Lizzo has candidly shared her experiences of feeling ‘overshadowed’ by her ‘fatness’ as she reflects on her weight loss journey. The 37-year-old “Good As Hell” singer has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, reaching her goal weight and prompting a broader conversation about body image and personal identity.
Despite being a prominent figure in the body positivity movement, Lizzo expressed frustration over being primarily recognized for her size rather than her musical talent. In her first Substack post titled “Why is everybody losing weight and what do we do? Sincerely, a person who’s lost weight,” she revealed her irritation with 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 stated.
Lizzo’s Struggle and Resilience
Lizzo’s journey has not been without challenges. She has been vocal about the emotional toll of being a public figure known for body positivity, describing the experience as “borderline emotional abuse” due to her weight. Despite this, she embraced the role and even used humor to counteract negative perceptions.
“I trolled the hell out of those obnoxious memes. I was self-aware that I was the butt of every fat joke on the Internet. And yet I continued to be who I am, because it’s the only thing I know how to be,” she wrote.
Initially, Lizzo did not intend to lose weight. However, personal and professional challenges, including lawsuits from former team members, significantly impacted her mental health. She was accused of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment, claims she has denied.
The Turning Point
Lizzo began losing weight in the fall of 2023 during a period of severe depression. “I was severely depressed. I had been the subject of vicious scandal, and it felt like the whole world turned its back on me,” she confessed. Her journey towards self-care started with Pilates, which she used as a form of physical therapy to process her pain.
“I only worked with black women instructors and learned that Pilates was actually cofounded by a black woman,” she explained. “I used it as physical therapy. Sometimes I cried after sessions.”
As Lizzo continued her journey, she realized that her weight had been a protective shield. “After talking to a few therapists I discovered that my weight had been a protective shield, a joyful comfort zone, and even sometimes a super hero suit to protect me through life,” she shared.
Releasing, Not Losing
Lizzo’s perspective on weight loss shifted from seeing it as a loss to a release. “From that moment on any weight on my physical body that was subtracted was not a pound ‘lost’ but a pound ‘released’. It was energetic for me, not vain,” she explained.
Her transformation involved a shift in diet, moving away from a junk food vegan lifestyle to a more regimented routine. Lizzo has also admitted to trying GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic to assist in her journey. “I’ve tried everything,” she mentioned on the Just Trish podcast, emphasizing the importance of discipline and understanding calorie intake.
Public Perception and Personal Triumph
Lizzo’s weight loss journey has sparked discussions about public perception and personal confidence. During an appearance on The Jason Lee Show, she addressed the scrutiny she faced for her curves. “I think it was crazy to people because I was fat,” she stated, highlighting the disbelief that someone of her size could be confident.
In January, Lizzo proudly announced achieving her weight loss goal on Instagram, sharing, “I did it. Today when I stepped on my scale, I reached my weight release goal. I haven’t seen this number since 2014!”
Her story is a testament to resilience and self-discovery, offering inspiration to many who struggle with similar issues. As Lizzo continues to set new goals, her journey remains a powerful narrative of empowerment and self-acceptance.
