Celebrities with Weight Problems

The expectation to be thin is unreasonably high, making weight loss a prevalent topic in today’s media.  But maintaining a healthy weight goes beyond beauty—being overweight puts you at risk for heart disease, diabetes and other conditions that can take years from your life. These stars considered their health, appearance, and wellbeing, and worked hard to lose their extra pounds, for their health and their careers.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson made her splash with American Idol, and went on to become a world-wide celebrity, appearing multiple times on the big screen. She is an inspiration both because of her career and as a weight loss success story. She went from a size 16 to a size 6 as a Weight Watchers spokesperson, following the program’s meal plan and exercising regularly. 

Jillian Michaels

Although Jillian Michaels has made a career out of flaunting her impeccably fit body, and promising to help others do the same, this exercise guru wasn’t always in such great shape. She admits to being bullied as a teenager and teased for her weight. Jillian turned to food for comfort and struggled with body image and weight.  Now, she has successfully dropped the pounds and has created capital out of her physique.

John Goodman

The actor lost over 100 pounds by switching to a sugar-free diet and exercising on an elliptical machine six days a week. He quit drinking alcohol, which aided his weight loss. John was guilty of mindless eating and a sedentary lifestyle, but once he decided that he wanted to live a better life, it was easy for him to lose the weight. 

Kelly Osbourne

Ozzy’s daughter wasn’t always a role model for healthy living—her drug and alcohol use were no secret, and she was berated and ridiculed for her weight.  Kelly checked herself into rehab, and when she was released, she took her health and sobriety seriously.  The pop star lost 50 pounds on Dancing With the Stars, and has since been featured in Shape magazine, boasting her newly svelte and trim physique.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah has featured many weight loss success stories on her show, but she, herself, battles with her weight. Her weight has fluctuated for years due to a thyroid problem, killer schedule, and stressful life, but she has managed to successfully lose weight once again. She has discussed her lifelong struggle with weight candidly on her show and in her magazine, O.

Christian Bale

Not all weight loss stories are inspirational: Christian Bale is known for his ability to dramatically transform his body for his diverse roles on film. He lost a staggering 63 pounds to play the lead role in The Machinist, eliminating most foods and exercising only to lose fat, not build muscle. Bale has admitted to his naiveté, claiming he didn’t consider the health risks involved in losing so much weight so rapidly.

Peter Jackson

The genius behind the Lord of the Rings shed his portly figure, losing 70 pounds in four years. He consciously made a change in his unhealthy lifestyle, claiming to thrive on a diet primarily of yogurt, soup, and muesli.  

Kristie Alley

The star made her excessive weight gain the subject of a television sitcom, Fat Actress, and reality show, Kirstie Alley’s Big Life. But Kirstie finally decided to make a change and shrank several dress sizes as a Jenny Craig spokesperson. Like many other celebrities, Kirstie managed to drop an additional 50 pounds through diet and exercise while appearing on Dancing with the Stars. 

Ricki Lake

Ricki Lake is best known for her role as chubby Tracy Turnblad in the musical film Hairspray, and her talk show in the 1990s. Ricki recently lost over half her body weight by utilizing a food delivery program, hiking and staying active daily, and weighing herself every day.

More Information

Losing weight can be a constant struggle, but the rewards are enormous. A combination of healthy diet and exercise are important in the weight loss battle. It’s vital to know if you are at risk for obesity, and when to diet. Weight loss isn’t easy, but if you’re willing to do the work, you could gain energy, confidence, and add years onto your life.

For more information, visit Healthline’s Weight Loss Basics.