Lizzo, the celebrated musician and advocate for body positivity, has candidly shared her experiences of feeling “overshadowed” by her weight in a recent Substack post. The 37-year-old artist, known for hits like “Good As Hell,” has undergone a significant transformation, achieving her goal weight after years of being a prominent figure in the body positivity movement.
Despite her success, Lizzo expressed frustration over being primarily recognized for her size rather than her musical talent. In her post titled “Why is everybody losing weight and what do we do? Sincerely, a person who’s lost weight,” she voiced her irritation at being synonymous with her body size.
“I was sick and tired of my identity being overshadowed by my fatness. People could not see my talent as a musician because they were too busy accusing me of making ‘being fat’ my whole personality,” she revealed.
The Journey to Self-Acceptance
Lizzo’s journey has been a complex one, marked by both public adoration and scrutiny. She has often been the target of “obnoxious memes” and criticism, which she addressed in her essay. Despite the negativity, Lizzo embraced her role, using humor and self-awareness to navigate the challenges.
“The way I’ve been treated as a public figure since I was introduced to the world as a confident, body positive figure has been borderline emotional abuse. And it’s simply because of my weight,” she stated.
Initially, Lizzo did not set out to lose weight. However, personal and professional challenges, including lawsuits from former team members, took a toll on her mental health. In the fall of 2023, Lizzo began losing weight during a period of severe depression, which she described as a time when she felt the world had turned its back on her.
Finding Strength Through Movement
To cope with her struggles, Lizzo turned to Pilates, a form of exercise she found therapeutic. She emphasized working with Black women instructors and discovered the practice’s roots, which resonated with her.
“I used it as physical therapy. Sometimes I cried after sessions. I found that I had lost some weight in that process, but it wasn’t as significant as it is now. Because it wasn’t intentional,” she explained.
Through therapy, Lizzo realized her weight had been a protective shield, representing comfort and resilience. She decided to release this weight, viewing it as an energetic transformation rather than a vain pursuit.
Dietary Changes and Public Perception
Lizzo’s weight loss journey also involved significant dietary changes. She shifted from a high-calorie vegan diet to a more balanced intake of whole foods, including beef, chicken, and fish. This change helped her feel fuller and more satisfied.
On the “Just Trish” podcast, Lizzo discussed her use of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs, acknowledging the scientific principle of “calories in vs. calories out” as a factor in her weight loss.
“I’ve tried everything. It’s just the science, for me, calories in vs. calories out. Ozempic works because you eat less food,” she shared.
Embracing New Goals
Despite her achievements, Lizzo remains cautious about sharing specific details of her weight loss, preferring to focus on her overall well-being and personal growth. In January, she proudly announced reaching her weight loss goal on Instagram, celebrating the milestone as a testament to her determination.
“I did it. Today when I stepped on my scale, I reached my weight release goal. I haven’t seen this number since 2014! Let this be a reminder you can do anything you put your mind to. Time for new goals!” she declared.
Lizzo’s journey underscores the complex interplay between public perception, personal health, and self-acceptance. As she continues to evolve, her story serves as an inspiration for those navigating similar challenges, reminding us of the power of resilience and self-love.
