Once celebrities step into the spotlight to entertain the public, they often accept a harsh reality that comes with fame: relentless scrutiny. The price of visibility is frequently paid through ruthless criticism, especially when it comes to appearance. Gaining a few extra pounds can negatively impact both their careers and mental health, with some losing roles or spiraling into depression due to constant judgment. In response, many have taken control of the narrative by embarking on dramatic weight-loss journeys, transforming not only their bodies but also their public image.
CHAZ BONO – 85 LBS – DAIRY-FREE & GRAIN-FREE DIET
As the child of Sonny Bono and Cher, Chaz Bono carved out his own path in entertainment as an actor, musician, and writer. He came out as gay in 1995 and began his transition in 2008, later collaborating with Dr. Travis Stork from The Doctors to lose 85 pounds in 2012 through a lifestyle change that included a dairy-free, grain-free diet. Now a transgender man, Chaz is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, contributes articles on gay rights, and supports the National Coming Out campaign. He has also remained active on screen, appearing in television series such as Curb Your Enthusiasm and American Horror Story in 2020.
CHAZ BONO – 85 LBS – DAIRY FREE & GRAIN FREE DIET
JORGE GARCIA – 100 LBS – WENT VEGAN
Jorge Garcia began his career by taking acting classes and gained early recognition with a role on Becker before landing his breakout part on Lost. Because the show centered on survivors stranded on a mysterious island after a plane crash, producers encouraged him to lose weight, and he initially dropped 30 pounds—though he later gained it back, eventually reaching a high of 400 pounds. After adopting a vegan lifestyle, Garcia went on to lose around 100 pounds and continues to stay active in the industry, with upcoming projects including Running Out of Time and When We Were Pirates.
JORGE GARCIA – 100 LBS – WENT VEGAN
KEELY SHAYE – 100 LBS – EXERCISING & EATING ORGANIC FOOD
Keely Shaye rose to prominence as a glamour model before achieving success as both an actress and a journalist, with acting credits that include General Hospital and reporting work for Good Morning America, NBC, and CBS. Over the years, her fluctuating weight drew unwelcome media attention, prompting her to focus on healthier habits through regular exercise and an organic diet. Her efforts paid off with a remarkable 100-pound weight loss, and in 2020, she and her husband Pierce Brosnan celebrated a major milestone in their marriage.
KEELY SHAYE – 100 LBS – EXERCISING & EATING ORGANIC FOOD
LISA RILEY – 174 LBS – EXERCISING & DIETING
Lisa Riley is best known for her role as Mandy Dingle on the ITV series Emmerdale, and she also gained popularity as a presenter on You’ve Been Framed! from 1998 to 2002, a panelist on Loose Women, and a contestant on the tenth season of Strictly Come Dancing. In recent years, she has spoken openly about her dramatic transformation, revealing that she lost 12 stone (174 pounds) in 2012 through a strict diet and exercise routine, dropping from a size 28 to a size 14. Eliminating alcohol and junk food also played a key role in her weight-loss journey.
LISA RILEY – 174 LBS – EXERCISING & DIETING
ADELE – 100 LBS – EXERCISE AND SIRT FOOD DIET
Adele’s chart-topping music has long made her a global star, but in recent years her dramatic physical transformation has also captured widespread attention. In early 2020, photos of a noticeably slimmer Adele circulated online, with her weight loss becoming apparent toward the end of 2019 and sparking reports that she had shed around 100 pounds. According to a source speaking to Us Weekly, the singer worked out at least three times a week and followed the Sirtfood diet. The “Hello” hitmaker also delayed the release of her next studio album and made a highly anticipated return to the spotlight by hosting Saturday Night Live in late 2020 after a four-year absence from television.
ADELE – 100 LBS – EXERCISE AND SIRT FOOD DIET
JESSICA SIMPSON – 100 LBS – WEIGHT WATCHERS
Like many mothers, Jessica Simpson experienced significant weight gain during pregnancy, but she later took control of her health with the help of Weight Watchers. At her heaviest, she reportedly weighed 240 pounds before losing an impressive 100 pounds. In 2020, Simpson released a memoir that sold 59,000 copies in its first week and topped The New York Times Best Seller list, candidly discussing her past relationships with Nick Lachey and John Mayer, as well as how challenging childhood experiences shaped her struggles with body image.
JESSICA SIMPSON – 100 LBS – WEIGHT WATCHERS
JONAH HILL – UNDISCLOSED – EXERCISING & DIETING
Jonah Hill was long typecast as the chubby, goofy character in many of his early films, but after the success of *Superbad*, he decided it was time to challenge himself by transforming his appearance. He focused on healthier eating and a more active lifestyle, working with a nutritionist to better manage his diet. After maintaining a slimmer frame for years, Hill later gained 40 pounds for his role in *War Dogs*, only to shed the weight again once filming ended. He remains active in the industry and is currently working on an untitled project with Kenya Barris.
JONAH HILL – UNDISCLOSED – EXERCISING & DIETING
ROBBIE WILLIAMS – 24 LBS – WEIGHT WATCHERS
Robbie Williams was never considered obese, but over the years he did gain some extra weight, partly after taking up smoking again. Quitting the habit and partnering with WW (Weight Watchers) helped him turn things around, allowing him to lose 24 pounds and regain a leaner physique. Williams later shared in an Instagram video that improving his physical health also had a positive effect on his mental well-being, crediting activities like boxing and golf, which involved long walks on the course. In a 2020 interview with Weight Watchers Magazine, he also revealed that his passion had shifted toward playing online golf games.
ROBBIE WILLIAMS – 24 LBS – WEIGHT WATCHERS
KIRSTIE ALLEY – 100 LBS – JENNY CRAIG
Kirstie Alley has been open about her long-standing struggles with weight, finding success initially with Jenny Craig in 2004 when she lost 50 pounds, though she later regained the weight and more. Returning to the program, she achieved another round of weight loss, which was further boosted by her participation in Dancing with the Stars, ultimately shedding a total of 100 pounds. Alley went on to become a spokesperson for Jenny Craig and collaborated on a vitamins line, while continuing her acting career, most recently appearing in the 2020 TV movie You Can’t Take My Daughter.
KIRSTIE ALLEY – 100 LBS – JENNY CRAIG
KHLOE KARDASHIAN – 60 LBS – DIETING & EXERCISE
The Kar-Jenner family has long mastered turning their appearances into profit, and Khloé Kardashian, often the chubbier sibling, faced relentless online criticism about her weight. After a particularly stressful period, she decided to focus on her health and wellness, adopting a routine of regular exercise and healthier eating that soon transformed her physique. By 2020, Khloé revealed she had lost between 50 and 60 pounds, and she later launched Revenge Body with Khloé Kardashian, a show dedicated to helping others achieve their own fitness transformations.
KHLOE KARDASHIAN – 60 LBS – DIETING & EXERCISE
RACHAEL RAY – 40 LBS – LOW-CARB DIET & EXERCISING
Rachael Ray rose to fame as a celebrity chef and TV personality, earning multiple accolades, including three Daytime Emmys, all while looking remarkably youthful for a woman in her 50s. Struggling with her weight for a time, she committed to regular workouts and a low-carb diet, ultimately losing 40 pounds. In August 2020, her family faced a setback when their Lake Luzerne, New York, home was destroyed in a fire, though fortunately, no one was injured.
RACHAEL RAY – 40 LBS – LOW CARB DIET & EXERCISING
JoJo – UNDISCLOSED – EXTREME DIETING
Joanna Noëlle Levesque, professionally known as JoJo, began her music career at a young age through talent shows and singing competitions. In 2020, she released her fourth studio album to positive reviews, followed by a Christmas album later that year. Throughout her career, JoJo faced pressure from record executives to lose weight, which led her to unhealthy eating habits, though she eventually distanced herself from those toxic influences. Now 30, she looks incredible and is in great shape.
JoJo – UNDISCLOSED – EXTREME DIETING
SUSAN BOYLE – 50 LBS – GOING SUGAR-FREE & EXERCISING
Susan Boyle captured the world’s attention with her stunning performance on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, later releasing her debut album I Dreamed a Dream to critical acclaim and strong sales. By 2021, she had sold an estimated 19 million records and amassed a net worth of around $30 million. After being diagnosed with diabetes in 2012, shortly after rising to fame, Boyle focused on her health, reducing her sugar intake and exercising regularly, which helped her lose 50 pounds—a weight she has successfully maintained.
SUSAN BOYLE – 50 LBS – GOING SUGAR FREE & EXERCISING
CHARLOTTE CROSBY – 44 LBS WORKING OUT & EATING HEALTHIER MEALS
Charlotte Crosby is best known for her reality TV roles on shows like Geordie Shore, Celebrity Big Brother, and Just Tattoo of Us, as well as her own series, The Charlotte Show. In 2024, she achieved a noticeable transformation, reportedly losing 44 pounds and dropping from a size 16 to a size 8. Crosby credited her success to a combination of healthier eating, regular activity, and the occasional cheat day. She continues to appear on reality TV, most recently on The Celebrity Circle and Geordie Shore: Ten Years On The Toon.
CHARLOTTE CROSBY – 44 LBS WORKING OUT & EATING HEALTHIER MEALS
SIMON COWELL – 60 LBS – BECAME A VEGAN
Simon Cowell is famous for his sharp critiques on talent shows, serving as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, Pop Idol, and America’s Got Talent, and in 2021, he joined the panel for the Israeli version of The X-Factor. After a 2017 accident at his Los Angeles home, where he fell down the stairs, Cowell overhauled his diet and lifestyle, adopting a vegan diet and regular exercise. By 2020, he revealed to Extra that he had lost 60 pounds.
SIMON COWELL – 60 LBS – BECAME A VEGAN
MICHELLE WILLIAMS – 10 LBS – EXERCISING
In 2020, Michelle Williams looked radiant as she married Thomas Kail, having regained control over her weight after previously gaining a few extra pounds for a role. Known for her petite frame, she had reached a size 14 while portraying Marilyn Monroe on screen. After filming ended, Williams focused on shedding the weight, joined by her best friend Busy Philipps. Under trainer Lauren Kleben’s guidance, the duo followed the LEKfit method, which combines yoga-inspired sculpting moves, mini trampolines, and cardio.
MICHELLE WILLIAMS – 10 LBS – EXERCISING
AYESHA CURRY – 35 LBS – EXERCISING
Ayesha Curry built her career as an actress, cooking personality, and cookbook author, launching her culinary journey on YouTube and later hosting Ayesha’s Home Kitchen on the Food Network. Since 2019, she has also served as a host and judge on the cooking competition show Family Food Fight. In a 2020 interview with Harper’s Bazaar for their Food Diaries series, Curry revealed that committing to regular workouts—aiming for at least five sessions a week—helped her lose 35 pounds, marking a major milestone in her fitness journey.
AYESHA CURRY – 35 LBS – EXERCISING
TIMOTHY SPALL – 56 LBS – EXERCISING & EATING HEALTHIER MEALS
Timothy Spall, known for standout roles in the Harry Potter films and The King’s Speech, also made a mark on television with appearances in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. He has upcoming roles in It Snows in Benidorm, The Obscure Life of the Grand Duke of Corsica, and Spencer. Now 64, Spall looks noticeably different from his appearance in Secrets & Lies, having lost 56 pounds through regular exercise and a disciplined approach to his diet.
TIMOTHY SPALL – 56 LBS – EXERCISING & EATING HEALTHIER MEALS
RICKI LAKE – 130 LBS – ATKINS
When Ricki Lake made her acting debut in Hairspray, she weighed nearly 300 pounds, wearing size 24 outfits. She credits the Atkins diet for her impressive 130-pound weight loss, which brought her down to a size six—a weight she has successfully maintained. In 2020, Lake opened up about hair loss issues that began during her Hairspray days, caused by the chemicals used to style her hair for the film and other factors. She continues her acting career and is set to appear in the feature film Moon Manor.
RICKI LAKE – 130 LBS – ATKINS
MAMA JUNE – 150 LBS – GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY
June Shannon, famously known as Mama June, became a household name through the reality series Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, which showcased her family’s often questionable eating habits and the extra pounds they carried. Determined to change her lifestyle, Mama June adopted healthier eating habits and, in 2015, underwent skin removal surgery. She impressively lost 160 pounds, slimming down to a size four. In March 2021, her journey returned to television with Mama June: Road to Redemption, a revamped follow-up to Mama June: From Not to Hot.
MAMA JUNE – 150 LBS – GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY
ASHLEY JOHNSTON – 183 LBS – THE BIGGEST LOSER
Ashley Johnston, formerly a professional ice hockey player and the first captain of the Metropolitan Riveters, now serves as the team’s assistant coach. Struggling with her weight from a young age, she lost 183 pounds during the ninth season of *The Biggest Loser*, emphasizing that the mental work was just as crucial as the physical effort. Although she didn’t win the competition, she captured the heart of that season’s victor, Koli Palu, and the couple married, welcoming their son Malakai Pua in 2019.
ASHLEY JOHNSTON – 183 LBS – THE BIGGEST LOSER
PHIL MICKELSON – 15 LBS – COFFEE & WATER
In many sports, a fit, healthy body is a clear advantage, but in golf, maintaining peak physical condition is largely a personal choice. Professional golfer Phil Mickelson, while not obese, carried a few extra pounds. In 2019, he followed an unusual diet that reportedly helped him lose 15 pounds in just six days. According to Forbes, the regimen consisted only of water and a special coffee blend—hardly a sustainable approach, and certainly not an easy six-day challenge!
PHIL MICKELSON – 15 LBS – COFFEE & WATER
VANESSA FELTZ – 56 LBS – GASTRIC BAND SURGERY
Vanessa Feltz, a journalist, broadcaster, and TV personality, has appeared on shows like The Big Breakfast, The Vanessa Show, and Celebrity Big Brother, and currently hosts radio programs on BBC Radio London and BBC Radio 2. After struggling with yo-yo dieting, she ultimately lost three stones (56 pounds) through gastric band surgery in 2010. However, she later experienced complications with the band and had it removed, opting for a bypass procedure in 2019 to maintain her weight loss.
VANESSA FELTZ – 56 LBS – GASTRIC BAND SURGERY
MIKE TYSON – 100 LBS – BOXING & BECOMING A VEGAN
After retiring from boxing and pursuing acting, Mike Tyson made a comeback to the ring in May 2020. Early in his career, he dominated the sport, earning multiple titles including WBC and WBA championships, and in May 2021, ABC aired Mike Tyson: The Knockout, a documentary series about his life. Ahead of his return, Tyson shared an Instagram video revealing the intense training behind his 100-pound weight loss. Adopting a vegan diet and spending up to two hours on the treadmill daily helped him achieve and maintain his transformed physique.
MIKE TYSON – 100 LBS – BOXING & BECOMING A VEGAN
MISSY ELLIOTT – 30 LBS – SHAUN T’S INSANITY
Since rising to fame, Missy Elliott has made a huge impact on the hip-hop scene, often carrying a fuller figure. After being diagnosed with Graves’ disease, she committed to major lifestyle changes, including following a rigorous workout routine featuring Shaun T’s Insanity program. She also eliminated sugary treats, bread, and carbonated drinks from her diet, ultimately losing 30 pounds and maintaining the weight loss. Elliott remains active in the music industry, directing the City Girls’ “Twerkulator” video in 2021.
MISSY ELLIOTT – 30 LBS – SHAUN T’S INSANITY
MIRANDA LAMBERT – 20 LBS – CIRCUIT TRAINING
Miranda Lambert gained her initial industry foothold by competing on Nashville Star, and although she didn’t win, the show boosted her recognition. By 2021, she was set to release a collaborative record with Jon Randall and Jack Ingram. Alongside her career success, Lambert struggled with her weight, prompting her to change her eating habits and work with a personal trainer. She incorporated more vegetables into her meals and followed a circuit training routine, ultimately losing 20 pounds and continuing to prioritize her health.
MIRANDA LAMBERT – 20 LBS – CIRCUIT TRAINING
JORDIN SPARKS – 50 LBS – EXERCISING & PORTION-CONTROL
Jordin Sparks rose to fame as the winner of American Idol’s sixth season and continued her music career with the release of her fourth studio album, Cider & Hennessy, and the EP Sounds Like Me in 2020. While carrying a few extra pounds hadn’t bothered her much, a diagnosis of atypical pneumonia prompted her to change her relationship with food, adopting a portion-controlled meal plan. She complemented this with a workout routine that included Zumba, running, and boxing, ultimately losing 50 pounds while still allowing herself the occasional sweet treat. In 2021, Sparks appeared on The Masked Singer, finishing in fifth place.
JORDIN SPARKS – 50 LBS – EXERCISING & PORTION CONTROL
AIDY BRYANT – 15 LBS – SWITCHING HER DIET & WALKING
Comedian Aidy Bryant has been a cast member on Saturday Night Live since 2012 and starred in, wrote, and executive produced the comedy series Shrill. A long-time advocate of body positivity, she launched a plus-size clothing line in 2019. While filming The Big Sick in 2016, a medical exam for insurance recommended gastric bypass surgery, which later inspired part of Shrill’s storyline. Instead of surgery, Bryant focused on mindful eating, increased walking, and cutting back on alcohol, ultimately losing 15 pounds.
AIDY BRYANT – 15 LBS – SWITCHING HER DIET & WALKING
ABBY LEE MILLER – 100 LBS – GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY
Abby Lee Miller rose to fame on Dance Moms, where her desire to lose weight was partly fueled by wanting to make the other moms envious. However, pursuing a weight-loss journey on the show proved challenging, as producers provided endless unhealthy treats and filming schedules often lasted 12 hours. Miller eventually underwent surgery but later faced prison time on fraud charges. During her incarceration, she lost 100 pounds and, according to reports, fully recovered from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
ABBY LEE MILLER – 100 LBS – GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY
ASHLEY GRAHAM – 20 LBS – EXERCISING
Ashley Graham has been making waves in the modeling world while championing body positivity, and in 2017, she shared her journey in the memoir A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like. She is also set to host the second season of American Beauty Star. Like many, Graham has faced weight fluctuations over the years, but regular exercise helped her lose 20 pounds and stay fit. In 2020, she and her husband Justin Ervin welcomed their son, Isaac Menelik Giovanni Ervin, and in July 2021, they announced they were expecting their second child.
ASHLEY GRAHAM – 20 LBS – EXERCISING
JOHN DALY –60 LBS – JACK DANIELS, POPCORN, & LAP-BAND SURGERY
Nicknamed “Long John” for his incredible driving distance, John Daly has long made headlines for his weight fluctuations, dating back to his college days. He once lost 67 pounds in about three months to be able to play golf in Arkansas. Daly jokingly attributed that weight loss to Jack Daniels and popcorn, and later took up smoking to curb his appetite, claiming his Arizona State coach, Steve Loy, had suggested it. Over time, he began taking his overall health more seriously, undergoing surgery, reducing his Diet Coke intake, and quitting smoking.
JOHN DALY –60 LBS – JACK DANIELS, POPCORN, & LAP BAND SURGERY
KELLY CLARKSON – 37 LBS – ORGANIC DIET
Kelly Clarkson became America’s sweetheart after winning American Idol and went on to release a string of hit songs, selling millions of records. However, her weight has been a longtime challenge and a frequent topic in celebrity news. Prompted by a thyroid issue, she committed to a healthier lifestyle, adopting an all-organic eating plan and ultimately losing 37 pounds. In 2021, Clarkson had big plans, including releasing a new album and being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
KELLY CLARKSON – 37 LBS – ORGANIC DIET
KALEY CUOCO – UNDISCLOSED – YOGA & EATING NUTRITIOUS FOOD
Kaley Cuoco gained a few pounds as she got older, though she has never been considered obese, and she told Shape magazine that turning 21 meant putting more effort into her overall wellness. Her fitness routine includes weight training, eating nutritious meals, and practicing yoga—much like her Big Bang Theory character, Penny. She slimmed down to around 129 pounds, though she hasn’t revealed exactly how much weight she lost, and has been busy working on The Flight Attendant since 2020.
KALEY CUOCO – UNDISCLOSED – YOGA & EATING NUTRITIOUS FOOD
MELISSA McCARTHY – 70 LBS – SUPPLEMENTS & EXERCISING
Melissa McCarthy has always been open about her struggles with weight, emphasizing that while looks weren’t her priority, leading a healthier life was essential. Her biggest takeaway has been that the number on the scale doesn’t define her. She combined diet supplements, healthier meals, and increased activity to ultimately lose 75 pounds. Motivated by her own challenges finding red-carpet attire, McCarthy launched a clothing line offering sizes up to 28. In 2021, she was scheduled to appear in the series Nine Perfect Strangers.
MELISSA McCARTHY – 70 LBS – SUPPLEMENTS & EXERCISING
CELINE DION – 18 LBS – DANCING
In 2019, Celine Dion made headlines for her dramatically slimmer appearance, with many critics suggesting she had gone too far. She reportedly lost 18 pounds, explaining that her goal was simply to be fit enough to dance better. Dion shared that her focus on appearance stemmed from a lack of confidence when entering the industry and the bullying she endured in school, where she was constantly told she didn’t “look the part.” She is slated to resume her Las Vegas residency in November 2021.
CELINE DION – 18 LBS – DANCING
BRUCE VILANCH – 80 LBS- CELEBRITY FIT CLUB
Bruce Vilanch, a six-time Emmy winner, has made his mark as an actor, songwriter, and comedy writer, and is best known for his appearances on Hollywood Squares. He also served as head writer and co-writer for the Oscars from 2000 to 2014. Vilanch set out to lose 45 pounds on Celebrity Fit Club by December 2005 and had already shed 20 pounds by November, ultimately losing an impressive 80 pounds. Years later, he maintains his weight loss by swimming regularly and following a mostly low-carb diet.
BRUCE VILANCH – 80 LBS CELEBRITY FIT CLUB
AL ROKER – 100 LBS- GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY
Al Roker faced a turning point after the death of his father, prompting him to honor a promise to take better care of himself. Previously weighing 340 pounds, his family grew increasingly concerned about his health and encouraged him to undergo surgery, which helped him lose 100 pounds. Although some weight returned, Roker now follows a ketogenic lifestyle to maintain his health. Since May 2021, he has been reporting from Cleveland for NBC, covering the city’s reopening efforts.
AL ROKER – 100 LBS GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY
Amber Rachdi – 377 LBS – DIETING
Amber Rachdi first gained global attention on Season 3 of TLC’s My 600-lb Life, weighing over 600 pounds. Under the guidance of renowned surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, Amber began a journey toward better health, undergoing gastric bypass surgery and following a bariatric meal plan with support from family and friends, ultimately losing over 377 pounds. As of 2023, Amber has become a social media influencer, sharing her kindness and gentle humor while inspiring others to pursue healthier lifestyles, making her one of the show’s greatest success stories.
Amber Rachdi – 377 LBS – DIETING
AMY SCHUMER – 10 LBS – EXERCISING & DIETING
Amy Schumer first gained fame on Last Comic Standing and has since appeared in numerous projects, most recently Life & Beth. In 2020, she revealed she was being treated for Lyme disease with antibiotics. Following the birth of her child with Chris Fischer the previous year, Schumer began exercising and monitoring her diet, losing 10 pounds—and even more after her diagnosis. She also told Shape magazine that it’s never okay to comment on someone else’s body.
AMY SCHUMER – 10 LBS – EXERCISING & DIETING
TESS HOLLIDAY – 25 LBS – STRENGTH TRAINING
Tess Holliday, a longtime body-positivity advocate, has consistently called out weight discrimination and, in May 2021, used her social media to affirm that being anorexic and in recovery is nothing to be ashamed of, responding to comments about her recent weight loss. According to Health magazine, Holliday began a strength training and toning regimen to build her body in a healthy way. She has lost 25 pounds so far and told Self that finally caring for her body—a part of herself she had long neglected—has been a liberating experience.
TESS HOLLIDAY – 25 LBS – STRENGTH TRAINING