Mariah Carey, the iconic singer with a career spanning decades, has consistently captivated audiences with her powerful vocals and glamorous image. In recent years, her weight loss journey has become a topic of public interest, sparking discussions about her methods and overall health. From her post-pregnancy transformation to recent speculation about Ozempic, Carey's fluctuating figure has been a constant source of media attention and fan commentary.
Early Career and Body Image
Since bursting onto the music scene in 1990 with her self-titled debut album, Mariah Carey has always been known for her striking figure. In the early years, her signature style included voluminous, bouncy curls and little black dresses that accentuated her curves. As the Y2K era arrived, Carey embraced a more glamorous look, often sporting glittery outfits.
Post-Pregnancy Weight Loss
Like many women, Carey experienced weight gain during her pregnancy with twins Monroe and Moroccan Cannon. She also faced health challenges, including 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 revealed in an interview with USA Today.
However, just six months after giving birth in 2011, Carey unveiled a dramatic weight loss transformation. During an appearance on "The Rosie Show," she shared that she lost 40 pounds in a week, primarily through water loss. She then followed a Jenny Craig plan (now known as Jenny), which helped her lose an additional 30 pounds.
Carey emphasized that her weight loss journey was not solely about aesthetics but also about health. "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 explained. She also mentioned that she didn't restrict herself and made sure to snack. Interestingly, Carey avoided weighing herself during this period. "I never weighed myself. People will think I'm a liar, but it's true … This is another cliché phrase, but I'm a big boned girl …"
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As a testament to her success with the program, Carey partnered with Jenny Craig as a spokesperson. She told Us Weekly that while pregnancy was a "blessing," carrying twins took a toll on her body. On the Jenny plan, Carey followed a 1,500-calorie-per-day diet and exercised three times a week.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery Rumors
In 2017, six years after the birth of her children, Mariah Carey reportedly gained weight again. According to an ET source, she underwent gastric sleeve surgery to address the issue. "She's happy with this new chapter in her life," the insider shared. Another source added, "She always fluctuates, and it makes her upset, but it's hard for her to manage."
Page Six reported that Carey's decision to undergo surgery was influenced by online criticism 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 had lost over 30 pounds with the help of 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 revealed.
Recent Weight Loss and Ozempic Speculation
More recently, Mariah Carey's weight loss has once again become a subject of intense speculation, with many fans suggesting that she may be using Ozempic, a medication originally developed for diabetes that has gained popularity as a weight loss drug.
Read also: Mariah Carey: Health and Fitness
The rumors intensified after Carey was photographed in London in early 2024, wearing a plunging, short shorts playsuit and boots that highlighted her slimmer waistline. The photos sparked a flurry of comments on social media, with many users attributing her weight loss to Ozempic. One fan even commented that the photos proved that the alleged substances are "working."
While Carey has never confirmed using Ozempic, she joins a growing list of celebrities, including Katy Perry and Christina Aguilera, who have fueled similar rumors.
Despite the Ozempic speculation, some fans have defended Carey, attributing her weight loss to other factors. One user wrote, "Wowwww! One thing about Mariah, she wiii always get her body snaaaaaatched when she needs to!" Another fan commented on a photo of Carey at the BET Awards, where she wore a plunging strappy mini dress in gold, saying, "I think she actually froze time since 2006, we love a magician musician!"
Other Procedures and Methods
Adding to the discussion, there have also been mentions of CoolSculpting as a possible method Carey might have used. CoolSculpting, or cryolipolysis, is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that freezes and eliminates fat cells. A 2014 study in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology concluded that "cryolipolysis is considered to be both safe and effective." The procedure involves using a device to freeze specific areas of the body, reducing fat thickness by an average of 25% after one session.
"The Celebration of Mimi" Residency and Concerts
Mariah Carey's Las Vegas residency, "The Celebration of Mimi," which began in early 2024, has also served as motivation for her to stay in shape. She shared photos on Instagram of herself performing on opening night, looking toned in a body-hugging dress adorned with crystals. The success of "The Celebration of Mimi" led to an extension of the residency and a worldwide concert tour. In May 2024, she posted pictures of herself performing in China, showcasing her figure in various body-hugging outfits.
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Body Positivity and Online Criticism
Throughout her career, Mariah Carey has faced both praise and criticism regarding her body image. While many fans admire her confidence and willingness to embrace her curves, she has also been subjected to body shaming and negative comments online. This criticism reportedly played a role in her decision to undergo gastric sleeve surgery in 2017.