Understanding Lizzo’s Health Change Journey
Lizzo weight loss has become one of the most talked-about celebrity health journeys of the past two years. The Grammy-winning artist has been remarkably open about her change, which she prefers to call “weight release” rather than weight loss.
Quick Facts About Lizzo’s Health Journey:
- Total weight released: Over 60 pounds
- Body fat reduction: 16% decrease
- BMI lowered by: 10.5 points
- Timeline: Started fall 2023, reached goal January 2025
- Method: Calorie deficit, high-protein diet, strength training
- Key motivation: Mental health and emotional well-being
- Ozempic use: Explicitly denied
The plan had been to meet vegan chef Isa Chandra Moskowitz at one of her old haunts for dinner, but the problem was none of them was left. That’s how one food writer described the changing landscape of wellness culture—and it mirrors what’s happened with Lizzo’s own approach to health.
Unlike typical celebrity weight loss stories, Lizzo’s journey isn’t about chasing an “ideal” body or following the latest trend. She’s been transparent about her struggles with severe depression and how her weight served as what she calls a “protective shield” through difficult times.
Her change involved no quick fixes or medications. Instead, she focused on three core elements: maintaining a calorie deficit, eating a high-protein diet after transitioning away from veganism, and committing to regular strength training with her trainer Corey Calliet.
What makes her story particularly relevant for food enthusiasts is her emphasis on quality ingredients and chef-curated meals—from bone broth breakfasts to carefully prepared protein bowls inspired by Japanese cuisine.
* lizzo weight loss* vocab explained:
The Motivation Behind Lizzo’s Weight Release
When we look at the lizzo weight loss story, we have to look deeper than just the numbers on a scale. For Lizzo, this wasn’t about fitting into a smaller dress size for a red carpet; it was a survival mechanism. In a deeply personal essay published on Substack, she revealed that she started this journey in the fall of 2023 while battling severe depression.
We often talk about food as comfort, but Lizzo finded through therapy that her weight had become a “protective shield.” She described it as a “superhero suit” that she wore to steer a world that was often hostile toward her. After being at the center of a public scandal and facing intense scrutiny, she realized she was using her body to hide from the emotional pain she was experiencing.
The term “weight release” actually came from her boyfriend, Myke Wright. We find this distinction fascinating because it shifts the focus from “losing” something (which can feel like a negative) to “releasing” something that no longer serves you. By reframing her journey this way, she was able to focus on “winning” and “gaining” mental clarity rather than just shedding pounds. This holistic approach is something we strongly advocate for—understanding that the link between depression and weight is a two-way street that requires addressing both the mind and the body.
Lizzo Weight Loss: The Diet and Fitness Routine
How exactly did she do it? The lizzo weight loss routine is built on the fundamentals of hard work and consistency. Her trainer, Corey Calliet, has been vocal about the fact that there are no shortcuts in her program. She trains five days a week, focusing heavily on strength training and high-intensity circuit training.
A massive part of her success comes from maintaining a consistent calorie deficit for weight loss. This means she is burning more energy through movement than she is consuming through food. While it sounds simple, achieving this requires a methodical approach to both her workouts and her kitchen.
Her routine includes:
- Strength Training: Lifting weights to build muscle and boost her metabolism.
- Circuit Training: High-intensity rounds that keep her heart rate up.
- Cardio Sessions: Daily cardio to burn calories and improve cardiovascular health.
- Sauna Sessions: Daily use of the sauna for detoxification and muscle recovery.
- Pilates: She specifically started Pilates to “heal” her back and found it so effective that it became a staple in her regimen.
Specific Dietary Changes and Nutrition
The most significant shift in the lizzo weight loss journey was her move away from a strictly vegan diet. While she was a proud vegan for years, she began to notice she was suffering from low energy, stomach issues, and “mental fog.” After doing her own research and consulting with professionals, she decided to reintroduce animal protein into her diet.
She found that a high-protein diet helped her feel more satiated and provided the energy she needed for her intense workouts. To ensure she stays on track, she hired a chef who helps her with meal prep and keeps her in a calorie deficit.
A typical day in her new diet looks like this:
- Breakfast: Two scrambled eggs and a cup of hot bone broth with Celtic sea salt.
- Lunch: A buffalo chicken lettuce wrap or a rice bowl with grilled chicken and plenty of vegetables.
- Dinner: She often eats by 5 p.m. to manage GERD symptoms. Her go-to is a chicken-vegetable soup packed with protein and fiber.
- Snacks: Hard-boiled eggs, tuna salad, or okra water.
- The “No” List: She cut out sugary Starbucks drinks (which she realized could add up to 1,200 calories a day!), full-fat sodas, and potato chips.
The Role of Exercise in Her Change
We love how Lizzo has diversified her movement. It’s not just about the gym; it’s about a lifestyle of activity. Beyond her three-day-a-week sessions with Calliet, she incorporates hiking, walking, and even pickleball into her life. She has mentioned that walking outside is a major stress-reliever for her, helping her “forget” any anxiety or anger by the time she’s done.
She also uses holistic bodywork to support her physical change. This includes lymphatic massages and wood therapy—techniques designed to help with circulation, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s natural detoxification processes. By combining intense exercise with these recovery-focused methods, she’s been able to maintain her routine without burning out.
From Body Positivity to Body Neutrality
Lizzo has long been a champion of the body positivity movement, but her recent lizzo weight loss has sparked a new conversation about how that movement is evolving. She has been very intentional about stating that her weight release doesn’t mean she’s “escaping fatness.” She still considers herself a “proud big girl,” but her focus has shifted toward body neutrality.
Body neutrality is the idea that you can appreciate your body for what it does rather than just how it looks. Lizzo has noted that the body positivity movement has become somewhat commercialized and “branded,” often leaving behind the very people it was meant to empower. By focusing on her health and mental clarity, she is modeling a version of self-love that allows for change and growth. As she famously says, she’s “Good as Hell,” and that confidence isn’t tied to a specific number on a scale, but to how she feels in her own skin.
Addressing the Lizzo Weight Loss Rumors and Public Reaction
You can’t talk about lizzo weight loss without addressing the “Ozempic in the room.” As soon as her change became visible, rumors began to swirl that she was using GLP-1 medications like Ozempic to achieve her results.
Lizzo has been incredibly cheeky in her response to these allegations. In September 2024, she posted an Instagram video lip-syncing to a clip that said “It’s like a reward,” with a caption about finally getting Ozempic allegations after five months of hard weight training and a calorie deficit. She even wore an “LizzOzempic” costume for Halloween to poke fun at the critics.
Her trainer, Corey Calliet, has also stepped in to defend her, stating firmly that she “earned” her body through sweat and discipline. While GLP-1 medications are a valid tool for many, Lizzo has been adamant that her journey was paved with traditional diet and exercise.
Public Response to the Lizzo Weight Loss Journey
The reaction from the public has been a mixed bag. When she appeared at Paris Hilton’s “Infinite Icon” documentary premiere in a skin-tight pink mini dress, fans were stunned by her change. Many praised her for looking “radiant” and “skinny,” while others in the body-positive community felt a sense of betrayal.
Lizzo’s response to this has been one of radical honesty. She understands that “bigger girls are getting smaller” and then being judged by the same community that used to empower them. She believes that every woman should have the autonomy to change her body if she chooses to, without being subjected to a “vicious scandal” or public trial.
Legal Proceedings and Future Career Plans
While her health journey has been a major focus, Lizzo has also been navigating significant legal problems. In 2023, three of her former dancers filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. It’s important to note the current status of these proceedings: a judge recently dismissed the fat-shaming claims within the suit, finding no evidence that the dancers were fired due to their weight. However, the sexual harassment allegations are still set to proceed to trial.
Despite these challenges, Lizzo is looking toward the future. She recently released her mixtape My Face Hurts From Smiling, featuring collaborations with SZA and Doja Cat. She’s also continuing to grow her shapewear line, Yitty, and performed at the Netflix Is a Joke Fest in Los Angeles. Her career evolution seems to be paralleling her personal growth—focused on authenticity, resilience, and reclaiming her narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lizzo
How much weight did Lizzo lose during her journey?
Lizzo has revealed that she lost over 60 pounds. More importantly, she hit her specific goals of losing 16% of her body fat and lowering her BMI by 10.5 points.
What specific diet does Lizzo follow now?
Lizzo is no longer vegan. She follows a high-protein diet that includes animal proteins like eggs and chicken, along with plenty of vegetables. She maintains a calorie deficit and has cut out sugary Starbucks drinks, sodas, and processed snacks like potato chips.
Has Lizzo addressed the Ozempic allegations?
Yes, she has repeatedly denied using Ozempic or any other weight-loss medication. She attributes her change to five months of consistent weight training and a strict calorie deficit.
Conclusion
At Edible Manhattan, we believe that health is a deeply personal journey that looks different for everyone. Whether it’s exploring the regional food culture of the Hudson Valley or finding a sustainable wellness balance in Brooklyn, the key is listening to your body.
Lizzo’s lizzo weight loss—or weight release—is a testament to the power of combining physical discipline with mental health awareness. By moving from a “protective shield” to a place of body neutrality, she has shown that change is about more than just what we eat—it’s about why we eat and how we choose to show up for ourselves every day.
As you steer your own path to wellness, balance is everything. If you’re looking to treat yourself while staying mindful of quality ingredients, why not support our local artisans? Order your seasonal treats here and celebrate the vibrant food community that makes our region so special.
