Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has always been a figure under intense public scrutiny, from her early acting days to her life as a member of the British royal family and beyond. However, over the years, another aspect of her life that has garnered significant attention is her health, fitness, and weight loss journey. Meghan’s approach to losing weight is not just about numbers on a scale, but a reflection of her mindset, lifestyle, and personal growth.
The Beginning of Meghan’s Weight Loss Journey
Meghan Markle’s body transformation has been closely followed by fans and critics alike, but her path to weight loss didn’t start with quick fixes or drastic measures. After the birth of her second child in 2021, Meghan had some weight to lose. But unlike many celebrities who may turn to extreme diets, Meghan approached her post-pregnancy weight loss in a way that was more sustainable and healthy.
In 2024, it was reported that Meghan had lost around 15 pounds, dropping from 160 pounds to 146 pounds. But the key takeaway here isn’t just the number on the scale. It’s the lifestyle changes and the journey Meghan embarked on that made this transformation significant.
“I don’t focus on the number on the scale,” Meghan has said in interviews. Instead, her approach to weight loss is rooted in an overall commitment to wellness and balance, which includes healthy eating, mindfulness, and an active lifestyle. For Meghan, the physical changes were just a reflection of the inner growth she was experiencing.
The Psychological Shift
What sets Meghan’s weight loss story apart is the emotional and psychological journey that accompanied it. She has been open about the challenges she faced, both personally and publicly, which often played a role in her motivation.
Her departure from royal life, for example, was a monumental shift that brought both freedom and stress. She has spoken candidly about the pressure of maintaining a public image and the toll it took on her mental health. This included battling self-doubt and navigating the public’s often invasive gaze. For Meghan, health didn’t just mean physical wellness, but emotional wellness as well.
“I felt like I had been trying to fit into someone else’s mold for a long time,” Meghan has said. “It was only when I started focusing on what felt good for me, that I really began to heal and see changes in my body, my mind, and my spirit.”
Her mental health and well-being played a huge role in the changes she made. Losing weight was never about fitting into a size or meeting societal standards; rather, it was about feeling like her best self. For Meghan, emotional healing and self-care were just as important as physical fitness in achieving her wellness goals.
The Importance of a Holistic Approach
Meghan Markle’s approach to weight loss is deeply rooted in holistic health. While her diet and exercise were key components, it’s her focus on mindfulness and mental well-being that truly set her apart from the typical celebrity weight loss narrative.
One of the most important elements in Meghan’s journey was her diet. She has long been known for her love of healthy, fresh food, particularly plant-based meals. However, after her marriage to Prince Harry and starting a family, Meghan’s dietary choices became even more intentional. She avoided processed foods and junk food, instead focusing on whole, organic ingredients.
“My meals are simple but nourishing. I focus on fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. I’ve also started to experiment with some new flavors, and that’s been a fun way to enjoy food more,” she shared in one of her interviews. Her meals are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, giving her the energy she needs to take care of herself and her family.
Additionally, Meghan’s workouts include a mix of low-impact exercises. Yoga has played a significant role in her fitness regime, not only helping her tone her body but also offering a space for emotional release and mindfulness. Meghan has spoken about how yoga has helped her find peace and balance, and it’s this focus on emotional wellness that differentiates her approach to weight loss.
Overcoming Challenges and Stress
Like many of us, Meghan has experienced stress that, at times, impacted her health and well-being. Reports have suggested that when Meghan is under stress, she struggles with her eating habits, sometimes losing weight unintentionally. Friends have commented that during particularly stressful times, Meghan dropped at least 15 pounds, but she also emphasized that this was never her goal.
Her journey to weight loss has involved acknowledging and addressing the underlying causes of stress. Meghan often speaks about the importance of self-care, both mentally and physically, as a critical part of her wellness journey. She understands that stress and anxiety can have a significant impact on her body, so she takes intentional steps to reduce it, whether it’s through mindful breathing, therapy, or spending quality time with her family.
“I’ve realized that the more I prioritize my mental health, the easier it is for me to take care of my physical health. The two go hand in hand,” she explained.
Supporting Her Health with Exercise
Another key factor in Meghan’s transformation is her regular exercise routine. While she doesn’t follow a strict gym regimen, Meghan stays active with a variety of activities. Yoga is one of her favorites, but she also enjoys hiking and walking, particularly in nature. This variety in her routine allows her to stay motivated and gives her body the movement it needs without feeling confined to a rigid fitness schedule.
Meghan’s exercise routine is aligned with her overall wellness philosophy — focusing on strength, flexibility, and mobility. She doesn’t believe in extreme workouts, but rather in keeping things balanced, which is a sustainable approach to staying fit and healthy long-term.
The Mindful Eating Shift
Meghan has also been transparent about her shift from being vegan to incorporating more variety into her diet. She’s mentioned that after her second pregnancy, she allowed herself to enjoy more foods and indulged in meals she hadn’t had in a while, like burgers and fries. This shift wasn’t about abandoning her health-focused lifestyle, but rather about embracing a more flexible, enjoyable approach to eating.
“I’ve learned that it’s not about being rigid with your diet,” Meghan reflected. “It’s about finding balance and eating what makes you feel good, both in terms of nutrition and enjoyment.”
This more relaxed and intuitive eating style has helped Meghan sustain her weight loss while maintaining a healthy relationship with food.
The Results: A Healthier, Happier Meghan
By 2024, Meghan had lost about 15 pounds, bringing her down from 160 pounds to 146 pounds. This transformation wasn’t the result of crash diets or extreme measures. Instead, it was a gradual, consistent effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle, both mentally and physically. Meghan’s journey shows that weight loss is not always about the destination but about the ongoing commitment to personal well-being.
Meghan’s story is an inspiring example of how weight loss can be more than just a physical transformation — it can be a journey of self-discovery, mental clarity, and emotional healing. She proves that health is about balance, self-compassion, and honoring one’s body in a way that feels authentic.
Embracing Wellness for the Long Haul
Meghan Markle’s weight loss journey highlights the importance of embracing a holistic approach to health. It’s not just about looking good but feeling good, inside and out. Meghan has faced challenges, but her commitment to mental health, mindfulness, and balanced living has allowed her to transform her body in a way that feels right for her. She is living proof that true wellness is about a journey of self-love and care — and that the results are more than just physical.