Valerie Bertinelli has opened up about her struggles with weight loss and health in her new memoir, “Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect,” set to release on March 10. In interviews promoting the book, Bertinelli, 65, described 2024 as “the worst year” of her life, sharing candid reflections on her journey toward self-acceptance and the challenges of aging in a demanding industry.
The memoir, featuring a striking nude portrait of Bertinelli on its cover, captures her complex childhood experiences and highlights her pursuit of authenticity amidst personal turmoil. Notably, Bertinelli recounts her journey with breast augmentation, revealing that she underwent four surgeries within a span of six months, which led to emotional strain and hair loss.
Initially pleased with her implants, Bertinelli’s feelings shifted over time. “I liked it for a little while and then started to hate it,” she admitted during a recent interview, where she discussed her decision to remove the implants after a significant fall in 2024. The actress explained that after years of gaining and losing weight, she felt uncomfortable with her body. “At a certain point, I had gained and lost so much weight that my boobs were just … I felt like they were down to my belly button. I was like, ‘I just want my small boobs back,’” she said. The subsequent surgery revealed complications, as Bertinelli faced severe infections and the need for further corrective procedures.
Reflecting on her personal challenges, Bertinelli shared the aggregate impact of two divorces, job loss, and the deaths of her parents and son’s father on her emotional wellbeing. The actress married musician Eddie Van Halen in 1981 and welcomed their son Wolfgang in 1991, but the couple divorced in 2005. After marrying businessman Tom Vitale in 2011, she filed for divorce again in 2022.
Amid these difficulties, Bertinelli candidly discussed her weight loss struggles, particularly noting that stress in 2024 led her to lose a concerning amount of weight. Despite the challenges, she emphasized a renewed, healthier relationship with her body, stating, “I’m finally at a comfortable place where my clothes fit. They’re not too big. They’re not too small. I’m just normal.”
Bertinelli previously faced professional consequences for her weight fluctuations, sharing her disappointment upon being dropped by a diet company after her struggles with mental health contributed to weight gain.
Through her memoir, Bertinelli aims to inspire others to embrace their imperfections and accept themselves as they are, showcasing resilience and hope for a fulfilling life ahead.