Kelly Clarkson's weight loss journey has been a topic of public interest, with the singer openly discussing the lifestyle changes she's made in recent years. Her approach involves a combination of increased physical activity, dietary adjustments, and, more recently, the use of medication. This article explores the various factors contributing to Clarkson's weight loss, providing insights into her health journey.
Lifestyle Changes in New York City
Clarkson's move to New York City marked a turning point in her wellness journey. She noted that her day-to-day life in the city is significantly more active than it was in Los Angeles. "Walking in the city is quite the workout," she shared in an interview with People. This increased physical activity has played a role in her weight loss. Clarkson relocated her talk show to New York from Los Angeles in 2023, seeking a fresh start. "I was very unhappy in L.A. and had been for several years. I needed a fresh start," Clarkson told People, adding that California wasn't good for her mental health.
Dietary Adjustments
In addition to increased physical activity, Clarkson adopted a high-protein diet. She told People, “I dropped weight because I’ve been listening to my doctor - a couple (of) years I didn’t. And 90% of the time I’m really good at it because a protein diet is good for me anyway. I’m a Texas girl, so I like meat - sorry, vegetarians in the world!" Protein-rich diets can aid in weight loss by promoting feelings of fullness and satisfaction. Clarkson eats a healthy mix of foods.
Clarkson doesn't believe in extreme dieting. “But I still splurge. The other night I had a frozen yogurt with my daughter, and it was magical," added the Grammy winner, who shares daughter River Rose, 10, and son Remington, 8, with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock.
Weight-Loss Medication
In May 2024, Clarkson revealed that she was taking medication to assist in her weight loss. She shared that she had initial concerns about using such a drug due to her thyroid issues but eventually decided to try it after her doctor urged her to do so for two years. "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. 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.
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Clarkson did not specify which weight-loss medication she is taking, only clarifying that it is not Ozempic. “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.” She added that she didn’t notice how much weight she’d gained prior to starting the medication.
Addressing Criticism
After sharing her use of weight-loss medication, Clarkson faced criticism. Some pointed out that she had previously attributed her weight loss to walking. Whoopi Goldberg defended Clarkson on an episode of "The View," emphasizing that many people need such medications for various reasons, such as jumpstarting their bodies or managing diabetes. Goldberg highlighted the hypocrisy of the criticism, noting that Clarkson was criticized both when she was heavier and after she lost weight.
Additional Wellness Trends
In New York, Clarkson has also incorporated other wellness trends into her routine. "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.
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.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.
Clarkson's Thyroid and Other Health Issues
Clarkson has been open about her thyroid and autoimmune issues. In the past, she has made dietary changes to address these health concerns. In 2018, she told TODAY’s Hoda Kotb that she had lost about 37 pounds by focusing on a lectin-free diet. "I know the industry loves the weight gone, but for me, it wasn’t really the weight," Clarkson said at the time. Lectins are proteins that bind to carbohydrates. Clarkson read a book about lectins and cut them out of her diet, which meant no legumes, beans, whole grains, dairy, and certain veggies. "I literally read this book, and I did it for this autoimmune disease that I had and I had a thyroid issue, and now all my levels are back up," she said during the interview. "Literally, I haven’t worked out at all."
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In January 2024, Clarkson revealed that she was prediabetic. “I wasn’t shocked,” Clarkson said. “I was a tiny bit overweight. … They were like, ‘You’re prediabetic. You’re right on the borderline.’ And I was like, ‘But I’m not there yet.’” Two years after finding out, she decided to change her lifestyle habits.
Past Weight Struggles
Throughout her career, Clarkson has faced commentary about her weight. In 2020, she told Glamour UK that being thin doesn't necessarily equate to greater confidence. She also shared that she landed her coaching role on "The Voice" after gaining 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.”
The Importance of Sustainable Changes
Experts emphasize that sustainable improvements to diet and exercise are the most effective weight loss aids. Walking is "one of the most underrated exercises for weight loss.” “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 is also crucial. “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.
Allowing occasional treats can also help with long-term adherence to a 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.
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Deepfake Alert
It's important to note that deepfakes have been created using Kelly Clarkson's image to promote weight loss gummies. These videos are altered and misleading. Melissa Kates, a spokesperson for Clarkson, confirmed that the singer has not promoted diet pills or gummies.