Ariana Grande has reached significant career milestones, including joining the Academy for Oscar voting and gearing up for the release of Wicked: For Good in November 2025. However, the pop star has been facing public scrutiny over her noticeably slimmer appearance. Her physical transformation, often discussed in the media, is intricately tied to her ongoing battles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and personal trauma. Here’s a closer look at the factors behind her weight loss journey and how she’s responding to the public’s concerns.
The Visible Shift in Ariana Grande’s Appearance
Ariana Grande has become a household name as a Grammy-winning artist, actress, and beauty mogul, known for her powerhouse vocals and chart-topping hits. However, recent public appearances have prompted noticeable attention to her physique. For example, at the BAFTA Film Awards, many outlets highlighted her noticeably slimmer figure, sparking discussions about the potential toll of her demanding schedule. Sources close to Ariana revealed that the physical and mental strain from her busy career, particularly the promotion of Wicked, has taken a toll on her health. This has led to growing concerns about her wellbeing.
Public Response to Ariana Grande’s Appearance
The response from the public has been mixed, with some expressing genuine concern about Ariana’s health, while others urge for empathy. Many fans took to social media to share their worries. One Reddit user mentioned, “Ariana genuinely looks sick… her face looks hollow, and her body looks frail.” There were even worries about her weight loss potentially being linked to an eating disorder (ED). On the flip side, others expressed support, calling for more compassion and respect for her privacy. As one Instagram user pointed out, “Some people suffer in silence, you never know what they’re going through,” calling for a deeper understanding of the star’s struggles.
Ariana Grande’s Reaction to the Speculation
Ariana took to TikTok to address the swirling rumors about her appearance. In a candid video, she explained that the body many fans are comparing her to was the unhealthiest version of herself. She revealed that at that time, she was on antidepressants, eating poorly, and going through a very difficult phase in her life. She emphasized how her body was wrongly deemed as the “healthiest” just because of how it looked, rather than considering her overall well-being. Ariana urged her fans to show kindness and understanding, reminding them that people often don’t know the full story behind someone’s appearance. In an emotional interview with French outlet Oui Oui Baguette, she shared how she has learned to protect herself from the negative noise surrounding her.
Ariana Grande’s Struggles with PTSD and Anxiety
To better understand Ariana’s current health concerns, it’s important to recognize the trauma she has faced. After the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, Ariana developed PTSD, anxiety, and depression, alongside physical symptoms like dizziness and breathlessness. In a 2018 interview with Elle, she described how a dizzy spell and breathing difficulties upon returning home from her tour marked the start of her physical manifestation of anxiety. On Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, she reflected on how her mental health struggles influenced her work on Sweetener and Thank U, Next, highlighting the role of songwriting and therapy in helping her cope.
The Impact of Mac Miller’s Death on Ariana Grande
Ariana’s mental health has also been shaped by the tragic death of her ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller, in 2018. She has spoken emotionally about him being one of her closest friends and a beautiful soul. Sources close to her have indicated that she carries a sense of guilt over his passing, which has contributed to her struggles with grief, anxiety, and depression. These factors, alongside the pressures of fame, have likely affected her eating patterns and overall physical health.
Ariana Grande’s Stance Against Body Shaming
Ariana has long been an outspoken critic of body shaming. In December 2024, during an emotional interview, she discussed how critiques of her appearance have plagued her since her teen years. She reflected on how, throughout her career, she has been scrutinized for her looks, often facing contradictory comments about her body. Ariana has called out such public commentary as “dangerous” and emphasized that no one should be compelled to explain their appearance. Her TikTok video reiterated this message, reinforcing the importance of kindness and empathy. Many of her fans have rallied around her, applauding her bravery and continuing to offer their support.
Ariana Grande’s Coping Mechanisms: Therapy and Music
Throughout her life, Ariana has placed great importance on therapy, starting counseling sessions in her teenage years to deal with significant life events, including her parents’ divorce. She has also turned to songwriting as an emotional outlet. Her song Get Well Soon from Sweetener is a reflection of her struggles with anxiety and PTSD, with critics praising it as a heartfelt self-help anthem. Ariana has noted that Pharrell Williams encouraged her to write her feelings down as a form of healing. Through her music, she continues to process her emotions and share her experiences with her audience.
What’s Next for Ariana Grande?
Ariana’s career continues to soar. She is preparing to reprise her role as Glinda in the second part of the Wicked film franchise, while her beauty brand, R.E.M. Beauty, continues to grow. Her latest album, Eternal Sunshine, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, adding to her impressive achievements. Fans are hopeful that, with continued therapy, self-care, and support from loved ones, Ariana will maintain a healthy balance in both her personal and professional life.
Ariana Grande’s transformation is a reflection of her ongoing battle with mental health, trauma, and societal pressures. Her journey serves as a reminder that self-worth should not be tied to outward appearance, and her openness about her struggles offers an important message of resilience and empathy.
