expert Perspectives
Kelly Clarkson has shared some strategies that contributed to her recent weight loss. Experts say sustainable improvements to your diet and exercise regimen are the most effective weight loss aids.
Infrared Saunas
Enjoying an infrared sauna might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of effective ways to lose weight, but it can bring the number on the scale down. Unfortunately, any reduction in weight is likely due to losing water rather than fat.
Nutritional therapist Natalie Burrows says in some small studies, infrared saunas have been correlated to successful fat loss. However, Burrows notes that they aren’t a stand-alone weight loss tool. “Infrared saunas use light rays, mainly red light, to create heat directly on your body. They are a great way to encourage sweating, which is one of the ways our bodies detoxify,” she explains. “However, they are not a magic stand-alone weight loss tool. But can they really contribute to weight loss? A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health suggests they might lower body fat due to their effect on blood sugar regulation.
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Cold Plunges
If regular, long-term cold plunges were maintained, then registered associate nutritionist Sarah Cooke says the mechanisms for fat loss are proposed via two main pathways. “One, the shivering of skeletal muscle in response to cold (this burns calories), and two, the increased activity of brown fat - a metabolically active fat, that uses a lot of calories to keep the body warm.”
But, as you might expect, cold plunges aren’t a magic weight-loss fix either. Brown fat makes up a small proportion of the body’s fat compared to white fat. What’s more, Cooke says evidence is limited in this area. “A lot of studies on brown fat are animal studies, and we can’t translate these findings to humans without more research,” she notes.
Walking
A weight loss aid you might have more luck with is walking. In fact, Burrows describes it as “one of the most underrated exercises for weight loss.” There’s a good deal of science to back her up. “For example, if you walk for 20 minutes a day running errands, then make a conscious decision to walk for 10 minutes extra per day. Doing it regularly and consistently is key, rather than big, unsustainable changes.”
Eating a Healthy Mix of Foods
Clarkson mentions that she eats a healthy mix of foods and has a protein-rich diet. Both experts agree that this is helpful if your goal is to lose weight. “Most people do best on a mixed diet of protein, fats, and fiber. Protein increases thermogenesis during digestion and increases satiety too, which results in less consumption of other foods (and therefore calories),” says Burrows.
As for fat and fiber? “The digestion and breakdown of fibrous (vegetables, beans, lentils) and fat foods (nuts, seeds, avocados) have a slower breakdown and release, meaning you’re fuller for longer,” Burrows explains. When it comes to weight loss, it appears diet is key. While dietary restriction and exercise were shown to be useful methods for weight loss, the authors concluded that exercise activity alone has only a minor influence on body weight reduction.
Allowing Yourself Occasional Treats
Diets that are too strict can be difficult to stick with long term. An occasional treat may help you adhere to a new healthy eating plan. “The 80/20 rule is a good general principle to follow,” says Cooke. “When we constantly deny ourselves the foods we enjoy, we feel restricted and deprived.
Prioritizing Health Over Appearance: A Sustainable Approach
Despite the industry’s focus on appearance, Kelly Clarkson has consistently prioritized her health over societal expectations of beauty. Her weight loss journey was rooted in addressing serious health concerns, including thyroid and autoimmune issues.
Clarkson’s sustainable weight loss methods, coupled with impactful lifestyle changes, underscore the importance of a balanced approach to health and wellness. By prioritizing these elements, she managed to not only lose weight but also maintain her overall well-being.
Inspiration and Empowerment: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Kelly Clarkson’s weight loss journey has been an inspiration to many, especially those struggling with similar health issues and weight concerns.
Kelly Clarkson’s journey is a testament to perseverance and commitment. From the pre-diabetic scare to embracing a healthier lifestyle, she’s demonstrated that weight loss isn’t just about physical change it’s about mental health, too. While the weight loss drug she used remains private, it’s clear that Kelly Clarkson’s journey wasn’t solely reliant on medication. She incorporated quite the workout, including walking around New York City, and made significant changes to her diet. Her openness about being a tiny bit overweight and prioritizing health over appearance resonates with many. By addressing her autoimmune condition, following a balanced diet, and staying active, Clarkson has successfully dropped weight. It’s easy to see how much she’s lost weight, but what’s more admirable is her strength in focusing on her well-being.
Conclusion: A Holistic Transformation
Kelly Clarkson’s weight loss journey reveals the importance of lifestyle modifications. She attributes her success to walking, adopting wellness trends, and focusing on a balanced diet. Navigating both her health journey and industry pressures, Kelly Clarkson serves as an inspiring example of focusing on what truly matters. By sharing her experiences, Clarkson empowers others to prioritize their health and well-being, fostering a more positive and accepting attitude towards body image.