Singer Lizzo has publicly detailed her recent weight loss journey, revealing it began during a period of severe depression following accusations of misconduct by former dancers in 2023 . In a lengthy post on Substack, Lizzo addressed her evolving relationship with body image, acknowledging past advocacy for body positivity while also admitting to experimenting with weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and expressing concerns about shifting standards of beauty and representation within the music industry. The artist’s candid reflections offer a complex look at the intersection of personal struggle, public perception, and the ongoing conversation around body image.
Singer Lizzo began a weight loss journey in the fall of 2023 while battling severe depression, following accusations of misconduct. The artist detailed her experience in a recent post on Substack, revealing a period of intense emotional distress and suicidal thoughts after former dancers accused her of sexual, religious, and racial harassment.
Lizzo found solace in Pilates, describing it as a way to process her pain. She also realized, through conversations with therapists, that she had been using her weight as a form of protection. This realization prompted a desire for change.
While long an advocate for body positivity, Lizzo expressed frustration that her weight had overshadowed her talent. “People weren’t seeing my musicianship, they were too busy accusing me of making ‘my body’ my whole personality,” she wrote. The artist, who previously promoted body positivity, now says she is “proud to be a strong woman” after her weight loss.
The conversation around body image extends beyond personal journeys, as Lizzo also addressed the shrinking representation of plus-size individuals in the fashion industry. “We are halfway through the decade where plus sizes are magically disappearing from websites. Plus size models are no longer being booked and our strong women are no longer being celebrated,” she lamented. This observation comes as the wellness industry faces increased scrutiny over the impact of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic.
Lizzo also acknowledged having tried Ozempic for weight loss, adding another layer to the complex discussion surrounding body image and pharmaceutical interventions. The rise of drugs like Ozempic is reshaping perceptions of weight management and prompting debate about accessibility and ethical considerations.
“I want us to allow the body positive movement to expand and grow beyond the commercial blob it has become,” she concluded in her post, which garnered 38,400 likes on Instagram within twelve hours.
Angelica Zermatten (aze) is a journalist for the Stars&Co section of 20 minutes since 2021. She covers the lives of celebrities, music and cinema.
