Kelly Clarkson, the celebrated singer and talk show host, has been open about her health and weight loss journey, inspiring many with her candor and resilience. Her path has involved lifestyle changes, addressing underlying health issues, and, more recently, the use of medication. This article delves into the various aspects of her journey, exploring the changes she's made and the challenges she's faced.
Addressing Health Issues and Prediabetes
Clarkson has openly discussed her struggles with thyroid and autoimmune issues. In 2018, she revealed that she had adopted a lectin-free diet to address these concerns, which led to a weight loss of about 37 pounds. Lectins are proteins that bind to carbohydrates, and Clarkson eliminated legumes, beans, whole grains, dairy, and certain vegetables from her diet based on a book she read about lectins. She emphasized that this dietary change was primarily for her autoimmune disease and thyroid issue, noting that her levels had improved as a result.
During a January 2024 episode of her talk show, Clarkson shared that she was prediabetic. While she admitted she "wasn't shocked" by the diagnosis, she took it as a sign to make further changes to her lifestyle habits. Prediabetes indicates higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, and Clarkson's doctor had been urging her for two years to consider medication.
Lifestyle Changes and Wellness Trends
In addition to addressing her health issues, Clarkson has incorporated several lifestyle changes into her routine. After relocating her talk show to New York City in 2023, she found herself being more active simply by walking in the city. She mentioned in an interview with People that she’s lost weight because she’s now taking her wellness seriously and walking more. She also expressed that California wasn't good for her mental health and that she needed a fresh start.
Clarkson has also embraced other wellness trends, such as infrared saunas and cold plunges. "I’m really into infrared saunas right now. And I just got a cold plunge because everybody wore me down," the singer stated.
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Diet and Nutrition
Regarding her diet, Clarkson emphasizes a balanced approach rather than extreme measures. "I eat a healthy mix," 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!" She also allows herself occasional indulgences, such as frozen yogurt with her daughter.
Medication for Weight Loss
Clarkson revealed in May 2024 that she was taking medication to assist in her weight loss, clarifying that it was not Ozempic. 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. She decided to try it "because my blood work got so bad." She explained that the medication aids in breaking down sugar, something her body wasn't doing correctly.
Clarkson shared that she hadn't realized how much weight she had gained until she saw herself on camera one day and wondered, "Who the f--k is that?" She also mentioned that her heaviest weight was around 203 pounds at 5 foot 3 and a half.
Facing Criticism and Embracing Body Positivity
Throughout her career, Clarkson has faced commentary about her size. She told Glamour UK in 2020 that being thin doesn't always equate to more confidence. She recounted that she secured her coaching role on "The Voice" after gaining weight, emphasizing that NBC hired her for her personality and connection with people, not her physical appearance.
After sharing that she was using a weight-loss medication, Clarkson faced backlash, which Whoopi Goldberg addressed on "The View." Goldberg defended Clarkson's decision, pointing out that many people need such medications and that Clarkson has been walking and making other positive changes. Goldberg also criticized the hypocrisy of those who criticize Clarkson regardless of her size or choices.
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Clarkson herself has maintained a positive attitude about her body, stating, "I was never insecure about it, I was happy." She also expressed her appreciation for people noticing the change in her appearance, welcoming praise and acknowledging the effort she has put into her health.
Other Celebrities Who Have Spoken About Weight Loss
Many other celebrities have also been open about their weight loss journeys, often involving a combination of lifestyle changes and, in some cases, GLP-1 medications.
- Oprah Winfrey: Winfrey hosted a prime-time show on ABC titled An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution, in which she talked about all things GLP-1 and has spoken about her own journey.
- Rebel Wilson: The star of Pitch Perfect and The Hustle shared that she used Ozempic for a period of time to maintain the weight loss she experienced when she made 2020 her “Year of Health” and lost 77 lb.
- Whoopi Goldberg: In 2024 the actor and talk show personality revealed to her cohosts on The View that she took Mounjaro (tirzepatide) to lose a significant amount of weight.
- Charles Barkley: The former professional basketball star said he lost around 60 lb by taking Mounjaro, in addition to maintaining a healthy diet and exercise.
- Kathy Bates: The Oscar winner Kathy Bates has lost 100 lb over the past seven years - 80 through lifestyle changes and the final 20 with Ozempic.
- Meghan Trainor: The “All About That Bass” singer and her husband, the actor Daryl Sabara, took the lowest drug dose and combined the shots with exercise and balanced meals in a weight loss journey made for two.
- Billie Jean King: Ten-time Grand Slam winner Billie Jean King spoke to actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus on the podcast Wiser Than Me about her decision to try a GLP-1.
- Jim Gaffigan: The comedian Jim Gaffigan, author of the bestselling book Dad Is Fat, shared in an interview with People that after his weight reached 270 pounds, he tried Mounjaro and lost 50 pounds, crediting the drug for helping him feel better, lighter, and more alive.
- Serena Williams: The tennis legend Serena Williams revealed in summer 2025 that after having her second child she lost 31 pounds (lb) by using the GLP‑1 drug Zepbound (tirzepatide).
These celebrities, along with Kelly Clarkson, are helping to normalize conversations about weight management and the various tools available to support it.