The singer admitted to ignoring her doctor’s advice before embarking on her weight loss journey. Now, she credits her doctor for guiding her through the process, which resulted in a dramatic transformation.

Kelly Clarkson’s weight loss has taken social media by storm, with many users remarking that she looks “like a different person.” Check out her stunning before-and-after photos.

Clarkson’s transformation has captivated fans, but her journey has been far from easy. Since claiming victory on “American Idol” in 2002, she has built an impressive career, releasing ten studio albums and earning three Grammys. Yet, despite her success, she has struggled with a hidden battle that has influenced her relationship with her body.

Looking back, she has acknowledged that some of her most celebrated years were also among her darkest. Even as her “Breakaway” album dominated the charts, behind the scenes, she faced immense pressure from industry executives to maintain an unhealthy level of thinness.

In an interview, the pop star reflected on that period, “When I was really skinny and unhappy, I wanted to kill myself. I was miserable, like inside and out, for four years of my life. But no one cared, because aesthetically you make sense.”

She continued, “It was a very dark time for me. I thought the only way out was quitting. I like wrecked my knees and my feet because all I would do is put in headphones and run. I was at the gym all the time.”

Over time, the superstar realized that the people surrounding her had a significant impact on her well-being. While negativity weighed her down, the support of those who truly cared helped her break free. She recognized the importance of removing herself from toxic environments and choosing to move toward a healthier, more positive space.

Surrounding herself with the right people helped the music artist break away from the negativity that once consumed her. However, the pressure to fit a certain image in the entertainment industry has remained a persistent challenge, particularly for female artists.

In another interview, she acknowledged that scrutiny over body image has long been an issue in the music business. According to Clarkson, the most intense pressure came when she was at her thinnest — a time when she was physically exhausted and struggling to maintain healthy habits.

Clarkson recalled being presented with magazines as a standard she was expected to match, with industry pressures emphasizing competition.

She knew she couldn’t conform to that image, recognizing that it didn’t reflect who she was. Accepting that everyone is different, she stood firm in embracing her own identity.

Over time, the “Since U Been Gone” hitmaker stopped trying to conform to unrealistic expectations and instead embraced her own journey.

“I fought more when I was thinner than I do now, because now I just walk in and I just look at them like, ‘I dare you to say something. I’m happy in my life. I’ll work on me in my time!'” said the award-winning singer in 2020.

Clarkson’s confidence in embracing her own path has only grown, reinforcing the idea that success isn’t dictated by appearance. Her experience in the entertainment industry has shown her that authenticity carries more weight than unrealistic standards.

At her heaviest, the songwriter was hired as a coach on “The Voice,” joining the top-rated television show shortly after having children. She said her weight was never a factor in the decision — what mattered was her personality and ability to connect with people.

An NBC executive saw her authenticity, appreciating how raw and real she was. Clarkson emphasized that her appeal had nothing to do with sex appeal or aesthetics but was rooted in who she was as a person.

The celebrity believes that change starts with artists themselves, pushing the industry to recognize talent and individuality over superficial expectations.

In recent years, Clarkson’s focus shifted from external pressures to personal well-being. As she prioritized her health, she gradually began shedding weight — though not in the way many assumed.

When asked about her transformation in an interview, she dismissed the idea that exercise played a role, “I’m not working out! I think people think I’m working out and I’m like, ‘Don’t think I’m going to come play some sport!'”

Instead, the music star credited a major change in her diet for improving her health. Clarkson changed her diet after reading “The Plant Paradox” by Steven R. Gundry, MD, aiming to manage an autoimmune disease and thyroid issues.

Since adopting a non-GMO, organic approach free of pesticides, her health improved, and she no longer needed medication. She further emphasized that her weight loss had nothing to do with exercise.

Clarkson’s approach to health has remained a personal journey rather than a quest for aesthetics. As she continued to make lifestyle changes, she openly discussed her experiences on her Emmy Award-winning talk show, “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” which she began hosting in 2019.

In May 2024, she interviewed Whoopi Goldberg, who revealed that she had lost a significant amount of weight. “I’m doing that wonderful shot that works for folks who need some help and it’s been really good for me,” the actress shared.

Clarkson then mentioned her own weight loss, clarifying that while she also took a shot, it wasn’t the one many assumed. She explained that she had to make the decision after concerning blood work results.

Her decision to address her health wasn’t driven by outside opinions but rather by a personal realization. She admitted that she hadn’t fully recognized her weight gain until she watched footage from a special she had taped for her birthday. Sitting at home, she paused the video and asked herself, “Who the [expletive] is that?”

Her doctor had been encouraging her to try the shot for two years, but she hesitated out of fear, especially given her history with thyroid issues. Eventually, she decided to move forward for the sake of her health. Addressing speculation, the TV host clarified that she wasn’t using Ozempic but instead a medication that helps break down sugar.

Clarkson’s focus on well-being went beyond physical health, leading her to make significant lifestyle changes. Weighing 203 pounds at her heaviest, she gradually slimmed down, coinciding with a major move.

Now based in New York City, she has embraced a fresh start with her children, River Rose and Remington Alexander, whom she shares with ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. Unhappy in Los Angeles for years, she felt the need for change, recognizing that both she and her kids were struggling.

Despite her gratitude for her career, maintaining a facade of happiness had become exhausting. Relocating her talk show to the Big Apple was a necessary step for her mental well-being, allowing her to prioritize her family and personal happiness.

Settling into life in NY, Clarkson has embraced a more active lifestyle with her children. Non-working days are spent exploring the city, whether walking their dogs, visiting museums, or giving in to her daughter’s requests for ice cream and slime-making.

She credits their daily activities for keeping her moving, noting that walking in the city has become a natural workout. The mother of two has also incorporated infrared saunas and cold plunges into her routine.

When it comes to food, she follows a balanced diet and acknowledges that listening to her doctor played a key role in her weight loss. After years of not prioritizing her health, she now maintains a protein-rich diet that suits her well, admitting that as a Texas native, she has always enjoyed meat.

As Clarkson’s transformation became more noticeable, fans quickly took to social media to share their reactions. Admirers flooded her posts with praise, with one asking, “How did you lose your weight?? You look awesome!!”

Another echoed, “How’d u lose the weight mama? U look AWESOME!! [sic].” Supporters continued to chime in, calling her “stunning” and observing, “She lost a lot of weight.”

Others expressed curiosity about her methods, with one exclaiming, “I would love to know how she lost her weight she looks fabulous!!!” Another remarked, “You look like a different person!!” However, not all reactions were celebratory, as one person pointed out, “She lost too much very fast!”

While opinions on her transformation varied, Clarkson remained focused on what truly mattered — her well-being and the special moments she shared with her kids.

In August 2023, they surprised fans by joining her onstage during her Las Vegas residency. River sang “Heartbeat Song” with her mom, while Remington danced to “Whole Lotta Woman.” Seeing their excitement, she compared their admiration to how they watch “Spider-Man.”

Her residency, which extended into winter, shares its name with her album “Chemistry,” a reflection on her divorce from Blackstock. Writing it was a way to process her emotions rather than hold onto the past.

Kelly Clarkson found solace in music, describing it as a vital outlet for coping with grief. Releasing the album felt like regaining control, something therapy helped her embrace.