Lizzo Opens Up About Struggles and Transformation During Weight Loss Journey

Lizzo, the acclaimed singer and advocate for body positivity, has shared a deeply personal account of her struggles during her weight loss journey, revealing that she felt “extremely suicidal” at the beginning. In a candid post on her Substack on November 23, 2023, she reflected on the emotional turmoil she faced after becoming the target of public scrutiny and a lawsuit filed by three former backup dancers.

In the fall of 2023, Lizzo, 37, experienced severe depression that led her to isolate herself from loved ones. “I was angry every single day,” she wrote, expressing frustration over her inability to defend herself amid the allegations. Lizzo described how the scandal made her feel abandoned, noting, “It felt like the whole world turned its back on me.” This sense of betrayal contributed to her mental health struggles, which she has been navigating through therapy.

Lizzo turned to pilates as a way to cope with her pain, admitting that the process sometimes brought her to tears. Initially, her weight loss was not intentional; she was focused on healing. She explained, “I found that I had lost some weight in that process, but it wasn’t as significant as it is now.” The realization that she wanted to intentionally lose weight came during the winter of 2023 when she recorded a video expressing her desire for change.

This change was not merely about physical appearance for Lizzo. She identified her weight as a protective barrier that had served as both a comfort and a shield throughout her life. “My weight, like my hair, represented time. It stored energy,” she wrote. “And I wanted to release myself from it.”

Redefining Weight Loss

Lizzo emphasized that her weight loss journey was about feeling better in her body rather than achieving a conventional standard of thinness. She acknowledged that she has carried emotional burdens since the passing of her father in 2009, as well as toxic relationships that dated back to 2011. “I had been carrying the weight of supporting my family since 2016. I wanted to let-it-the-f*** go,” she stated.

The singer expressed pride in her body, regardless of societal expectations. “I will always have the stretch and the skin of a woman who carries great weight,” she wrote, reinforcing her belief that her worth is not defined by her size. Lizzo highlighted the challenges she has faced as a public figure, describing the treatment she has received as “borderline emotional abuse,” largely due to her weight.

Lizzo also addressed the misconceptions surrounding her journey, noting that some have viewed her transformation as performative or reflective of internalized fatphobia. “I became sick and tired of my identity being overshadowed by fatness,” she explained.

In her reflection, Lizzo mentioned her past mistakes in how she presented her weight journey, admitting that she has made “questionable posts” online. However, she remains committed to advocating for body positivity, stating that the movement must evolve beyond commercial interests and regain its authentic roots. “We have a lot of work to do, to undo the effects of the ozempic boom,” she said, referring to recent trends in weight management drugs that have sparked debate within the community.

Lizzo concluded her post by calling for ongoing discussions about body positivity, urging people to embrace nuance in conversations about weight and health. “What do we do? We continue to have conversations,” she wrote, emphasizing the importance of accountability and community support.

This heartfelt insight into Lizzo’s journey not only highlights her resilience but also serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding body image and mental health. Her openness continues to inspire many as she navigates her path toward healing and self-acceptance.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.