Kelly Clarkson, the celebrated singer and talk show host, has been an open book about her weight loss journey, inspiring many with her dedication to health and well-being. Her transformation is not just about shedding pounds but about prioritizing her overall health, managing underlying conditions, and embracing a sustainable lifestyle. Clarkson's journey underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach, combining diet, exercise, and, when necessary, medical intervention.
The Spark: Addressing Health Concerns
Clarkson's path to weight loss was primarily motivated by health concerns. She revealed in a January 2024 episode of her talk show that she was prediabetic, a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the range for Type 2 diabetes. This discovery served as a wake-up call, prompting her to make significant lifestyle changes. In addition to being pre-diabetic, Kelly Clarkson has been open about dealing with autoimmune and thyroid issues. These health challenges have greatly influenced her approach to weight loss and overall health. Kelly’s focus on a balanced diet that avoids inflammatory foods has been pivotal in managing her autoimmune symptoms. By prioritizing health over appearance, Kelly Clarkson has successfully managed her health conditions while shedding pounds.
The Role of Medication
After Kelly Clarkson debuted her striking weight loss in 2023, many suspected her success was due to Ozempic. While the Grammy Award-winning musician hasn’t shared which weight loss drug she used, she’s been relatively open about her health journey overall. In May 2025, Clarkson revealed that she was taking a medication to assist in her weight loss. She explained that she'd had concerns about using such a drug due to problems with her thyroid but eventually decided to try it. Clarkson was on the receiving end of criticism from those who said she'd previously claimed she lost weight by walking. 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." The 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. While Clarkson did not specify which medication she is taking, she clarified that it is not Ozempic, a drug often associated with weight loss. She explained that the medication aids in breaking down sugar, addressing an issue her body wasn't handling effectively.
Embracing a Balanced Diet
A key component of Kelly Clarkson’s weight loss strategy is her focus on maintaining a balanced and healthy diet. Clarkson's approach to weight loss is multifaceted. Balanced Diet: Her diet included a healthy mix of foods, with an emphasis on protein intake. Clarkson follows a protein-rich diet, which is beneficial for weight loss as protein increases thermogenesis, satiety, and may result in less consumption of other foods. As a "Texas girl," she enjoys meat, ensuring she gets enough protein. Clarkson also emphasized a high-protein diet. 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.
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. Clarkson 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.
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Clarkson also emphasizes the importance of indulging occasionally. By allowing herself treats like frozen yogurt, she maintains a sustainable and enjoyable diet without feeling deprived. The singer also says she uses infrared saunas and cold plunges. “Walking in the city is quite the workout. I’m really into infrared saunas right now. And I just got a cold plunge because everybody wore me down,” she shared. “I dropped weight because I’ve been listening to my doctor - a couple of years I didn’t,” she continued. “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!”
The Power of Walking
One of the most impactful changes Kelly Clarkson made was incorporating more walking into her daily routine. One of her primary methods was walking, a convenient and underrated form of exercise for weight loss. 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. Walking not only aids in calorie burning but also helps to maintain cardiovascular health and improves overall well-being. Clarkson’s increased mobility around New York City has been an effective part of her weight loss strategy.
“Walking in the city is quite the workout,” Clarkson told People while discussing how her life has changed since moving to New York City. “Living in a city like NYC incorporates a lot of walking into daily activities, which is great for your overall health,” says Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, fitness and nutrition advisor at Fortune Recommends Health. After winning American Idol in 2002, “I wrecked my knees and my feet because all I would do is put in headphones and run. I was at the gym all the time,” Clarkson told the magazine Attitude.
Incorporating Wellness Trends
Apart from walking, Kelly Clarkson has included wellness trends like infrared saunas and cold plunges as part of her activity regimen. These lifestyle changes extended beyond diet and exercise. She embraced wellness trends such as infrared saunas and cold plunges. These practices are known for their health benefits, including improved circulation, detoxification, and reduced muscle soreness. 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. Clarkson’s sustainable weight loss methods, coupled with impactful lifestyle changes, underscore the importance of a balanced approach to health and wellness.
Prioritizing Mental Health
Kelly Clarkson has openly discussed the personal commentary she has faced regarding her size and weight. 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. Navigating both her health journey and industry pressures, Kelly Clarkson serves as an inspiring example of focusing on what truly matters.
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Clarkson has spoken before about her thyroid and autoimmune issues and trying to lose weight to address them. Clarkson and TODAY's Jenna Bush Hager bonded over weight struggles when Jenna and her twin sister, Barbara Pierce Bush, appeared on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" in November 2023.
A Sustainable Approach
Kelly Clarkson’s weight loss journey is rooted in sustainable practices that can be incorporated into anyone’s routine. Clarkson’s lifestyle changes extended beyond diet and exercise. She embraced wellness trends such as infrared saunas and cold plunges. Clarkson’s sustainable weight loss methods, coupled with impactful lifestyle changes, underscore the importance of a balanced approach to health and wellness.
Lessons Learned
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 weight loss journey reveals the importance of lifestyle modifications. She attributes her success to walking, adopting wellness trends, and focusing on a balanced diet.
Kelly Clarkson’s commitment to altering her lifestyle has been pivotal in her weight loss journey. She revealed during a January 2024 episode of her talk show that she discovered she was prediabetic, which prompted her to change her habits. 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. Even figures like Barbara Pierce Bush have praised her resilience.