Emily V. Gordon’s story isn’t just about weight loss—it’s a journey through resilience, self-discovery, and a deep mental transformation. You know her from her work co-writing the Oscar-nominated film The Big Sick, but behind her career, there’s another story unfolding, one that has been incredibly personal and transformational.
Many know Emily as the strong, witty, and accomplished woman she is today, but there’s a part of her journey that not everyone sees—a battle that has taken years to work through. She’s been candid about it, especially as it intersects with her health struggles. Let’s delve deeper into her weight loss transformation, not just the “how,” but the emotional, mental, and physical evolution she’s gone through, making her experience relatable for anyone trying to make a major life change.
From Struggle to Revelation: Emily’s Weight Loss Beginnings
In 2017, before The Big Sick became a sensation, Emily was dealing with something deeply personal—her health. After suffering from an undiagnosed illness that landed her in a medically induced coma, she was diagnosed with a condition called Still’s Disease. Her physical health was a daily battle, but she fought back with courage. However, one of the more challenging aspects that didn’t leave her side was her struggle with weight.
She was open about it. In fact, Emily was very candid on her social media platforms, admitting that her health was often tied to her weight and how it made her feel. She used to weigh 250 pounds, a number she struggled with in silence for years, and while the pain of this weight wasn’t just about the number on the scale, it was an accumulation of the physical discomfort, the emotional heaviness, and the personal dissatisfaction that crept in over time.
“I felt trapped in my own body,” she shared in an interview. “Not just because of the weight itself, but because of everything that came with it. I felt like I was constantly holding myself back, telling myself I wasn’t enough.”
A Life-Changing Shift: Why She Decided to Change
There’s a pivotal moment in every weight loss journey—a moment when something shifts inside you. For Emily, it was not just her health that pushed her to make a change; it was the realization that she deserved more than she was giving herself.
During an Instagram post in 2018, Emily shared, “I woke up one day and just thought, ‘I can’t keep living like this. I’m stronger than this.’” The decision wasn’t easy, and it didn’t happen overnight, but it was clear: Emily was ready to reclaim her life.
But what did that decision look like? How did she shift her mindset? The transformation wasn’t just about counting calories or going on a quick-fix diet. Emily took a more holistic approach.
The Path to Transformation: Mindset, Health, and the Power of Change
Emily’s journey wasn’t just about shedding pounds—it was about reshaping her mind and body. She began working with a nutritionist to develop a diet that was sustainable for her long-term. Forget quick fixes or radical diets. For Emily, it was about learning to treat her body with the love and care it deserved.
“The biggest change for me wasn’t about what I was eating,” she reflects, “but how I started thinking about food. I stopped seeing it as a reward or a punishment and started seeing it as fuel for my body.”
Her workout regimen also took on a personal approach, focusing on activities she loved, like swimming and hiking, rather than grueling, unrelenting gym routines that only felt like a chore. “Movement was no longer about burning calories. It became about joy,” Emily explained in a 2019 interview.
By 2020, Emily had lost over 100 pounds, going from 250 pounds to 150 pounds—a weight transformation that became a public testament to her hard work. But what stands out isn’t just the number on the scale—it’s her emotional and mental transformation that has made the biggest impact.
The Emotional Roller Coaster: How She Dealt with the Struggles
While the physical transformation was significant, it was the emotional journey that proved to be the hardest part of Emily’s weight loss experience. She often shared that the mental battle was the toughest, and there were times she felt unsure of herself. The weight loss wasn’t a smooth, linear process.
“There were moments I would look in the mirror and still see the person I used to be,” she confessed. “That was one of the toughest things—redefining my own self-image. There were days I felt like a fraud, as if this version of me wasn’t real.”
But she didn’t give up. Instead, she leaned into the process. She practiced mindfulness, meditation, and self-compassion. Emily learned to forgive herself for slip-ups and focus on the bigger picture—progress, not perfection.
It wasn’t just about looking different—it was about feeling different. The mental clarity, the confidence, and the self-love were just as important as the physical changes she was undergoing.
The Support System: Role of Family, Friends, and Mental Health
Another cornerstone of Emily’s transformation was the unwavering support from her family, particularly her husband, Kumail Nanjiani. Known for his own health transformation, Kumail became Emily’s biggest cheerleader, always encouraging her to push forward. Their relationship was built on mutual respect and understanding, which only grew stronger as they navigated their respective journeys.
“Kumail was always there, but he never pressured me. He just supported me in every way he could, and that made all the difference,” Emily shared.
Aside from her family, Emily also emphasized the importance of mental health during her transformation. As a former therapist, she knew how crucial it was to work on her mental well-being alongside her physical health. She frequently spoke about the importance of seeking therapy when necessary, emphasizing that mental health wasn’t just about addressing depression or anxiety, but also about maintaining a healthy relationship with oneself.
Giving Back: Emily’s Advice to Others
Today, Emily stands as a beacon of inspiration to others on a weight loss journey. She knows it’s not easy, but she wants people to know that the road to transformation is paved with self-compassion, perseverance, and a mindset shift.
“If I could give one piece of advice,” she says, “it’s this: start small. Take one step at a time, and celebrate your progress. It’s about consistency, not perfection.”
For those struggling with weight loss, she stresses the importance of seeking professional help when necessary, whether it’s a nutritionist, therapist, or trainer. “You don’t have to do it alone,” she reminds her followers.
A Life Reclaimed
Emily V. Gordon’s weight loss story is more than just a success tale—it’s a reminder that we all have the power to change. It’s about the courage to take that first step, the resilience to keep going when things get tough, and the mental strength to redefine who we are. Emily’s transformation is a living, breathing example of what’s possible when we treat ourselves with compassion and persistence.
Her story is one of rebirth—not just in terms of physical appearance, but in how she views herself, her body, and her mental health. For Emily, shedding over 100 pounds wasn’t just about looking different—it was about feeling free, feeling alive, and most importantly, loving herself enough to make those changes.
FAQ
1. How much weight did Emily V. Gordon lose? Emily lost over 100 pounds, dropping from 250 pounds to 150 pounds.
2. What was Emily’s approach to weight loss? Emily focused on a balanced approach, including healthy eating, physical activities she enjoyed, and a shift in mindset about food and body image.
3. What role did Kumail Nanjiani play in Emily’s weight loss journey? Kumail was Emily’s biggest supporter throughout her journey, offering encouragement and understanding as she navigated the emotional and physical aspects of her transformation.
4. How long did Emily’s weight loss take? Emily’s weight loss took several years, with her transformation spanning from 2017 to 2020.
5. What advice does Emily V. Gordon give to others on a weight loss journey? Emily advises taking things one step at a time, seeking professional support, and celebrating small victories along the way. “It’s about consistency, not perfection,” she says.