Lizzo, the powerhouse singer and advocate for body positivity, has been known for her unapologetic approach to her body and her message of self-love. But in recent months, she has opened up about a new chapter in her health journey—one where she shares her struggles and triumphs regarding weight loss, a process she now refers to as “weight release”. While the world continues to embrace Lizzo for her confident and boundary-pushing performances, there’s a deeper story about how she’s found balance between health, self-love, and the ever-present scrutiny that comes with being a public figure.
Let’s rewind for a moment. In the early days of her career, Lizzo became an icon of body positivity. With lyrics that urged listeners to love themselves, flaws and all, Lizzo’s message was clear: confidence isn’t measured by a number on a scale. But in the past few years, she began taking a more mindful approach to her health, which included working on her fitness and, ultimately, losing 60 pounds.
But this journey wasn’t just about shedding pounds—it was about shifting her mindset, her relationship with food, and how she approached her body. Lizzo’s weight loss journey has been far from the typical celebrity transformation. It has been about balance, embracing gradual progress, and learning to love her body at every stage of its transformation.
From Body Positivity to “Weight Release”: A New Approach
Lizzo has never been one to shy away from speaking her truth. Throughout her career, she has encouraged fans to embrace their bodies and feel empowered no matter their size. Her brand was built on the principle that confidence is an inside job, and she wasn’t about to let society’s obsession with thinness define her. But recently, she has chosen to take a different approach when it comes to her health.
In an interview with Jay Shetty, Lizzo revealed that while she had embraced body positivity, she also realized that focusing on her fitness was something that could empower her, both physically and mentally. “For me, it’s not about being thin, it’s about feeling strong and healthy. I want to be able to do more in my life, for my career, and for my health,” she shared.
She noted that over the course of her weight loss journey, she had focused on improving her BMI and lowering her body fat percentage. According to recent reports, Lizzo managed to lower her BMI by 10.5 points and reduce her body fat by 16%. However, Lizzo made it clear that her goal wasn’t to meet some societal standard of thinness. Instead, she was motivated by a desire for a more sustainable lifestyle.
“I’m not here for the ‘thin’ narrative. I’m not trying to get smaller because I think it’ll make me prettier. I’m just trying to feel better, inside and out,” she explained.
The Power of Gradual Change: The Fitness Routine That Worked for Lizzo
Lizzo’s journey towards better health has been marked by slow, consistent progress. Unlike some rapid transformation stories, her approach has been methodical, emphasizing long-term success rather than quick fixes. She’s spoken openly about the importance of patience and consistency in her fitness routine, noting that the weight loss didn’t happen overnight.
To aid her progress, Lizzo incorporated Pilates and walking into her fitness routine. Pilates, known for its focus on strength and flexibility, became one of her go-to exercises, helping her develop muscle tone while also improving her posture. Alongside Pilates, Lizzo emphasized the importance of walking. While walking might seem like a simple exercise, Lizzo credits it with improving her overall well-being and providing a way for her to stay active while giving her mind time to relax.
“I started walking more—just simple steps that helped me clear my mind and get my body moving,” Lizzo said. She revealed that during some of her toughest days, walking became a form of therapy. “It wasn’t about burning calories—it was about feeling free.”
In addition to exercise, Lizzo also focused on nutrition, shifting her eating habits to include more whole foods, vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. Yet, Lizzo’s perspective on dieting is far from restrictive. “I didn’t starve myself,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of nourishment rather than deprivation. “My approach has always been about balance. I want to give my body what it needs to function, not punish it.”
The Emotional Side of Weight Loss: Confronting Criticism and Embracing Change
Weight loss, especially for someone like Lizzo, who has built her career on body positivity, can be emotionally complicated. While she received widespread support from her fans, there was also a backlash from some critics who accused her of “betraying” her message of self-love. Some questioned how she could advocate for body positivity while losing weight.
Lizzo addressed these concerns head-on. “I’m not changing the message. I’m still telling people to love their bodies, no matter their size. But loving yourself doesn’t mean staying stagnant. It means doing what feels right for you, whether that’s making a change or staying exactly where you are.”
She also acknowledged that for her, this journey wasn’t just about the physical aspects of weight loss—it was also about mental health and self-worth. “I had to get to a place where I was comfortable with myself, no matter what. Losing weight didn’t change my worth. It just changed how I felt in my body.”
Lizzo has always used her platform to talk about mental health, and her weight loss journey was no different. She has openly discussed how therapy, self-care, and emotional well-being have played integral roles in her transformation. “I had to focus on my emotional health just as much as my physical health. I’ve learned that taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body.”
Embracing “Weight Release” Rather Than “Weight Loss”
In her recent interviews, Lizzo has consistently referred to her transformation as “weight release”, rather than weight loss. This term signifies a shift in how she views her body and her journey. For Lizzo, weight release is about letting go of the unnecessary baggage—both physically and mentally—that she carried for years.
“Weight loss just feels so final. It feels like something you gain back. But when you release something, it’s a lot more powerful. I’m releasing the weight that no longer serves me,” she explained. This shift in language isn’t just about semantics; it reflects her deeper understanding of what it means to transform one’s life.
In a 2025 Instagram post, Lizzo shared a picture of herself looking radiant, wearing a confident smile and a two-piece outfit. “This is me, in progress. No final destination here, just releasing what doesn’t serve me,” she wrote. This photo was part of her effort to normalize the process of transformation and self-love, showing her followers that growth isn’t a straight line, and that it’s okay to embrace your body, regardless of where you are in your journey.
Lizzo’s Tips for Sustainable Health
For anyone looking to embark on a health journey of their own, Lizzo has shared several key pieces of advice:
-
Patience is Key: Lizzo emphasizes that health transformation is a marathon, not a sprint. Slow, consistent progress is the key to long-term success.
-
Focus on Strength, Not Size: Instead of focusing on the number on the scale, Lizzo encourages her followers to think about how strong and healthy they feel. Strength should always be the goal.
-
Love Yourself at Every Stage: No matter where you are in your health journey, Lizzo reminds us that self-love is non-negotiable. “Love yourself at your biggest and smallest,” she says. “Your worth doesn’t change.”
-
Do What Feels Right for You: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to health. Lizzo reminds people to listen to their bodies and make choices that feel right for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How much weight has Lizzo lost? Lizzo has lost 60 pounds as part of her ongoing health transformation.
-
What is Lizzo’s fitness routine? Lizzo’s routine includes Pilates and walking as her main forms of exercise, alongside a balanced, nutritious diet.
-
Why does Lizzo call her weight loss “weight release”? Lizzo prefers the term “weight release” because it signifies a more positive, holistic approach to transformation—focused on letting go of what no longer serves her.
-
Has Lizzo’s approach to weight loss changed over time? Yes, Lizzo has shifted from advocating solely for body positivity to embracing a balanced approach that includes focusing on fitness and health.
-
What does Lizzo think about body positivity while losing weight? Lizzo believes that body positivity is about loving yourself at any size, and that losing weight doesn’t diminish her message of self-love.
Lizzo’s journey is a testament to the fact that health is personal, and it can look different for everyone. Whether you’re shedding physical weight or emotional baggage, the goal remains the same: to feel good in your own skin.