Lizzo has never been one to fit into society’s narrow standards. From the moment she burst onto the music scene, she became a voice for body positivity, challenging every stereotype about what a pop star “should” look like. But in 2023, fans noticed something different. Lizzo’s body was changing—but her message stayed the same.
She wasn’t “losing weight” for validation. She was releasing weight for her mental peace.
“I never hated my body,” Lizzo shared. “But I needed to heal my mind.” These words sparked a new conversation—one that’s reshaping how we talk about health, weight, and self-worth.
The Start of Lizzo’s “Weight Release” Journey: A Mental Health Awakening
In early 2023, Lizzo surprised her followers by revealing she had embarked on a “weight release journey”. Notice how she didn’t say “weight loss”? That was intentional.
“I wanted to shift my mind, not my body,” Lizzo explained in a TikTok video. “Exercise stopped being about punishment and became a tool to balance my mental health.”
For Lizzo, the pressure of fame was never about shrinking her body to please others. It was about showing up for herself, mentally and emotionally. “I realized if I kept working out for others’ approval, I’d never feel satisfied. But if I did it to feel peace when I looked in the mirror, that’s real success.”
From High-Intensity Workouts to Ozempic Rumors: Lizzo’s Honest Approach
As Lizzo’s body began to shift, the internet did what it always does—speculated. Was she on Ozempic? Was she following some crash diet? In September 2024, Lizzo cheekily addressed the rumors with a viral TikTok clip.
She smiled into the camera, lip-syncing Django Unchained’s famous line: “It’s like a reward.” The caption? “When you finally get Ozempic allegations after five months of weight training and calorie deficit.”
But Lizzo didn’t hide the truth. On a June 2025 podcast, she admitted: “I’ve tried everything. Yes, I tried Ozempic. But it’s simple science—calories in vs. calories out.”
For Lizzo, Ozempic was a temporary tool, not a long-term solution. “If you can train your mind to feel full, it’s the same. The real work is in your mindset.”
Lizzo’s Weight Loss Was Never “Sudden”—It Was Methodical
Fans often perceive celebrity transformations as overnight miracles. But Lizzo emphasized that her journey was slow, deliberate, and filled with ups and downs.
“My body has been changing very slowly,” she said during her podcast appearance. “But no one’s watching you every single day. So when you pop up on a red carpet and you look different, it feels sudden.”
Lizzo revealed she had been dieting mindfully, focusing on sustainable habits. No detox teas. No crash diets. Just a combination of strength training, calorie tracking, and daily movement.
“My workouts became a love letter to myself,” she shared. “Every step, every squat, every stretch—it’s me saying, ‘I deserve to feel good in my skin.’”
Pilates, Walking, and Mindful Eating: Lizzo’s Everyday Health Rituals
One key to Lizzo’s transformation was finding exercises that nourished, not punished, her body. In December 2023, she started Pilates to heal her back.
“I had to show my body love, not aggression,” Lizzo explained. Pilates, long walks, jump rope sessions—these became part of her daily rhythm. “There’s never a day I regret moving my body,” she smiled.
But workouts were just one piece of the puzzle. Nutrition became a game-changer when Lizzo realized her Starbucks habit was sabotaging her efforts. “I was drinking 1,200 calories a day without noticing,” she admitted.
By shifting to home-cooked meals with balanced macros, Lizzo found a sustainable way to support her goals. Her typical meals?
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Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, chicken sausage, cauliflower hash browns.
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Lunch: Shredded Thai chicken salad or lettuce wraps.
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Dinner: Turkey meatloaf, cauliflower mashed potatoes, green beans—always before 5 p.m. to manage GERD.
“It wasn’t about starving myself,” Lizzo said. “It was about learning what makes my body feel good and energized.”
From Body Positivity to Body Neutrality: Lizzo’s Evolving Philosophy
For years, Lizzo was the face of body positivity. But as her journey progressed, she admitted her perspective had shifted towards body neutrality.
“Some days I love my body, some days I don’t,” Lizzo confessed to The New York Times. “But every day, I respect it. I honor what it does for me.”
Her approach resonated with millions who had struggled with the unrealistic expectation of always loving their bodies. “It’s okay to feel neutral,” Lizzo said. “What matters is how you treat yourself during those neutral days.”
The Emotional High of Reaching Her Weight Goal in January 2025
While others were busy making New Year’s resolutions, Lizzo was celebrating an achievement. On January 10, 2025, she posted a mirror selfie on Instagram with a caption that read: “I did it.”
She revealed she had reached her weight release goal—a number she hadn’t seen on the scale since 2014. More importantly, Lizzo shared how she felt: “Let this be a reminder—you can do anything you put your mind to. Time for new goals!”
Her stats were impressive:
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Body fat reduced by 16%
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BMI lowered by 10.5 points
But for Lizzo, the numbers were secondary to the emotional victory. She had redefined her relationship with her body, on her terms.
Why Lizzo Refuses to Say “Weight Loss”—A Powerful Language Shift
Lizzo’s use of the term “weight release” isn’t just wordplay. It’s a profound shift in mindset.
“My man, Myke Wright, made me see it,” Lizzo shared. “He asked, ‘Where did the weight go?’ It’s not about losing; it’s about letting go of what doesn’t serve you. I don’t want to lose anything—I want to win. I want to gain peace.”
For Lizzo, this change in language is a responsibility. “Even my weight release has affected people. I’m intentional about how I speak because I know young fans are listening.”
FAQs About Lizzo’s Weight Loss Journey
1. How much weight has Lizzo lost in her weight release journey?
Lizzo has reportedly reduced her body fat by 16% and lowered her BMI by 10.5 points over an 18-month period.
2. Did Lizzo use Ozempic to lose weight?
Lizzo openly admitted that she briefly tried Ozempic but emphasized that her primary focus remained on consistent workouts and mindful eating.
3. What exercises does Lizzo do to stay fit?
Lizzo incorporates Pilates, strength training, walking, and jump rope into her daily routine. She ensures she moves her body every day for both physical and mental wellness.
4. Why does Lizzo call it “weight release” instead of “weight loss”?
Lizzo prefers the term “weight release” as it represents a positive and holistic approach to health, focusing on mental and emotional wellness rather than just numbers on a scale.
5. What is Lizzo’s daily meal plan?
Lizzo’s typical day includes:
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Breakfast: Eggs, chicken sausage, cauliflower hash.
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Lunch: Thai chicken salad or tuna lettuce wraps.
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Dinner: Turkey meatloaf with vegetables, consumed before 5 p.m.
6. How has Lizzo’s weight journey impacted her mental health?
Lizzo often emphasizes that her fitness journey is about mental balance, noting that exercise and mindful eating have improved her self-image and reduced anxiety.