The singer admitted to ignoring her doctor’s advice before embarking on her weight loss journey. Now, she credits her doctor for guiding her through the process, which resulted in a dramatic transformation.
Kelly Clarkson’s weight loss has taken social media by storm, with many users remarking that she looks “like a different person.” Check out her stunning before-and-after photos.
Clarkson’s transformation has captivated fans, but her journey has been far from easy. Since claiming victory on “American Idol” in 2002, she has built an impressive career, releasing ten studio albums and earning three Grammys. Yet, despite her success, she has struggled with a hidden battle that has influenced her relationship with her body.
Looking back, she has acknowledged that some of her most celebrated years were also among her darkest. Even as her “Breakaway” album dominated the charts, behind the scenes, she faced immense pressure from industry executives to maintain an unhealthy level of thinness.
In an interview, the pop star reflected on that period, “When I was really skinny and unhappy, I wanted to kill myself. I was miserable, like inside and out, for four years of my life. But no one cared, because aesthetically you make sense.”
She continued, “It was a very dark time for me. I thought the only way out was quitting. I like wrecked my knees and my feet because all I would do is put in headphones and run. I was at the gym all the time.”
Over time, the superstar realized that the people surrounding her had a significant impact on her well-being. While negativity weighed her down, the support of those who truly cared helped her break free. She recognized the importance of removing herself from toxic environments and choosing to move toward a healthier, more positive space.
Surrounding herself with the right people helped the music artist break away from the negativity that once consumed her. However, the pressure to fit a certain image in the entertainment industry has remained a persistent challenge, particularly for female artists.
In another interview, she acknowledged that scrutiny over body image has long been an issue in the music business. According to Clarkson, the most intense pressure came when she was at her thinnest — a time when she was physically exhausted and struggling to maintain healthy habits.
Clarkson’s confidence in embracing her own path has only grown, reinforcing the idea that success isn’t dictated by appearance. Her experience in the entertainment industry has shown her that authenticity carries more weight than unrealistic standards.
At her heaviest, the songwriter was hired as a coach on “The Voice,” joining the top-rated television show shortly after having children. She said her weight was never a factor in the decision — what mattered was her personality and ability to connect with people.
An NBC executive saw her authenticity, appreciating how raw and real she was. Clarkson emphasized that her appeal had nothing to do with sex appeal or aesthetics but was rooted in who she was as a person.
The celebrity believes that change starts with artists themselves, pushing the industry to recognize talent and individuality over superficial expectations.
In recent years, Clarkson’s focus shifted from external pressures to personal well-being. As she prioritized her health, she gradually began shedding weight — though not in the way many assumed.
When asked about her transformation in an interview, she dismissed the idea that exercise played a role, “I’m not working out! I think people think I’m working out and I’m like, ‘Don’t think I’m going to come play some sport!’”
Instead, the music star credited a major change in her diet for improving her health. Clarkson changed her diet after reading “The Plant Paradox” by Steven R. Gundry, MD, aiming to manage an autoimmune disease and thyroid issues.
Since adopting a non-GMO, organic approach free of pesticides, her health improved, and she no longer needed medication. She further emphasized that her weight loss had nothing to do with exercise.
Clarkson’s approach to health has remained a personal journey rather than a quest for aesthetics. As she continued to make lifestyle changes, she openly discussed her experiences on her Emmy Award-winning talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” which she began hosting in 2019.