Lizzo Opens Up About Struggles and Transformation in Weight Loss Journey

In a candid reflection on her weight loss journey, singer and songwriter Lizzo revealed that she faced severe mental health challenges at the onset, describing herself as “extremely suicidal.” In a post on her Substack account dated November 23, 2023, she shared her struggles with depression following personal scandals and public scrutiny, emphasizing the isolation that ensued.

Lizzo, 37, spoke about the toll that the backlash from a lawsuit filed by three former backup dancers took on her mental well-being. “I had been the subject of vicious scandal, and it felt like the whole world turned its back on me,” she wrote. The artist recounted how this led her to sever ties with loved ones, explaining, “I couldn’t trust anyone.”

As she navigated her feelings, Lizzo turned to pilates as a coping mechanism, expressing that it became a way to process her pain. “I found that I had lost some weight in that process, but it wasn’t as significant as it is now,” she noted. The shift towards intentional weight loss began during the winter of 2023 when she decided to publicly address her goals. “I felt like I had lost everything, and I wanted to change,” she wrote.

Reflecting on her past, Lizzo highlighted that her weight had served as a protective barrier, representing both comfort and emotional energy. “My weight, like my hair, represented time. It stored energy. And I wanted to release myself from it,” she explained. This perspective allowed her to reframe her weight loss as a process of “releasing” rather than merely “losing” weight.

Despite her journey, Lizzo emphasized that her objective is not to conform to conventional beauty standards. “I will always have the stretch, and the skin of a woman who carries great weight,” she stated proudly. She expressed frustration at the treatment she has received as a public figure and the perception of her identity being overshadowed by her size.

“I made it work for me. I trolled the hell out of those obnoxious memes,” Lizzo remarked, acknowledging the challenges of being the target of online fat jokes. She has become increasingly aware of how her identity has been framed, sharing that she feels pressured to navigate the complexities of body positivity in a world that often conflates appearance with worth.

Lizzo also critiqued the body positivity movement, expressing concern over its commercialization and the impact of trends like the “ozempic boom.” She called for a return to genuine conversations about body image, urging a more nuanced understanding of the movement that initially inspired her. “We have a lot of work to do, to undo the effects of the ozempic boom,” she stated, asserting her commitment to the cause.

In her conclusion, Lizzo reiterated her pride in her body, regardless of public perception. “I love myself as much as I’ve loved myself no matter what the scale says,” she wrote. Her journey serves as a reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and the ongoing conversation about body image in society.

For those in crisis or struggling with mental health issues, help is available. You can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for support.