Lizzo, the powerhouse pop star known for her body-positive anthems and unapologetic confidence, has taken the world by storm in recent years. But recently, there’s been a shift in her narrative that’s caught the attention of fans and critics alike: her “weight release” journey. For those who are unfamiliar with Lizzo’s approach, it’s not just about shedding pounds but embracing a more mindful, healthy lifestyle that aligns with her mental and emotional well-being.
Let’s dive deep into Lizzo’s story—her struggles, triumphs, and everything in between—as she navigates this transformative phase.
From Confidence to Transformation: Lizzo’s ‘Weight Release’
Lizzo is quick to clarify that her journey isn’t about “weight loss” in the traditional sense, but rather what she calls “weight release.” This is an important distinction, as it reflects a broader focus on mental and emotional health over mere aesthetics. In her January 2025 Instagram post, Lizzo shared a significant milestone: she had reached her “weight release goal,” revealing that she hadn’t seen her current weight since 2014. A full 60 pounds lighter and with 16% less body fat, Lizzo’s journey was far from easy, but it was undeniably empowering.
Lizzo’s transformation story is one of slow, deliberate change rather than dramatic, overnight results. She has been vocal about the pressures she faces, both from the public and within herself, especially given her role as a body positivity icon. How did she manage to balance these conflicting narratives while embarking on a significant physical transformation?
The Struggles: Anxiety, Self-Reflection, and the Pressure to Conform
It’s no secret that the pop industry—especially for women—can place intense pressure on artists to maintain a certain image. Lizzo, who once preached unapologetic self-love at every turn, found herself struggling with the emotional and mental toll of her new journey.
In a candid interview with Jay Shetty on his podcast, Lizzo opened up about her anxiety struggles. “I’ve always had anxiety, and it’s been something I had to manage over the years. I never thought it would play such a big role in my weight release journey,” she said. “I had to confront a lot of my own demons, my own self-judgment, and even guilt about changing the way I look.”
While anxiety was a challenge, Lizzo took proactive steps to manage it. She began incorporating mindfulness practices into her routine, focusing on meditation, deep breathing, and staying grounded in the present moment. These practices helped her cope with the societal pressures and her own self-doubt. At times, this meant isolating herself from the noise—literally and figuratively. Lizzo revealed that she stepped away from Starbucks (yes, she quit her beloved coffee!) to manage her caffeine intake and its effect on her anxiety levels.
But beyond the personal struggles, Lizzo had another battle to face: the backlash. Some critics, especially those on social media, voiced concerns about her transformation, arguing that it went against her message of body positivity. Lizzo, however, stood her ground, insisting that her decision to “release weight” was about feeling good in her own body, not conforming to others’ expectations.
The ‘Weight Release’ Process: Diet and Exercise
Lizzo’s approach to weight release was methodical, slow, and—most importantly—sustainable. While she has not shared all the details of her diet, Lizzo has emphasized the importance of eating whole foods and maintaining a caloric deficit. She openly shared that she had to overcome a tendency toward binge-eating and learned how to manage her cravings.
“Eating healthy isn’t just about restricting; it’s about knowing what makes your body feel good,” Lizzo told her followers during an Instagram Live. “I don’t just eat to lose weight, I eat to nourish myself.”
When it comes to exercise, Lizzo incorporated activities like Pilates and walking into her daily routine. Pilates, known for its focus on core strength and flexibility, became a staple of Lizzo’s fitness regimen. She also enjoys going for long walks, something she said helped her manage stress while staying active.
Social Media & ‘Weight Release’: How Lizzo Navigates Public Scrutiny
It’s impossible to discuss Lizzo’s journey without mentioning the role of social media. As a public figure, Lizzo’s every move is scrutinized by millions, which adds an extra layer of complexity to her weight release journey. On TikTok, she often shares snippets of her workouts, her meals, and her emotional highs and lows.
What’s remarkable is how Lizzo uses her platform not just to show off her transformation but to keep her followers engaged in the process. In a TikTok post from April 2025, Lizzo proudly declared: “I’m here, I’m healing, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made.” This moment was especially significant because it wasn’t just a milestone of weight release, but a testament to the emotional and mental growth she’d experienced along the way.
Her Instagram post in January, where she proudly shared her progress, received millions of views. Fans flooded the comment sections with words of encouragement, and many said that her vulnerability had inspired them to take charge of their own health journeys.
Lizzo’s Mental Health: A Key to Her Success
While physical transformation was important, mental health was just as crucial to Lizzo’s success. She revealed that a big part of her journey involved working on her self-esteem and confronting her feelings of guilt. “I had to accept that my journey was mine alone, and that it didn’t have to look like anyone else’s,” she said in one of her interviews.
Moreover, Lizzo emphasized how her relationship with her boyfriend, who was a source of immense emotional support, helped her rethink her body image. His encouragement, combined with her own inner reflection, helped Lizzo stay grounded, even when the public started to criticize her weight release.
The Results: More Than Just Numbers
Lizzo’s journey is about more than just numbers on a scale. Her body mass index (BMI) dropped by 10.5 points, and she shed an impressive 16% of her body fat. However, Lizzo has been clear that the true victory lies in the emotional shift she has experienced. She says that her newfound confidence isn’t just about looking different; it’s about feeling empowered in her own skin.
Lizzo’s story is a reminder that weight release, or any form of physical transformation, is a deeply personal journey. For her, it’s not just about looking different on the outside—it’s about becoming the best version of herself, mentally and emotionally.
FAQ: Lizzo’s Weight Release Journey
1. Did Lizzo lose weight in 2025? Yes, Lizzo revealed in January 2025 that she had reached her initial “weight release goal,” shedding 60 pounds and 16% body fat.
2. What methods did Lizzo use to lose weight? Lizzo focused on a combination of whole foods, caloric deficit, Pilates, and daily walking as her main methods for weight release.
3. How does Lizzo manage anxiety during her journey? Lizzo incorporates mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing to manage her anxiety. She also stepped away from caffeine to help alleviate stress.
4. What is Lizzo’s take on body positivity now? While Lizzo still supports body positivity, she refers to her transformation as “weight release” instead of weight loss, emphasizing a healthy, mindful approach to her physical and mental health.
5. How did social media affect Lizzo’s journey? Lizzo uses social media to share her progress, celebrate milestones, and engage with her followers, keeping them informed and inspired by her journey.
6. Did Lizzo receive any backlash for her transformation? Yes, some critics voiced concerns that Lizzo’s physical transformation conflicted with her body positivity message, but she firmly stood by her decision, emphasizing that her journey was about feeling good, not conforming to societal expectations.
7. What role did her boyfriend play in her transformation? Lizzo credits her boyfriend for being a source of emotional support throughout her transformation, helping her manage her body image and self-esteem.