NeNe Leakes, a prominent figure in reality television since her debut on Bravo's The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2008, has consistently captured public attention. Known for her outspoken personality and ventures into acting, authorship, and entrepreneurship, Leakes has also faced scrutiny regarding her physical appearance. This article delves into NeNe Leakes' weight loss journey, exploring her motivations, methods, and the reactions she has garnered along the way.
Early Cosmetic Procedures
In 2010, NeNe Leakes underwent multiple cosmetic procedures, including a rhinoplasty to refine her nostrils, a breast lift and reduction from a DD to a D cup, and liposuction on her waist. While Leakes openly admitted to these procedures in an interview with People, the public response was mixed. Essence noted that the "blogosphere was already abuzz" with rumors of plastic surgery before her confirmation, indicating a heightened interest in her evolving appearance.
Subsequent Rhinoplasty
Six years later, Leakes underwent a second rhinoplasty to address cartilage growth in her nose that was causing the tip of her nose to touch her lip. She clarified that the initial procedure was not a full rhinoplasty and that the follow-up surgery was medically necessary.
Embracing Non-Invasive Alternatives
Beyond surgical interventions, NeNe Leakes is a proponent of non-invasive cosmetic treatments and the transformative power of makeup. When a follower accused her of having "too much plastic surgery" on an Instagram post in July 2018, Leakes vehemently denied the claim, asserting that she would openly disclose any procedures she underwent.
A Shift Towards Healthier Living
In August 2019, NeNe Leakes revealed that she was embarking on a journey towards healthier living, inspired by her husband Gregg Leakes' battle with cancer. She aimed to lose 20 pounds by adopting a pescatarian diet and practicing portion control.
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Dietary Changes
Leakes transitioned to a pescatarian diet, which includes vegetables, grains, pulses, fish, and seafood while excluding meat. According to BBC Good Food, this diet offers numerous health benefits, such as a reduced risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, as well as aiding in weight management.
Leakes told Hollywood Life that she and Gregg were "really been trying to do better and eat better and eliminate the junk".
Portion Control
Leakes emphasized the importance of portion control in her weight loss efforts. She started eating about four times a day, but in smaller portions. She also developed a strategy to manage her cravings for potato chips, her "guiltiest pleasure," by eating a small amount and then discarding the rest to avoid overindulging.
Exercise
Leakes said, "I’m not doing anything crazy like doing the elliptical or riding the bike or running. I started being a pescatarian and he was plant-based, so I started there.”
Public Scrutiny and Criticism
Despite her efforts to improve her health, NeNe Leakes faced criticism and speculation regarding her appearance. In June 2019, she was accused of undergoing a third nose job in the comments section of an Instagram post. Similarly, in November 2019, a photo of Leakes with blonde hair and heavy makeup or filters sparked negative comments.
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Openness to Future Procedures
Unfazed by the criticism, NeNe Leakes remained open to future cosmetic procedures. In an interview with Wendy Williams, she expressed interest in getting another breast augmentation to reposition her implants and potentially tweaking her nose again. However, she ruled out a facelift and Botox, citing concerns about their impact on her ability to express herself as an actress.
Recent Health and Fitness Endeavors
In recent years, NeNe Leakes has continued to prioritize her health and fitness. In 2024, at the age of 56, she shared a photo of herself in workout gear, holding dumbbells, and expressed her intention to incorporate Pilates into her routine. She emphasized that her goal was to tone her body and build muscle, underscoring the importance of health as wealth.
Leakes is opening up about her new diet: why she’s on the journey, how much weight she’s lost, and the goal she’s still working toward.
Addressing Eating Habits
Leakes acknowledged her tendency to skip meals during the day and overeat late at night, often accompanied by cocktails. To address this, she has focused on mindful eating and portion control. She emphasized the importance of recognizing personal weaknesses and avoiding deprivation.
Leakes tries to avoid eating too much at night. “My biggest problem has always been and will always be that I work all day and forget to eat and then I eat late at night with some cocktails,” she told E! News. “And I don’t eat breakfast!
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Son's Health Journey
NeNe Leakes' son, Brentt Leakes, has also embarked on a health journey, losing 100 pounds in 2023. This transformation came after Brentt suffered a stroke in September 2022, the cause of which was initially unclear. NeNe Leakes clarified that drug use and drinking were not factors and that doctors were exploring potential underlying conditions or a previously undiagnosed heart issue.
Ozempic Allegations and Real Housewives
Amidst the growing trend of weight loss drugs like Ozempic, several Real Housewives have addressed speculation about their use. While some, like Kyle Richards, have denied using Ozempic, others, such as Dolores Catania and Emily Simpson, have admitted to using it under medical supervision.
“I think that when you’re in reality TV, it’s so natural to be like, ‘Oh, she got plastic surgery or she did this or she’s on Ozempic,’” she told Us Weekly in October 2024. “I actually f--king hate Ozempic.
Margaret Josephs stated "I take them as a shot once a week, and that helps you lose weight and improves your metabolism,”
Jennifer Aydin declared "I am not on Ozempic" during a July 2024 Watch What Happens Live interview before hilariously adding, "I'm on Mounjaro, okay. I'm sorry! I love being this weight, I love it!
Concerns About Ozempic
Some Real Housewives, like Margaret Josephs and Caroline Stanbury, have expressed concerns about the potential negative consequences of widespread Ozempic use, including the risk of eating disorders and personality changes.