Global pop icon Mariah Carey has long been the subject of media scrutiny regarding her body image. Carey, a well-known figure in pop culture, took steps to embrace her body and has inspired many by sharing her journey. This article explores her journey, examining the various strategies she has reportedly employed to achieve and maintain her weight loss, from diet and exercise to potential surgical interventions, and the impact of her transformation on her overall well-being and career.
Early Career and Body Image
Mariah Carey has always cut a striking figure since she first came out with her eponymous album in 1990. Back then, her signature look was voluminous, bouncy curls and LBDs that hugged her curves, but the Y2K era saw the diva significantly glammed up in glittery outfits.
Post-Pregnancy Transformation
Just six months after giving birth to Monroe and Moroccan Cannon, Mariah Carey revealed a dramatic weight-loss evolution. While it's natural to gain weight while pregnant, Carey also suffered some health issues, such as edema and gestational diabetes. "My legs looked three times the size of what my legs do right now. I thought I would never be the same person again," she told USA Today.
In a 2011 appearance on "The Rosie Show," the "Obsessed" singer shared, "I lost 40 pounds in a week of just water." And, while it's safe to lose about eight pounds a month (not including water retention), following a Jenny plan (formerly Jenny Craig) allowed Carey to lose more than 30 more. She added that she wasn't restricting herself and made sure to snack. And scales were out of the picture, with Carey telling Rosie O'Donnell, "I never weighed myself. I did not weigh myself. People will think I'm a liar, but it's true … This is another cliché phrase, but I'm a big boned girl …"
The Jenny Craig Era
Carey was such a fan of Jenny Craig that she teamed up with the weight-loss program as a spokesperson. She told Us Weekly that while pregnancy was a "blessing," carrying twins wasn't easy on her body. Mariah Carey was not playing around with her post-baby workouts. The singer has whipped her body back into shape after giving birth to her gorgeous twins just six months ago. Covering the latest issue of Us Weekly, Carey flaunts her 30 pound weight loss, along with toned legs and a flat tummy in a size 6 shorts.
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She didn’t actually begin her fitness journey until three months ago, likely due to her C-section recovery.Carey hired a nutritionist and followed a workout plan from Jenny Craig that included a 1,500 calorie-a-day meal plan and three weekly workouts. “I feel incredible,” she tells the mag. “It was a huge blessing to be able to have the babies, but I felt trapped in my body because I couldn’t move. On the Jenny plan, Carey was on a 1,500-calorie-per-day diet and worked out three times a week.
"The whole point of this is not just like: 'Oh, hey, look at me and my weight loss, I'm fantastic.' It's really health. Like I said, I learned it when I became helpless and felt so vulnerable like never before in my life," she stated.
Reported Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Six years after the birth of her children, Mariah Carey gained some weight again, and this time, she reportedly took medical measures. In 2017, it was widely reported that Carey had undergone gastric sleeve surgery, although she has never publicly confirmed the procedure. Despite the lack of confirmation, Mariah's noticeable weight loss in recent years, coupled with statements from her close circle, suggest that the surgery played a role. A source revealed to ET in 2017 that the vocalist had a gastric sleeve surgery, stating, "She's happy with this new chapter in her life." Another insider shared, "She always fluctuates, and it makes her upset, but it's hard for her to manage."
Sadly, Page Six shared that the reason Carey turned to surgery was because of all the criticism she faced online about her weight. "Mariah has always been proud of her curves, but this summer, as her Caesars Palace residency came to a close, and then she went on tour with Lionel Richie, she noticed it became harder to dance, and she was getting a lot more criticism online from body shamers," a source told the publication.
In 2018, ET reported that Carey lost over 30 pounds with the help of the gastric sleeve surgery and a diet that included salmon and chicken broth. "She is very confident about her appearance now. The change to her diet was an adjustment at first for her, but she's doing really well keeping up with it. She's in a very good place with her health and her life," a source spilled.
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Understanding Gastric Sleeve Surgery and Other Options
At Dr. HE Clinic, our top priority in obesity surgery and weight loss procedures is always the safety, health, and long-term success of our patients. Each method - gastric balloon, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass - is suitable for different patient groups, and the decision-making process must always involve an individualized assessment.
Our Approach
We conduct a thorough pre-assessment for each patient. Medical history, body mass index (BMI), existing health conditions, and lifestyle habits are carefully evaluated to create a personalized treatment plan. We work with a multidisciplinary approach: our team consists of a bariatric surgeon, anesthesiologist, dietitian, psychologist, and patient coordinator, all of whom provide support throughout every stage of the process.
Procedure Selection
- Gastric Balloon: A non-surgical, temporary yet effective method. It is suitable for patients with lower BMI who can commit to lifestyle changes.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy: A permanent surgical procedure in which a large portion of the stomach is removed, reducing food intake and helping control appetite. Often preferred for patients with moderate to high BMI.
- Gastric Bypass: A more complex operation, but highly effective for both weight loss and the management of metabolic diseases such as diabetes. It requires long-term follow-up and nutritional supplementation.
Our Goal
Regardless of the chosen method, our aim is not only for our patients to lose weight but also to help them adopt a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. That is why post-operative follow-up, dietitian support, and motivation are essential parts of the process.
Dietary Strategies
A balanced and healthy diet was crucial to Mariah Carey’s weight loss success. In 2018, ET reported that Carey lost over 30 pounds with the help of the gastric sleeve surgery and a diet that included salmon and chicken broth. She incorporated nutrient-dense meals like roasted vegetable quinoa salad into her daily routine, providing essential vitamins and minerals without excess calories. Her diet prominently featured lean proteins like salmon and healthy fats, curbing her appetite and providing sustained energy . Mariah often prepared healthy versions of traditional recipes, allowing her to enjoy her meals without compromising her diet.
Reducing processed sugars and refined carbohydrates was another key aspect of her diet. Instead of sugary snacks, she chose fresh fruits like blueberries and mango to satisfy sweet cravings.
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The Role of Exercise
Cardio exercises like cycling, jogging, and dancing were crucial to her weight loss journey. She also embraced water aerobics as a fun and effective way to stay active. The birth of her twins led to a significant increase in Mariah’s physical activity, further aiding her weight loss efforts.
Mental and Emotional Well-being
Her weight loss journey highlights the crucial link between mental health and weight management. Emotional well-being was vital in her ability to lose weight and maintain progress. Mindfulness meditation became a powerful tool for Mariah. Practicing mindfulness helped reduce stress levels, often linked to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Improved sleep quality, another benefit of meditation, supported better regulation of hunger hormones, aiding her weight loss efforts.
Support from friends and family was crucial to Mariah Carey’s weight loss journey. She credits her close circle for providing essential emotional support, helping her stay committed to her goals. Mariah believes a supportive network is vital for maintaining commitment and tackling obstacles. Her friends and family provided the accountability and encouragement needed to stay on track with her weight management efforts.
Maintaining Long-Term Weight Loss
Maintaining weight loss is a continuous journey, and Mariah Carey’s approach emphasizes balance and self-compassion. Mindfulness techniques helped her recognize true hunger versus emotional cravings. Professional trainers regularly adapted her fitness plan to meet evolving health goals. This personalized approach ensured effective workouts aligned with her needs. Mariah also included weight training to build muscle and improve strength.
Adjusting dietary habits to accommodate lifestyle changes was key to her long-term success. Listening to her body and understanding the importance of balance helped Mariah maintain her weight loss over time.
Confident Comeback
There's no better motivation to get fit than having your very own Las Vegas residency, which Mariah Carey proved when she announced "The Celebration of Mimi" early in 2024. Carey shared pics of her performing on opening night on Instagram, and she looked super toned in a body-hugging dress adorned with crystals. In the next shot, Mariah Carey made a return to her Y2K hair with a sleek 'do that fell down to her waist.
"The Celebration of Mimi" did so well that Carey not only extended her residency, but she also took the concert worldwide. In May, she posted a carousel of pictures wowing the crowd in China with her various body-hugging 'fits. "Xie xie Shanghai!! Thank you for all the love!!" the "Fantasy" singer wrote. "You look SO GOOD," a fan replied. Another wrote, "So pretty queen!