The difficulties, the isolation and the decision to stay true to herself
Lizzo, one of the most powerful voices in global music and the body positivity movement, is back in the spotlight again – this time with a confession about her personal journey with weight change and how it's redefined her relationship with her body. In an exclusive interview with Women's Health, the popular singer spoke candidly about how losing weight has changed her daily life, as well as how she deals with her image, public expectations and the relentless media attention.
Today, Lizzo is proud of her appearance and doesn't hide the fact that she still sees herself as plus size. "I like the way I am now. I still have curves, the same belly, the same legs - I'm just a slightly smaller version of myself. Body positivity doesn't mean always staying the same. It's the courage to be open and proud in a society that tells you not to be," she said.
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This change in attitude didn't come easily. Lizzo experienced severe depression, eating disorders, and several moments of self-doubt. During difficult times, she felt like her life was steeped in negativity. "I got to a point where I thought, 'I could die.' I never tried to harm myself, but I felt like if everyone hates me, then what's the point?" she confesses, capturing the harsh reality of many people who struggle with their self-esteem under the weight of social pressure.
The biggest blow, however, came nearly two years ago, when three of Lizzo’s former dancers filed a lawsuit against her for creating a toxic work environment and inappropriate behavior, including sexual harassment. The case remains open and the media has been relentless in its coverage, fueling the already-existing criticism of her weight and appearance. “I’ve faced backlash my entire career — about my body, my race, my personality,” she notes.
Lizzo admits that this public questioning and accusations left her psychologically isolated. “I became paranoid and withdrawn. I used to go into the dressing room and share everything. Now I’ve distanced myself from everyone – I didn’t even want to talk to my therapist. I wasn’t present in my life, I wasn’t open, I wasn’t myself,” she explains.
During this difficult time, focusing on her health and trying to lose weight gave her a new purpose. She admits that she even considered surgery, but ultimately decided to trust the natural process. “If I had managed it with Ozempic or surgery, I would still be proud of myself, because this is all difficult. Anyone who has been in a larger body in this society knows very well how difficult everyday life is,” she says.
Now, Lizzo feels like she’s starting over, redefining what self-esteem and body positivity mean. “It’s revolutionary to truly love yourself,” she says. “I fought so hard to get here. Now I’m fighting again—this time to love the new version of myself.” She’s clear that she won’t let anyone make her feel guilty about her body changes, whatever they may be in the future: “It’s OK to lose weight. It’s OK to gain it back. What I will never accept is for you to make me feel ashamed if my body changes again.”
The constant exposure to the spotlight, as well as her millions of followers, has made Lizzo more resilient to criticism. Her latest project, the mixtape “My Face Hurts From Smiling,” is a creative expression of her freedom to express herself however she wants, without fear of what people will think. “After five years of being bullied for my weight, of being a meme, of having my photos made fun of — nothing can hurt me anymore. And I’m not afraid to say what’s on my mind, because you’re not afraid to judge me,” she recently told Rolling Stone.
For her, being out in public without hiding her flaws or moments of doubt is a conscious choice. This honesty and self-acceptance have made her a role model for thousands of young people struggling with their image – especially in a world where social media is constantly setting new “standards.” Lizzo shows that you don’t have to be a certain size or fit a mold to enjoy life and be confident.
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Lizzo's journey continues, this time with even more power and authenticity. While society continues to debate the "right" and "wrong" body, she proves with every move that all that matters is your own truth and the right to exist, create, and inspire, regardless of weight, appearance, or the comments of others.
No longer afraid to show her weaknesses and scars, Lizzo redefines what it means to love and accept yourself in all its forms. Whether it's through tough times or successes, she shows that the most important thing is to stay true to yourself, fight for your own confidence, and not let any voice – no matter how loud – make you feel small.
