12 Fat Celebrities Who Lost the Weight

Hollywood has a history of putting immense pressure on celebrities to look perfect. Looking “perfect” is really a matter of opinion. Like any other person, a celeb’s body fluctuates and changes over the years. Some experience weight gain due to stress, depression, giving birth, or a medical condition. Method actors purposely gain weight, become dangerously underweight, or get shredded for a role. Regardless, several celebs who have been labeled as fat celebrities managed to lose weight and get in great shape.

Unlike the rest of us, stars undergo body changes in front of a worldwide audience. While some celebrities choose to live a healthier lifestyle, others are happy with their appearance and not fussed to conform to what society says. Let’s look at some stars that struggle with weight and how they managed it.

1. Jonah Hill

Initially, Jonah Hill was known as a chubby yet agile funny guy. During that time, he starred in several popular comedies, including Accepted, Superbad, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Hill then successfully transitioned to more serious roles. Part of his new image included a physical transformation.

In 2011, Hill shocked everyone at the ESPY Awards with his new slim and muscular look. His body somewhat fluctuated until 2014, when he appeared with a more athletic build. With advice from a personal trainer and nutritionist, Hill went on an all-sushi diet. The transformation resulted in Hill receiving Academy Award nominations for his critically acclaimed performances in Moneyball and The Wolf of Wall Street. 

2. John Goodman

In the 80s and 90s, John Goodman became a major movie and television star. He’s best known for his roles in Barton Fink, The Big Lebowski, and Roseanne. Early in Goodman’s career, he was easily recognizable with his large frame. At one point, Goodman weighed roughly 400 pounds. However, he sent shockwaves through the industry when he showed up with a slim look at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2015.

Goodman hired a personal trainer and gave up alcohol, resulting in him losing roughly 200 pounds. Using a Mediterranean diet and regular workouts, Goodman has maintained a healthy lifestyle.

3. Kelly Clarkson

In 2002, Kelly Clarkson made history as the first winner of the reality competition series American Idol. Clarkson went on to release several popular singles, including “Since U Been Gone,” My Life Sucks Without You,” and “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).” Clarkson’s physical appearance noticeably changed over the years.

Early in her career, Clarkson gained substantial weight. Clarkson would always be willing to talk about her weight gain and the online bullying she received. Since 2006, Clarkson has battled an autoimmune condition and a thyroid, causing weight gain.

In 2018, she lost 40 pounds without exercising and only dieting. However, Clarkson gained a substantial amount back. She once again lost weight and got into great shape with the help of Planet Paradox.

4. Fat Joe

In the early 90s, rapper Fat Joe first started making a name for himself. He soon became a household star with the hit singles “What’s Luv,” “Lean Back,” and “All The Way Up.” Fat Joe weighed roughly 300 to 400 pounds as he gained popularity in 1996. The Bronx rapper embraced his weight by calling himself “Fat Joe.”

Using a low-carb diet, Joe lost 88 to 100 pounds. He continues to slim down and stay healthy by sticking to his diet. Despite the impressive weight loss, he still plans on using the stage name “Fat Joe.” 

5. Kelly Osbourne

The daughter of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne gained widespread fame on the Emmy-award-winning series The Osbournes. Kelly followed in her father’s footsteps and released two albums as well. Osbourne often opens up to discuss her struggles with weight loss. Furthermore, she always had a unique style and look.

In 2020, she debuted an all-new look, including losing 85 pounds. She admits to having gastric sleeve surgery to reshape her stomach. She also changed her diet to vegan, gave up alcohol, and started meditating. Osbourne took baby steps to get the weight and size she desired and is now living a happy and healthy life. 

6. Kevin James

Comedian Kevin James is best known for his starring roles in King of Queens and Kevin Can’t Wait. Weighing 150 pounds in high school and college, James was a super athlete in wrestling and football. But two back injuries put an end to his days playing sports. He turned his attention to a career in comedy and soon became a major TV and movie star.

During his time on King of Queens, James’ weight frequently fluctuated, weighing 300 pounds at one point. In 2012, James played a biology teacher turned UFC fighter in the sports comedy Here Comes The Boom. James worked with an MMA coach to prepare for the role and lost 80 pounds. He maintains his current slim size through regular workouts and healthy eating. 

7. Jessica Simpson

Few celebrities compare with the world-famous Jessica Simpson. The pop star released several famous albums and chart-topping singles. She’s best known for starring with then-husband Nick Lachey in the reality series Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica. Later, she portrayed Daisy Duke in the Dukes of Hazzard movie. The media dubbed Simpson a sex symbol and emphasized her appearance.

However, Simpson happily gained weight during each of her pregnancies. Around that time, she dealt with intense bullying on social media. The media often compared Simpson to before having kids. Proving her critics wrong, Simpson lost the baby weight and got in great shape through her diet and workout. 

8. Lea Michele

Lea Michele’s career took off when she landed the role of Rachel Berry on the beloved series Glee. From that moment on she found herself under an intense spotlight. Her personal life became as interesting as her movie roles. Furthermore, Michele’s weight gain made headlines around the globe.

Diagnosed with PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, Michele gained substantial weight as one of the symptoms. However, Michele got back into fantastic shape with a strict diet and lots of working out. 

9. Drew Carey

Drew Carey rose to fame as a stand-up comedian and the star of The Drew Carey Show. Carey’s overweight appearance was a big part of the series and his stand-up material. After suffering several health scares, Carey went on a strict diet and exercise program. He soon lost all the weight and slimmed down considerably. Carey currently hosts the Price is Right.

10. Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore is a former child star who became a Hollywood legend. She’s best known for her roles in E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Charlie’s Angels, and 50 First Dates. Barrymore grew up in front of the world and experienced all the things ordinary people do but on a worldwide stage.

After having two kids, Barrymore was ready for her body to go back to its original shape but struggled with weight gain. She worked with her personal trainer to get back into shape for her role in the Netflix series Santa Clarita Diet and has continued to keep her trim figure. 

11. Kim Kardashian 

Reality TV personality and socialite Kim Kardashian is famous for her dangerous curves and other assets. As a mother of four, Kardashian’s body has been through many changes over the years. She made headlines in June 2022 with her incredible weight loss in three weeks. Kardashian admits that she cares about her appearance but strives to eat healthily.

Amid an enormous backlash, Kardashian defended her weight loss and compared it to Christian Bale losing weight for a role. With the Met Gala coming up, Kardashian went on an intense diet and lost 16 pounds in three weeks to fit into the famous Marilyn Monroe dress.

12. Chrissy Teigen

Supermodel Chrissy Teigen became world-famous after appearing in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Teigen also appeared on the cover of the 50th-anniversary special. She’s one of the most influential celebrities in the world and even released a cookbook. An admitted foodie, Teigen gained weight after the birth of her children.

She embraced her weight gain while exercising and eating healthy. Eventually, Teigen shed the weight and got into the best shape of her life. Furthermore, Teigen had a Buccal fat removal procedure. It shaped and contoured her cheekbones.