Gina Rodriguez was only 19 when she first learned she had hypothyroidism, a condition that slows metabolism and makes weight management a daily battle. By 26, the diagnosis escalated to Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland, causing weight gain, fatigue, and a host of other symptoms. “It felt like I was fighting my own body every day,” Gina shared in a 2023 interview, her voice heavy with the weight of years spent ignoring her condition.
In her 20s, Gina tried to push through. She was building a career, starring in Jane the Virgin, and breaking barriers as a Latina in Hollywood. But the symptoms were relentless. She’d sweat when others were cold, feel exhausted after a full night’s sleep, and watch the scale creep up despite her efforts. “I went against the current by saying, ‘Hollywood has to accept me because I’m curvy,’” she told Vogue, her arms crossed defiantly as she recounted her early denial. “But I wasn’t accepting me.”
The Turning Point: Embracing Self-Love
By her early 30s, Gina was done rebelling. A pivotal moment came when she started working with a nutritionist for her role in Miss Bala in 2017. The nutritionist, Shauna Faulisi, emphasized gut health, noting that much of the immune system resides in the GI tract. This wasn’t about crash diets or quick fixes—it was about understanding what her body needed to thrive despite Hashimoto’s.
Gina’s mindset began to shift. “I had to make choices that supported my body, not worked against it,” she explained in a 2023 interview. She started practicing positive affirmations, touching her body as she bathed and saying, “I love you, elbow. I love you, neck.” It sounds simple, but for someone who’d spent years at war with her reflection, it was revolutionary.
Her boyfriend, Joe LoCicero, played a huge role too. “He’s helped me have a healthier perspective on weight, that stupid number that can destroy us,” Gina told SELF, her eyes lighting up as she spoke of their bond. Picture them in their Westchester garage, surrounded by a treadmill and a punching bag, laughing as they sparred. Joe, a boxer himself, taught her to channel her frustration into every punch.
The Diet That Fueled Her Transformation
Gina’s weight loss wasn’t about starvation—it was about nourishment. She adopted a gluten-free diet, crucial for managing Hashimoto’s symptoms, as gluten can exacerbate inflammation. “I’m gluten-free, which is the most difficult thing in the world because, like Oprah, I love bread!” she laughed in a 2016 Health interview, miming the agony of passing up donuts on set.
Her daily menu became a colorful array of nutrient-dense foods. “I do spinach smoothies in the morning or some kind of egg situation,” she told Delish, her hands gesturing animatedly as she described her meals. Lunch and dinner often featured salads with chicken or fish, sometimes wrapped in seaweed for a low-carb twist. She didn’t deprive herself entirely—she’d still sneak a slice of pizza or a Taco Bell run—but moderation was key.web:paa
For her role in Annihilation in 2018, Gina went vegan and saw dramatic results. “So many of my ailments are gone. It feels like freedom,” she said, her voice brimming with relief. The vegan diet, combined with cutting dairy, helped reduce inflammation and boost her energy, countering the fatigue that Hashimoto’s often brings.
The Workout Routine That Built Her Strength
Exercise became Gina’s outlet, both physically and mentally. She’s no stranger to sweat—she grew up in a boxing family and has always loved the sport. “I box to combat my everyday struggles with acceptance of myself,” she shared in a 2019 Owaves interview, her fists clenched as if ready to spar. Her routine includes boxing sessions at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m., where she’d hit the heavy bag with a ferocity that screamed resilience.
But boxing wasn’t all. Gina incorporated cardio—running, jump rope, and 30-minute daily walks that she swears are “extremely helpful for my thyroid gland.” For Annihilation, she added weight lifting to bulk up for her role as a tough paramedic, transforming her body from 160 pounds to 120 pounds over time. She also trained in Muay Thai with Joe in Thailand, their sessions filled with laughter and sweat as they traded kicks.
“Consistency is vital,” Gina emphasized in a 2025 interview, her tone firm but encouraging. She didn’t aim for perfection—just progress. Even on 16-hour shooting days for Jane the Virgin, she’d squeeze in a walk or a quick gym session, refusing to let her busy schedule derail her.
The Numbers: A 40-Pound Transformation
Let’s talk numbers, because they tell a powerful story. Gina started her journey at 160 pounds, a weight that felt heavy both physically and emotionally due to Hashimoto’s. By 2025, she’d dropped to 120 pounds, a 40-pound loss that took years of dedication. Some sources report a 30-pound loss to 130 pounds in a single year, but her sustained efforts brought her even further.
This wasn’t a Hollywood makeover for vanity’s sake. “I’m not willing to wring the joy out of my life to kill myself in the gym,” Gina said, her voice steady as she rejected the industry’s pressure to conform. Her goal was health—feeling like herself again, not chasing a size zero.
The Mental Shift: From Shame to Empowerment
Perhaps the most inspiring part of Gina’s journey is her mental transformation. Hashimoto’s brought memory lapses that left her feeling ashamed—she’d forget sweet moments with Joe, like what they ate for dinner. “It is really important for us to be super self-aware,” she told SELF, her brow furrowed as she reflected on the need to listen to her body.
She also faced Hollywood’s harsh scrutiny. “I didn’t know my worth because the industry had such a specific perspective on what it should be as a brown woman,” she admitted, her hands gesturing passionately. But Gina flipped the script. She became a role model, not just for Latinas but for anyone battling chronic illness. “It actually became a blessing because then I got to represent women who are dealing with this disease,” she said, her smile radiant.
Tips from Gina’s Playbook
Want to follow in Gina’s footsteps? Here are her top tips, straight from the source:
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Start Small: “When you say, just today, I’m going to choose this because I know it’s going to make me feel better, that’s not such a crazy Mount Everest,” Gina shared. A 30-minute walk can be a game-changer.
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Go Gluten-Free (If It Helps): For Hashimoto’s, cutting gluten reduced Gina’s inflammation and boosted her energy. Consult a nutritionist to find what works for you.
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Find Your Why: Gina’s motivation wasn’t a dress size—it was feeling like herself again.
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Embrace Imperfection: “I can’t say I’m on point, always on it, because, man, I’m flawed,” she laughed, owning her love for burgers and cupcakes.
Inspiring Others
Gina’s journey isn’t just about her—it’s about the countless fans she’s inspired. Her Instagram posts, showing her in boxing gear or swimsuits, radiate confidence. “Today I tore down insecurity,” she wrote in a 2019 post, her words a battle cry for self-acceptance. By sharing her struggles with Hashimoto’s, she’s sparked conversations about invisible illnesses, proving that vulnerability is strength.