Lizzo is reclaiming her narrative amidst ongoing discussions about her body and weight loss journey. In an emotional essay posted on Substack on November 23, the Grammy-winning artist opened up about her struggles and motivations for losing weight, revealing that her journey began during a challenging period in her life.
The singer, who found herself in the spotlight after being sued by former dancers for allegations of sexual harassment and weight-shaming in August 2023—claims she has denied—expressed how the intense scrutiny led to feelings of depression and isolation. Lizzo detailed, “I started losing weight in the fall of 2023… I had been the subject of a vicious scandal, and it felt like the whole world turned its back on me.”
Reflecting on her past behaviors during difficult times, Lizzo said, “The old me would tend to binge when sad and depressed,” but recognized that this time was different. Instead of turning to food, she found herself unmotivated because of her emotional state. This shift was pivotal, propelling her towards a focus on fitness and self-care.
The journey to weight loss began unexpectedly during Pilates classes, which became a therapeutic outlet for her emotional pain. “I found that I had lost some weight in that process, but it wasn’t as significant as it is now… it wasn’t intentional,” Lizzo wrote. Eventually, she decided she wanted to actively lose weight, driven by the desire to overcome past emotional issues rather than simply societal pressures.
In her essay, Lizzo discussed deeper meanings attached to her weight, describing it as a “protective shield” and a symbol that encompassed her life’s energy and experiences. She emphasized the significance of personal growth, stating, “Any weight on my physical body that was subtracted was not a pound ‘lost’ but a pound ‘released.’”
Lizzo’s experiences highlight the dual-edged sword of public perception; while she has been a champion for body positivity, she shared that the treatment she has faced as a larger woman has often felt emotionally abusive. “There’s nothing wrong with living in a bigger body. There’s nothing wrong with being fat. But if a woman wants to change, she should be allowed to change,” she asserted, acknowledging the challenges faced by women in the public eye—especially those who alter their bodies.
She remains vigilant about her influence as a public figure, choosing to avoid disclosing specific numbers related to her weight reduction to prevent setting unrealistic standards for others. Lizzo also voiced concern over the commercialization of the body positivity movement, pointing out a troubling trend of decreased visibility for plus-size models.
Despite the complexities of her journey, Lizzo proudly identifies as a “big girl” while recognizing she has much to accomplish in regaining the trust of the body positivity movement. Her essay serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of nuanced, individual narratives surrounding body image, which can sometimes be overshadowed by public opinion and societal expectations.
Lizzo’s experiences and reflections offer a hopeful narrative about personal growth and self-acceptance, encouraging a more inclusive and understanding dialogue around body image and identity.