Let’s face it, conversations about weight loss are rarely simple. They’re wrapped in layers of judgement, societal expectations, and let’s not forget, shame.
In a world where appearance often feels like currency, being open about weight loss, especially as a celebrity, is no small feat. The Grammy-winning artist and outspoken advocate for body positivity has always done things her way, unapologetically.
But when she recently opened up about trying Ozempic, a medication often used for weight loss, her honesty sparked a bigger conversation, one about self-care, stigma and the many paths we take toward health.
After months of public speculation and online trolling about her weight loss, Lizzo finally addressed the chatter head-on and revealed that yes, she did try Ozempic at the start of her journey.
During a recent appearance on Trisha Paytas’ Just Trish podcast, Lizzo revealed that she had tried Ozempic early in her weight loss journey in 2023 but quickly realised it wasn’t for her in the long term. “I tried everything,” she explained. “Ozempic works because you eat less food, yeah? So if you eat right, it makes you feel full. But if you can just do that on your own and get mind over matter, it’s the same thing.”
Fake food
While Ozempic didn’t turn out to be the solution for Lizzo, she credited a major shift in her diet as the true catalyst for her transformation. For years, Lizzo followed a plant-based diet, consuming vegan foods exclusively from 2020 to 2023. However, she quickly realised that not all vegan options are created equal.
“When I was vegan, I was consuming a lot of fake meats, bread and rice,” Lizzo said. “I had to eat a lot of it to stay full, but I was consuming 3,000 to 5,000 calories a day.”
The turning point came when she transitioned to eating whole, natural foods like chicken, fish and beef. This change not only left her feeling fuller for longer but also helped her avoid the hidden calories and “fake sugars” often found in processed vegan products.
“Some foods, even if they’re small, are packed with fake sugar that leaves you still feeling hungry,” she explained.
“When I started eating real foods, it was different. I wasn’t expanding my stomach with things that weren’t actually filling me up.”
Body shaming
Addressing the stigma around weight loss medications, one of the most powerful moments in the podcast came when Lizzo addressed the judgement that often comes with taking weight loss medication: “It’s not easy. It’s a drug to help somebody with something they’re struggling with,” she explained. “I think people … it’s their way of being fatphobic when you’re telling someone they’re cheating.” That hits hard. For many people, especially women living in larger bodies, the pressure to justify every step of their health journey is intense.
Whether you’re gaining or losing, you’re judged. Whether you go natural or get help, you’re judged. And that judgement often has nothing to do with health and everything to do with deep-rooted societal biases. Lizzo has always been vocal about her commitment to body positivity, even as she worked toward her weight loss goals. Reflecting on her journey, she admitted, “I feel like I worked really, really hard, and it was intentional with what I did with my body.”
When she receives compliments on her transformation, she doesn’t shy away from them.
Harmful narratives
“I really receive it because I need to receive that,” she said. “I don’t take it in any weird way because I tried to do this.” The shame and judgement surrounding weight loss choices, especially for women, needs to stop. These harmful narratives only reinforce unrealistic expectations and discourage people from seeking the help they need.
As Lizzo herself said, “It’s about helping yourself with something you’re struggling with.” And that’s nothing to feel guilty about.
Her experience reminds us to be honest with ourselves, whether it’s about diet, exercise routine or what’s not working, honesty is the first step toward meaningful change. Try what works for you: From medication to lifestyle shifts, your journey doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. Ditch the shame and let go of the fear of judgement.
