Kelly Clarkson has never been one to shy away from the truth, and in 2024, the singer and talk show host once again captured the attention of fans with her candid revelations about her weight loss. For years, Clarkson has been transparent about her journey—both the ups and downs—when it comes to body image, health, and the impact these changes have had on her life. In true Kelly fashion, she has embraced her evolution, turning her focus on her overall well-being rather than any societal standard.
A New Chapter: Moving to New York
One of the most notable shifts in Kelly Clarkson’s life came when she relocated to New York City from California in 2023. The move wasn’t just a change of scenery—it marked a fresh start for the singer, who admits that Los Angeles had taken a toll on her mental health. “I was very unhappy in L.A. and had been for several years,” Clarkson shared with People in January 2024. “I needed a fresh start.”
In her new home, Kelly found herself embracing a more active lifestyle, simply by walking through the streets of Manhattan. “Walking in the city is quite the workout,” she said, noting how this change contributed to her weight loss without the need for an intense gym regimen. The shift from driving everywhere in California to walking in New York played a significant role in her transformation. It wasn’t about hitting the gym daily but rather adopting a naturally more active lifestyle.
Weight Loss Medication: A Game Changer
In addition to lifestyle changes, Kelly also turned to weight loss medication in 2024. During an episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, she opened up to guest Whoopi Goldberg about how her doctor had recommended medication for her after years of struggling with her bloodwork. “My doctor chased me for like two years, and I was like, ‘No, I’m afraid of it,’” Clarkson recalled, adding that she was initially hesitant due to her thyroid issues.
However, after seeing no improvements in her health, Kelly finally gave it a try. While she didn’t reveal the exact medication she’s using, she did make it clear that it’s not Ozempic, a common weight-loss drug many fans speculated she was taking. “Everyone thinks it’s Ozempic—it’s not. It’s something else. But it’s something that aids in helping break down the sugar,” she explained to Goldberg. Clarkson has been open about how her body doesn’t naturally process sugar correctly, which contributed to her weight gain over the years.
Her decision to use medication wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was driven by her health. “My blood work got so bad, I had to do something,” she said. This mindset is at the core of Kelly’s approach to her health—listening to her body and doing what’s best for her long-term well-being.
Kelly’s Candid Reflection on Body Image
Fans were once again in awe of Clarkson when she appeared at the 2024 Daytime Emmy Awards. Dressed in a vibrant pink, form-fitting gown, Kelly’s weight loss was evident, and she radiated confidence. However, Kelly remains insistent that her journey has never been about meeting external beauty standards. In a brutally honest moment on her talk show, she reflected on how much weight she’d gained before starting the medication, admitting that seeing herself on camera was a wake-up call. “Who the f–k is that?” she joked.
But while she acknowledges her physical transformation, Kelly is quick to remind people that she wasn’t unhappy at her heaviest. “People assume, ‘Oh, she must’ve been miserable, depressed, whatever,’ but I wasn’t,” Clarkson shared. “I was never insecure about it. I was happy.”
This sentiment has been a constant throughout Clarkson’s public life. Whether at her heaviest or her most recent transformation, Kelly’s confidence comes from within. Her journey is a testament to self-love and resilience, and she has repeatedly emphasized that happiness is not tied to a number on a scale.
A Healthy Diet, Not Extremes
When it comes to her diet, Kelly Clarkson isn’t following any extreme fad diets in 2024. Instead, she’s focused on balance and sustainability. “I eat a healthy mix,” she told People, crediting her weight loss to listening to her doctor’s advice after a few years of not doing so. For Kelly, a high-protein diet works best. “I’m a Texas girl, so I like meat—sorry, vegetarians in the world!” she laughed.
But even with her protein-rich diet, Kelly still allows herself indulgences. “The other night I had frozen yogurt with my daughter, and it was magical,” she said, proving that her approach to food is about enjoyment as much as it is about health.
Her focus on balance is a shift from some of the restrictive diets she’s tried in the past. Back in 2018, Kelly spoke about adopting a lectin-free diet to manage her thyroid issues, and while that helped at the time, her current approach is more flexible and manageable in the long term.
Kelly’s Struggles with Health Issues
Kelly Clarkson’s weight loss has often been tied to her health struggles, including her thyroid and autoimmune issues. As she revealed in 2018, she had to lose weight to manage these conditions, which led her to make significant changes to her diet and lifestyle. And now, in 2024, her efforts to manage her health have once again been at the forefront.
In a candid moment on her talk show earlier this year, Kelly revealed that she had been diagnosed as prediabetic. While she wasn’t shocked by the news, it served as another wake-up call. “I was a tiny bit overweight, and they were like, ‘You’re prediabetic. You’re right on the borderline.’”
Since then, Kelly has been proactive about managing her condition, making lifestyle changes that go beyond just weight loss. Her focus is on long-term health and preventing more serious issues down the line.
Looking Ahead: Kelly’s Journey Continues
As Kelly Clarkson continues her wellness journey in 2024, she remains a beacon of authenticity and resilience. Her weight loss is impressive, but what resonates most with fans is her message of self-love and acceptance. She’s not trying to fit into anyone else’s standards—she’s creating her own.
Kelly’s story is not just about shedding pounds; it’s about taking control of her health and finding balance. Whether it’s walking the streets of New York, indulging in frozen yogurt with her kids, or making the tough decision to try medication, Kelly’s journey is a reminder that true transformation happens when you prioritize your well-being over everything else.
