Wendy Williams, known for her bold opinions and vibrant personality, has always been a household name in the world of media. The weight loss journey of Wendy Williams has come a long way over the past four years. But behind the glitz and glam of her talk show career, Wendy has faced some significant health challenges, including a battle with Grave’s disease, which affected her thyroid. During her break from hosting The Wendy Williams Show, Wendy made some pivotal changes to her lifestyle, spending time at a wellness facility and committing to a health-focused routine. And today, Wendy weighs 138 pounds and feels better than ever. So, how did she do it? Wendy Williams’ before and after story is a testament to personal growth, resilience, and self-love.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Wendy Williams, born on July 18, 1964, in Asbury Park, New Jersey, is a media personality who has made waves in the entertainment industry. She always had a passion for entertainment and began pursuing her dreams at an early age. Wendy first attended Northeastern University, where she earned a degree in communications. Before becoming a famous talk show host, Wendy started as a disc jockey, which eventually led her to the world of television. Before becoming a talk show host, Wendy gained fame as a radio personality, using her bold voice and no-holds-barred approach to commentary. In 2008, The Wendy Williams Show debuted, showcasing her unfiltered personality and unique take on celebrity gossip and hot topics.
While Wendy is best known for her career in media, she’s also an entrepreneur with her own fashion line, wig collection, and jewelry brand. She’s made appearances in movies and TV shows, including The View, World War Z, and The Insider.
The Start of a Health Journey
Wendy’s weight loss story begins with a health scare. In 2018, she fainted on live television, which led to her revealing that she had been diagnosed with Grave’s disease-a thyroid condition that can cause weight fluctuations, fatigue, and other health problems. In 2019, Wendy revealed that she had been diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid. In 2020, Wendy took a break from her show to deal with the ongoing effects of the disease, including fatigue. During this time, she made an important decision: she would focus on her health. Talk show host, Wendy Williams announced that she’s taking time off to deal with Graves’ disease. Williams will step away to deal with hypothyroidism and Graves’ disease.
“Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes an over production of thyroid hormone. I have had patients with Graves’ disease who report fainting prior to being diagnosed,” said Barrie Weinstein, MD, assistant professor of medicine, endocrinology, diabetes and bone disease at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Symptoms include fatigue, difficulty sleeping, irritability, weight loss, and bulging eyes. “Some patients come in having had symptoms for many months and are really feeling unwell and exhausted. Having them take a break from work is often a very smart idea to help them recover.” Dr.
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Diet and Nutrition
Wendy’s weight loss was largely driven by a change in her eating habits, especially her choice to follow a pescatarian diet. This diet emphasizes fish as the primary source of protein while excluding meat from land animals. Wendy is a pescatarian and the rest of her family are vegetarians (per The Cut). She told People at the time that her secret was "slow and steady." "It's not going to happen overnight. I no longer believe in fad diets, crash diets," Williams told the outlet. "I don't believe in diet pills.
Wendy also emphasizes the importance of eating breakfast. She shared that she never skips this vital meal of the day and prefers to include fruits and green juices for an energizing start. In an interview, Wendy revealed that one of her favorite breakfast meals includes a vegan sausage, egg, and cheese English muffin, which keeps her feeling full and energized.
She recalled to The Cut, "When I reached 50, it was like an equator to my life. I lost 50 pounds in time for my birthday on my own." She said she liked what the weight loss did for her day-to-day, encouraging her to maintain what she had started: "Let me keep this going.
Williams' struggle with weight started as a child: "My first diet was in the first grade. Tuna fish and mustard with yogurt on the side. Weight was a big thing for me to overcome" (via People).
"I love lentil soup. I love greens - spinach is my favorite," she told The Cut in 2017. "I love kale, avocado, and cauliflower." Wendy loves foods like spinach, kale, avocado, and cauliflower, all of which she keeps stocked in her refrigerator.
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Embracing Exercise
While diet played a significant role in Wendy’s transformation, exercise was just as important. Wendy incorporated Pilates into her routine, a workout known for its ability to improve flexibility, muscle tone, and posture while promoting weight loss. Pilates is also great for improving back pain-something that Wendy has dealt with, especially after her diagnosis. "That's the most I can do," Williams said.
I lost 20 lbs and I lost the weight by doing a little bit of modification to my everyday lifestyle including diet and exercise. I go to the gym and work out with a trainer for one hour twice a week. I don’t work out any more than I used to. I not only incorporate Pilates into my workout now, which I’ve been doing all along also.
Lay off the salad dressing. Wendy’s lucky enough to have a personal trainer with her own private studio, but she recommends fitting in exercise any time you can. “There are exercises that you can do without going to the gym. For instance, you can do chair dips at the office. You must make time to do these things and put them in your schedule.
An Unexpected Turn
Interestingly, Wendy didn’t set out to lose weight at first. She shared that food, at one point, became unappealing to her. She had spent years cooking and eating indulgent meals, such as hot dogs, lobster, and king crab legs. But then, one day, she found herself no longer interested in the food she once loved.
During a sit-down on her talk show in September 2020, the 56-year-old shared with her viewers how she dropped her "quarantine 25," or weight she gained while staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her new regimen was simple; she just got tired of food. "And I didn't do it on purpose. It's just that food became disgusting to me," Williams shared on her show.
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It was only after visiting her doctor that she realized she had lost a significant amount of weight-something she was initially unaware of. Needless to say, Williams has bounced back from her indulgence period.
Milestone Motivation
When she turned 50, Wendy Williams made a promise to herself to snap back and live a healthier lifestyle. I’m 48-years-old and I’m preparing myself for my 50th birthday. I’ve always heard that when you hit these milestone birthdays, there’s one of two ways that people act. They either get really depressed or really happy with where they are in life. I’ve been very happy with my personal life and my career life. I maintain it by other people’s encouragement of my body. I want to look HOT at 50!
Wendy's Open Book
Wendy Williams is an open book, literally. The self-proclaimed ‘Queen of All Media’ recently released her sixth book, titled Ask Wendy, where she not only dishes out advice but shares intimate stories about her personal struggles with body image and weight loss. “I could lie to you and tell you that I’m fine with the way that I am right now, but the fact is my parents have done a number on me,” she confessed in an interview with The Grio. “And that number will forever have me pinching an inch, checking in the mirror and obsessing over calories for the rest of my life… I’ve been on a diet every single day of my life.”Other topics in the book, which is named after the popular segment on The Wendy Williams Show, include romantic relationships, family problems, career advice and, what she’s known for best, celebrity gossip.The 48-year-old TV personality is a busy woman these days.
At Sunday’s Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards Wendy Williams showed off the results of her 20 pound weight loss with a floor-length gown and cinched belt. “It’s funny because I wasn’t a gorilla before. I lost maybe 20 pounds. I weigh 175. The mom aslo spoke to OK!
Transformations and Scrutiny
One of the most noticeable aspects of Wendy Williams’ transformation is her weight loss journey. Over the years, Wendy has undergone a significant change in her appearance, particularly regarding her weight. At the start of her television career, she was known for her fuller figure. Her transformation was the result of a commitment to living a healthier lifestyle. Wendy adopted a combination of dieting and regular exercise to shed the pounds. She often speaks candidly about her weight loss journey, sharing insights into her efforts and struggles along the way.
Alongside her weight loss, Wendy has also been open about undergoing cosmetic procedures. Throughout her career, her appearance has evolved, and some of these changes have sparked conversations. Her decision to enhance her appearance was met with mixed reactions, but Wendy has always embraced her choices with confidence. Wendy’s transformation is evident when comparing images from her earlier years to her more recent photos. Initially known for her larger frame, Wendy now sports a more toned, slimmer physique. Her facial features have also evolved, with subtle enhancements complementing her overall look.
Wendy Williams’ transformations-both physical and personal-have been heavily scrutinized by the media. Her weight loss, cosmetic procedures, and health struggles have made her a constant subject of conversation. Throughout her career, Wendy has faced criticism for her outspoken opinions, often finding herself in the center of media controversy.
The public’s reception of Wendy Williams has been a mixed bag. On one hand, many admire her for her candor and authenticity, especially regarding her physical transformations. Despite the mixed reactions, Wendy’s fans continue to support her. Her journey has sparked conversations about body image, health, and self-love, encouraging others to embrace their own transformations.
Health Challenges and Resilience
Wendy Williams’ life hasn’t been without its fair share of health challenges. In recent years, she has faced several medical issues that have affected her career and personal life. In addition to health concerns, Wendy Williams has faced financial and legal difficulties. In 2019, her highly publicized divorce from her husband, Kevin Hunter, added to the media scrutiny surrounding her personal life. Throughout the turmoil, Wendy remained a strong and resilient figure, continuing to work while navigating the complexities of her personal life.
Wendy Williams’ story is one of resilience. Despite facing health challenges, personal struggles, and public scrutiny, Wendy has always found a way to bounce back. After taking time off to recover from her health issues and divorce, she returned to her show with renewed strength.