Kate Beckinsale has opened up about her weight loss in a heartfelt Instagram video, responding to the negative comments concerning her body. The 52-year-old British actress revealed that her dramatic change in appearance is connected to her profound grief following the loss of her mother and stepfather in recent years.
In an emotional address, Beckinsale recounted the struggles she faced during a particularly difficult period. “2025 was a really, really hard year. It was also the last year that my incredible mum was on this planet,” she shared, her eyes welling with tears. The actress reflected on her childhood, recalling the traumatic experience of losing her father to a heart attack when she was just five years old, followed by the heartbreaking decline of her mother, Judy Loe, who passed away from cancer in July 2025.
Beckinsale described her weight loss as a “physical manifestation of grief,” explaining that the emotional turmoil has significantly affected her appetite. “Such an incredible amount of suffering… doesn’t make you feel very hungry,” she noted. The actress emphasized that this is not a case of willpower as seen in eating disorders like anorexia, but rather a response to her shock and trauma.
Her stepfather, Roy Battersby, died in January 2024, adding to her sorrow. She expressed a sense of survivor’s guilt, suggesting that her distress began following her stepfather’s death, which contributed to her not feeling hungry. This personal experience has driven her to reject the negative comments directed at her appearance.
Beckinsale further highlighted the values instilled in her by her parents, asserting, “For all the people who are inconvenienced by me being too thin or too anything, I really, really wish that you had parents like I had.” She committed to not allowing the negative remarks to affect her, saying, “I absolutely refuse to become like you.”
Earlier this month, she acknowledged the painful process she is undergoing, stating that she is currently navigating one of the most challenging times in her life. Beckinsale’s candid conversation sheds light on not only her personal struggles but also the broader issue of mental health and emotional well-being, encouraging others to seek support when needed.
For those facing similar challenges, resources like the Samaritans or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offer confidential assistance. The message is clear: it is vital to prioritize mental health and reach out for help during tough times.