Kelly Clarkson's 60-Pound Weight Loss: Her Inspiring Story
Kelly Clarkson’s weight loss journey has inspired fans with its honesty and relatability. The American Idol winner and Kelly Clarkson Show host shed 60 pounds after a pre-diabetic diagnosis, using a mix of medication, a high-protein diet, and walking. “I wasn’t shocked,” she shared on her show in January 2024, reflecting on her health scare. Her move to New York City in 2023 sparked lifestyle changes that boosted her wellness. Clarkson’s story, grounded in authenticity, shows how small steps can lead to big results.
Her journey gained attention in May 2024 when she revealed using a weight-loss drug on The Kelly Clarkson Show. She also embraced a high-protein diet and walked more in NYC, where she relocated her talk show. These changes, paired with her candidness about health struggles, resonate with fans. “I’m a go-go-go,” she told Hoda Kotb, praising the value of slowing down for wellness.
What drug is Kelly Clarkson taking to lose weight?
Clarkson confirmed she’s using a weight-loss medication, but it’s not Ozempic. She shared this during a May 2024 episode of her show with Whoopi Goldberg, who’s used Mounjaro.
She was hesitant at first due to thyroid issues. “My doctor chased me for two years,” she said, noting her blood work had worsened. The drug helps her body break down sugar, addressing a key health issue.
“Everyone thinks it’s Ozempic — it’s not,” Clarkson told Goldberg. “It’s something that aids in helping break down the sugar.” Seeing herself on camera one day shocked her, prompting action.
At her heaviest, 203 pounds at 5’3½”, she remained confident. “I was never insecure about it, I was happy,” she said, despite public scrutiny.
After revealing her medication use, Clarkson faced backlash. Goldberg defended her on The View, saying, “They kick her behind when she’s bigger, they kick her behind when she’s lost the weight.”
Goldberg added, “She has been walking, but this has helped.” Clarkson’s honesty, as the Cleveland Clinic notes, shows medical support can jumpstart weight loss.
How did Kelly Clarkson lose weight?
Beyond medication, Clarkson made lifestyle changes. Her 2023 move to New York City increased her activity level, aiding her weight loss.
“Walking in the city is quite the workout,” she told People in January 2024. She didn’t mention gym routines but emphasized daily walks for wellness.
Clarkson relocated her show from Los Angeles for a fresh start. “I was very unhappy in L.A.,” she said, citing mental health struggles in California.
She also tried wellness trends. “I’m into infrared saunas right now. I just got a cold plunge,” she shared, showing her openness to new habits.
Her diet avoids extremes. “I eat a healthy mix,” she told People, focusing on protein as a Texan who loves meat.
She still enjoys treats. “The other night I had frozen yogurt with my daughter, and it was magical,” said Clarkson, mom to River Rose, 10, and Remington, 8.
Kelly Clarkson’s thyroid and other health issues
Clarkson has been open about her thyroid and autoimmune challenges, which influenced her weight loss approach.
In 2018, she told TODAY’s Hoda Kotb a lectin-free diet helped her lose 37 pounds, addressing her thyroid issues without exercise.
“I read this book, and I did it for this autoimmune disease,” she told Extra. Cutting lectins like beans and grains stabilized her health.
In January 2024, she revealed a pre-diabetic diagnosis. “I was a tiny bit overweight,” she said, initially brushing it off.
Two years later, she acted. The Mayo Clinic notes diet and exercise can prevent prediabetes from progressing to Type 2 diabetes.
Kelly Clarkson’s weight struggles
Clarkson’s Hollywood career brought constant commentary on her size, yet she remained resilient.
In 2020, she told Glamour UK that thinness doesn’t define confidence. She joined The Voice at her heaviest, proving talent matters more.
“I got on the No. 1 television show at my heaviest,” she said. NBC’s Paul Telegdy hired her for her personality, not looks.
In November 2023, she bonded with Jenna Bush Hager on her show over weight struggles, laughing about unflattering childhood dresses.
“Those drop waist things were not good for girls with curves,” Clarkson joked, high-fiving Hager for their shared “stages.”