When it comes to weight, Clarkson has long resisted societal pressures to conform to Hollywood’s often unforgiving standards. “I’ve been every size imaginable,” she says lightheartedly, referencing a career that spans two decades, from her breakout moment as the first ‘American Idol’ winner in 2002 to today’s Kelly Clarkson Show, a daytime favorite. “But for me, it’s never been about trying to look a certain way. Not at all,” she points out. Instead, Kelly’s wellness and fitness goals have steered more towards feeling good inside her own skin rather than hitting any number on the scale.
kelly clarkson losing weight
Still, fans were curious: What has she been doing? How did she achieve her recent transformation? When asked about her weight loss, Clarkson immediately makes it clear: “It was never about being skinny.”
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Clarkson explains that her journey started when she began struggling with health issues related to her autoimmune disease and thyroid condition. “I was tired of feeling tired,” she admits. “It wasn’t just about the weight; I had inflammation, my energy was gone, and I just honestly didn’t feel like myself,” she revealed. “That’s when I knew I needed to take better care of my body.”
So, what steps did Clarkson take to improve her overall wellbeing? Clarkson is quick to attribute much of her success to a simple change: adjusting her diet.
She began following a plant-based, clean eating plan, reportedly inspired by the bestseller ‘The Plant Paradox’ by Dr. Steven Gundry, which suggests eliminating much of the processed food, refined sugar, and inflammatory ingredients from your diet. Clarkson points out that it wasn’t necessarily a “strict” plan, but more about being “mindful” of what she was putting into her body.
“It’s been a slow transformation, really,” Clarkson explains. “The goals I set for myself weren’t about dropping ‘X’ amount of weight by summer. It wasn’t that kind of approach. It was asking myself: ‘What can I do today that will make me healthier tomorrow?'”
And while some have applauded the star’s transformation, Clarkson is quick to remind everyone that numbers don’t matter to her—and they shouldn’t for anyone else either. “People are obsessed with the idea that weight loss equals happiness, but that’s just not true. What I’ve come to find is that the connection between physical health and mental health is crucial.”
Interestingly, Clarkson adds, “There were times in my life when I was thinner, but I was more frustrated, more insecure, and more stressed out. Your size doesn’t necessarily define your happiness.”
Today, Clarkson emphasizes putting wellbeing first. “I got to a place where I started asking not: ‘How can I look better?’ but ‘How can I feel better?’ It’s energizing to make choices that make me feel good, physically and mentally,” she offers. “It’s about being in tune with what my body needs, and not doing something just because I think I ‘should.’”
And while the changes seem to have resonated clearly for her lifestyle, she wants to make one thing perfectly clear—she’s still very much a fan of indulgence.
Clarkson admits with a laugh, “I’ll still absolutely dig into a big meal or have a slice of cake at a birthday party! Life’s too short to not enjoy it. But it’s more about balance. It’s still okay to have the things I love, like good ol’ fried chicken every so often—it’s just about moderation and listening to my body afterward. That’s the key: moderation, not deprivation.”
Beyond diet, Clarkson has also embraced a more active lifestyle. “The truth is, I initially resisted working out,” she confesses, laughing. “I actually hate it. But, I’ve learned how important it is for my mental and physical health. So now, instead of making excuses, I focus on finding things that I enjoy.”
She recalls dabbling in everything from yoga to hiking, but the emphasis is less on “punishing her body” with grueling workouts and more about tuning into how her body is feeling daily. “Some mornings, I love a slow yoga session. Other days, a walk with my kids or playing outdoors is enough.”
Clarkson’s approach to self-care is striking a chord with many of her fans, particularly the sense that it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Everyone’s health journey looks different, and, in her case, it’s been a highly individual path. “The only way to make lasting changes is if it fits into your lifestyle,” Clarkson continues. “For me, it’s been about learning to love myself enough to take care of my health—not because society is saying I should look a certain way, but because I deserve to feel good.”
Kelly Clarkson’s openness about her health journey comes at a time when the focus on body positivity, mental health, and holistic wellness has garnered widespread attention across society. With countless headlines still heavily focused on weight and appearance, Clarkson’s priority on how she feels physically and emotionally stands as a refreshing model of success.
“Life is hard,” she says for the umpteenth time. “There’s no need to complicate it further by obsessing over things like how others think you should look.”
As far as public perceptions of her weight loss go, Clarkson is quick to brush off any discussion rooted in appearances. She’s not interested in comparisons or media definitions of beauty. For her, it’s about regaining a sense of balance and managing the stresses of life in a way that promotes sustainable mental and physical health.
And through it all, Clarkson remains that relatable, fearlessly authentic voice that her fans have always loved. “It’s such a freeing realization that being healthy looks different on everyone,” she concludes with a nod. “I’m healthy, I’m happy, and that’s what matters.”