“I didn’t really plan it, but it happened,” Bella Hadid laughs, her voice light, but tinged with a hint of vulnerability. As one of the most photographed supermodels in the world, Bella’s every move is scrutinized. But behind the headlines, behind the flawless runway struts, Bella’s journey toward a healthier body has been anything but easy. Her weight loss transformation is a story of discipline, self-reflection, and, most importantly, embracing her body at every stage.
While many might assume that her 20-pound weight loss from 140 to 120 pounds was a result of drastic dieting or extreme exercise, Bella’s approach was far from that. Instead, it was about finding balance, staying true to herself, and making choices that felt sustainable and healthy in the long run.
So, what happened? How did the supermodel shed those pounds, and what did it mean for her—physically, mentally, and emotionally?
The Pressure of the Spotlight: A Supermodel’s Struggle
Bella Hadid has always been known for her striking looks—sharp cheekbones, intense eyes, and a physique that graces the covers of fashion magazines and catwalks around the world. But what you don’t often hear about are the pressures that come with being a public figure, especially one whose career is so closely tied to her appearance.
“I’ve been in the spotlight for so long, and it can be exhausting,” Bella confesses, her hands wrapping around a cup of tea. “I’d go through periods of stress where I wasn’t sure if I was doing enough. I felt like I had to look a certain way, and it really took a toll on me.”
For Bella, the weight fluctuations were more than just numbers on a scale. They were tied to the intense demands of her career, her lifestyle, and her own emotional state. Like many in the industry, Bella faced both public scrutiny and internal pressure. At the height of her modeling career, it wasn’t just about looking good—it was about being perfect. But perfection, as she would soon learn, is a moving target.
A Shift in Focus: Health Over Appearance
In 2025, Bella started talking more openly about her approach to health. The 20-pound weight loss didn’t come from a crash diet or a drastic change in her daily habits. Instead, it was the result of small, consistent choices.
“I realized that my body was telling me things,” she explains. “I wasn’t feeling good. I’d wake up tired or sluggish, and that’s when I knew something had to change. It wasn’t about losing weight for the sake of looks; it was about feeling better in my own body.”
Bella’s decision to shift her focus away from appearance and toward overall wellness was a turning point in her journey. She began working on her mental health, too. “I started seeing a therapist to help with the stress, and I really focused on treating my body with kindness,” Bella recalls. It wasn’t just about the physical weight; it was about emotional weight.
The Balanced Approach: Fitness and Clean Eating
So, how did Bella lose the 20 pounds over six months?
The supermodel didn’t turn to extreme fad diets or over-exercising. In fact, she embraced a balanced, sustainable approach that combined a healthy, high-protein diet with regular exercise. She made sure to cut out processed foods, refined sugars, and alcohol, which were only contributing to feelings of lethargy and discomfort.
“I started eating foods that nourished my body,” she explains. “Fish, chicken, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like avocado became my staples. I kept it simple, but I focused on things that made me feel strong and energized.”
Her exercise routine was equally balanced. A mix of cardio, strength training, and yoga helped her stay toned and lean. However, it wasn’t about spending hours in the gym. Bella also found that boxing and even hiking were excellent ways to get her body moving and boost her mental well-being.
“I didn’t want to feel like I had to train for hours just to look a certain way. I wanted it to feel fun and natural,” Bella says. “I learned that it’s not about pushing yourself to the extreme; it’s about consistency, and that’s what works.”
The Emotional Rollercoaster: Challenges and Triumphs
But Bella’s weight loss journey wasn’t without its struggles. Like many people, she faced setbacks, self-doubt, and even moments of confusion about what she was doing.
“There were times when I felt like I wasn’t doing enough,” Bella admits. “I’d step on the scale, and the numbers wouldn’t change, and I’d get frustrated. But I had to remind myself—this isn’t about the number. It’s about how I feel.”
For Bella, it was about getting rid of the toxic mindset that said “if you don’t look a certain way, you’re not good enough.” She had to reframe her thinking and focus on her body’s performance and energy, rather than just aesthetics.
“The scale doesn’t define me,” she adds with a confident smile. “What really matters is how I feel inside. And now, I feel amazing.”
Her weight loss was more than just a physical change—it was about reclaiming control over her body, emotions, and her sense of self-worth. And that, Bella says, was the most rewarding part of the entire journey.
Mental Health: A Key Component of the Process
Alongside her physical transformation, Bella has been vocal about the role mental health played in her weight loss. “I had to work on my mindset and how I viewed myself,” she explains. “It wasn’t just about looking good. It was about feeling strong, feeling happy, and knowing that I’m doing this for me.”
Bella credits her success to the holistic approach she took, combining physical exercise with a focus on mental and emotional health. She continues to prioritize mindfulness and mental wellness through practices like meditation, journaling, and therapy.
“It’s so important to take care of your mental health, too,” she says. “When you’re mentally clear and in a good place, it becomes easier to make healthier choices and feel good about them.”
The Aftermath: Life Beyond the Scale
Looking back, Bella feels proud of how far she’s come. She has been able to maintain her weight loss, but more importantly, she’s found peace with her body. The 20 pounds she lost weren’t just about fitting into a size or reaching a goal—they were about creating a sustainable, healthy lifestyle that worked for her.
“I don’t focus on the scale anymore,” Bella says, her smile radiant. “I focus on how I feel, how strong I am, and how happy I am in my own skin. That’s what really matters.”
Lessons Learned: What We Can All Take from Bella’s Journey
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Consistency is Key: Bella’s journey shows that lasting change comes from consistent habits, not quick fixes. Whether it’s healthy eating or regular exercise, sticking with it is what brings results.
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Mental Health Matters: A healthy body starts with a healthy mind. Bella’s success emphasizes the importance of mental wellness in any weight loss or fitness journey.
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Focus on Strength, Not Aesthetics: Bella didn’t lose weight to meet an external expectation—she did it to feel stronger, healthier, and more confident. This shift in focus made all the difference.
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Self-Love is Crucial: Bella’s transformation wasn’t just physical; it was an emotional and mental journey toward self-acceptance. Loving yourself through the process is essential for long-term success.
A New Beginning
Bella Hadid’s weight loss transformation isn’t just a story about shedding 20 pounds; it’s about reclaiming control over her health and embracing a lifestyle that nurtures both her body and mind. Her journey reminds us all that true wellness isn’t defined by a number on the scale—it’s about feeling strong, confident, and at peace with ourselves.
FAQ
1. How did Bella Hadid lose 20 pounds? Bella lost 20 pounds over six months through a combination of a high-protein, balanced diet, regular exercise that included cardio, strength training, boxing, and yoga. She also focused on her mental health and well-being.
2. Did Bella Hadid follow any specific diet plan? No, Bella didn’t follow any restrictive or fad diets. Instead, she embraced a balanced eating approach that included whole foods, lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like avocado.
3. What kind of workouts did Bella Hadid do? Bella combined cardio, strength training, boxing, and yoga to maintain her fitness. She also enjoyed activities like hiking to stay active and energized.
4. How did Bella Hadid’s mental health affect her weight loss? Bella has emphasized that mental health played a crucial role in her transformation. She worked on her mindset and emotional well-being, seeking therapy and focusing on self-love.
5. What is Bella Hadid’s current weight? Bella’s weight is reported to be 120 pounds, after losing 20 pounds over six months. However, she has expressed that the scale is no longer her focus—feeling strong and healthy is her priority.