Rachel Recchia, the 29-year-old reality TV star and commercial pilot, has been turning heads with her incredible transformation. Known for her vibrant presence on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, Rachel’s journey from 82kg to 70kg has sparked curiosity and admiration. But what’s the real story behind her 12kg weight loss? How did she go from struggling with health challenges to radiating confidence in a healthier place? Let’s sit down with Rachel’s own words and uncover the emotional and physical path she’s walked.
From Health Struggles to a Healthier Rachel Recchia
Rachel’s weight loss wasn’t about chasing a number on the scale—it was about reclaiming her health. In an Instagram Q&A on July 29, 2025, she opened up about the challenges she faced. “I want to address this because the comments I’ve received are a reminder of how little we often know about what someone is really going through,” she shared. “Everyone has seen a very small part of my life through a lens. I am constantly compared to a version of myself from a short time when, truthfully, I was really struggling.”
Last year, Rachel faced health issues that threw her body into chaos. “Toward the end of last year, I also faced health issues that impacted my body in ways I couldn’t control,” she said. One major setback was a bad kidney infection that landed her in the hospital. “I was in the hospital for a bad kidney infection that spread into my back muscles,” she revealed on August 18, 2024. The infection required antibiotics through a PICC line for over a month, leaving her “so tired and nauseous” and leading to unintended weight loss. “I am aware I look ‘sick’ because I was sick,” she added, urging fans to be mindful.
But Rachel didn’t let those challenges define her. By July 2025, she was in a healthier place, both physically and emotionally. “Today I’m in a healthier place. This is the last time I’ll speak on it, love you all,” she told her followers. Her focus shifted to sustainable habits—eating whole foods and staying active—which helped her maintain her 12kg weight loss.
How Did Rachel Recchia Achieve Her Weight Loss?
So, how did Rachel go from 82kg to 70kg? Fans have been buzzing with questions, with one asking, “Respectfully, what is the weight loss routine?!?!” Rachel didn’t spill a step-by-step plan, but she hinted at her approach. “Three years post-op, she’s maintained her lower weight by mainly eating whole foods and being as active as possible,” according to a source.
Think fresh veggies, lean proteins, and cutting back on processed junk. Rachel’s no stranger to staying active either—her life as a pilot keeps her on the move, and she’s been spotted hitting the gym and embracing outdoor activities. No crash diets or quick fixes here. Instead, she leaned into consistent, healthy choices that worked for her body and lifestyle. Could this be the secret to her glowing confidence?
Her journey wasn’t without hurdles. Rachel admitted to gaining 10 pounds between seasons of The Bachelorette due to stress. “I gained, I think, like, ten pounds in between seasons. I was so stressed out,” she shared. That fuller face? A reflection of a tough time. But turning things around meant addressing both her physical and emotional health.
Rachel’s Emotional Transformation: More Than Just Weight
Rachel’s story isn’t just about shedding pounds—it’s about shedding insecurities. Her weight loss journey ties into her broader transformation, including her decision to undergo breast reduction surgery in March 2023. At 17, she first considered the procedure, feeling “defeated by my body.” Fast forward to 27, and she finally took the leap. “The moment I opened my eyes and got off the table, I knew my life had changed—for the better. My body felt different. Lighter,” she wrote in a personal essay for Today.
The surgery wasn’t just physical. It gave Rachel a newfound confidence. “It’s only been a few weeks, but I already feel like a new me. I’ve always been insecure—and I’m not anymore,” she shared. This boost carried over into her weight loss journey, helping her embrace her body in a way she never had before.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. In August 2024, Rachel faced cruel comments about her appearance. “I always liked that she was gorgeous but more ‘normal’ with healthy curves. She doesn’t look healthy here anymore,” one troll wrote. Another said, “Wow what change!!! Why??? You were so pretty before!!” Rachel clapped back, reminding everyone to “be mindful” of what others might be going through. Her vulnerability struck a chord, showing fans the real Rachel—resilient, honest, and unapologetic.
The Role of Breast Reduction in Rachel Recchia’s Weight Loss
Rachel’s breast reduction surgery played a big part in her journey. The procedure alleviated chronic back pain she’d endured for over a decade. “I made my first appointment to find out more about breast reduction surgery when I was 17 years old,” she shared. After the surgery, she felt “immediately relieved and renewed.”
In 2024, Rachel announced she’d need a revision surgery due to natural tissue regrowth. “I am so happy with the results of my first reduction, but a year later I decided to correct some regrowth I’ve experienced naturally,” she explained. Factors like hormones and weight changes can cause this, and Rachel’s openness about it inspired others. “I have been able to connect with so many of you by being open with this process,” she said.
This surgery wasn’t about vanity—it was about comfort and confidence. By addressing physical discomfort, Rachel could focus on her weight loss through healthy habits, not extreme measures.
Facing the Spotlight: Rachel’s Resilience
Being in the public eye isn’t easy, especially when fans and trolls alike dissect your appearance. Rachel’s time on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette put her under a microscope. After her engagement to Tino Franco fell apart when he admitted to kissing someone else, Rachel faced emotional turmoil. Yet, she bounced back, appearing on Bachelor in Paradise and now Perfect Match, premiering on Netflix August 1, 2025.
Her weight loss and health journey reflect her growth. “She’s one of the people in the franchise who seems to have had the most healthy growth navigating the reactions they have gotten from the show,” a Reddit user noted. Fans admire her for being “down to earth and smart” and for gassing up other women online.
What Can We Learn from Rachel Recchia’s Weight Loss?
Rachel’s story isn’t about a magic diet or a secret workout. It’s about listening to your body and making choices that feel right. Her 12kg weight loss came from eating whole foods, staying active, and prioritizing her mental health. But more than that, it’s about resilience—facing health scares, public scrutiny, and personal insecurities head-on.
Her advice? Be kind to yourself and others. “I want to be honest with you all and show everyone that it isn’t always perfect,” she said about her journey. Whether it’s recovering from a kidney infection or embracing her body post-surgery, Rachel’s story reminds us that health is personal, and progress is worth celebrating.
Rachel’s Next Chapter: A Healthier, Happier You
As Rachel steps into the spotlight on Perfect Match, she’s not just showing off a slimmer figure—she’s showing off a stronger, more confident self. From 82kg to 70kg, her weight loss is just one part of a bigger transformation. “Today I’m in a healthier place, both physically and emotionally,” she says, and that’s the real win.
What’s next for Rachel? More adventures, more self-love, and maybe even a new romance. One thing’s for sure: she’s inspiring fans to embrace their own journeys, one healthy step at a time. So, what’s holding you back from your own transformation? Rachel’s story proves it’s never too late to start.