Kelly Clarkson has been a household name for over two decades, rising to fame after winning the first season of American Idol and continuing to captivate audiences with her powerhouse vocals and relatable personality. Over the years, Clarkson has become known for her candidness, particularly about her personal health and weight loss journey. The 41-year-old singer and talk show host has openly discussed how she has changed her lifestyle to become healthier, all while staying true to herself. But recently, Clarkson made waves by revealing that she’s been using medication to assist in her weight loss—though it’s not the popular drug Ozempic.
Here’s a look into Kelly Clarkson’s health and weight loss journey, the medication she’s using, the lifestyle changes she’s made, and how she’s embraced a new, healthier version of herself.
Kelly Clarkson’s Weight Loss Journey
Clarkson has always been open about her struggles and triumphs with her body. She’s dealt with a great deal of public scrutiny over her size, which she has often shrugged off with humor and grace. But in recent years, the singer has made some significant changes to her lifestyle that have contributed to her weight loss. She credits several factors for her success, including walking more, adopting a high-protein diet, and taking medication to help with how her body processes food.
When Clarkson moved to New York City to host The Kelly Clarkson Show, she noticed a shift in her daily routine. The city’s fast pace meant she was walking more than ever before, which has helped with weight loss. Additionally, the environment of New York encouraged a more active lifestyle, something Clarkson has embraced with open arms.
“I’m really into infrared saunas right now. And I just got a cold plunge because everybody wore me down,” Clarkson shared, noting the benefits of embracing wellness trends that work for her.
While Clarkson’s weight loss journey includes walking and making healthier food choices, she also acknowledged the role that medication has played in her progress. In May 2024, Clarkson revealed that she had started taking a weight-loss medication. This news surprised many, as she had previously spoken about weight loss through lifestyle changes alone. However, Clarkson made it clear that the medication she uses is not Ozempic, a drug commonly associated with weight loss.
What Weight-Loss Drug is Kelly Clarkson Using?
Clarkson made the revelation about her medication during an episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, explaining that she was initially hesitant to try weight-loss drugs due to her existing thyroid issues. Despite her concerns, Clarkson eventually decided to give it a try when her blood work showed troubling results. The singer explained that her doctor had been encouraging her to consider medication for nearly two years, and she ultimately decided to take action after seeing how her body was responding.
She clarified that the medication she’s using is not Ozempic, and while she didn’t provide the exact name of the drug, she described it as something that helps her body break down sugar more effectively. This aligns with her explanation that her body has difficulty processing sugar, and the medication helps her manage that issue.
While some fans and critics might have speculated that Clarkson was using Ozempic, the singer emphasized that her weight loss was not just due to medication. Clarkson combined the drug with a consistent exercise routine, a healthy diet, and an active lifestyle that includes walking and engaging in other wellness activities like infrared saunas.
Criticism and Public Backlash
As with many public figures who make changes to their bodies or health routines, Clarkson faced a significant amount of backlash after revealing she was using medication to aid in her weight loss. Critics were quick to point out that Clarkson had previously claimed her weight loss was achieved through walking alone, leading some to accuse her of being inconsistent in her story.
However, The View’s Whoopi Goldberg, a guest on Clarkson’s talk show, was quick to defend the singer. Goldberg pointed out the hypocrisy in the way Clarkson was being criticized: people seem to have an issue with her whether she’s heavier or lighter. “They kick her behind when she’s bigger, they kick her behind when she’s lost the weight, and now they’re kicking her behind because she said it out loud,” Goldberg stated. This pointed out the larger issue of how public figures, especially women, are scrutinized for their bodies, regardless of what choices they make.
Clarkson herself shared how she felt about the criticism, admitting that it was frustrating but that she had learned to ignore the negativity. Her focus remains on what is best for her health and well-being, not the opinions of others.
Lifestyle Changes That Contributed to Clarkson’s Weight Loss
In addition to the medication, Clarkson’s weight loss can also be attributed to significant lifestyle changes that prioritize her overall well-being. As mentioned, her move to New York City and the more active lifestyle it encouraged played a large part in her transformation. The singer shared that walking around the city, rather than sitting in traffic or spending long hours in the car, had become a natural workout for her.
When it comes to her diet, Clarkson has embraced a balanced, high-protein approach. “I dropped weight because I’ve been listening to my doctor,” Clarkson explained, noting that a protein-heavy diet has been particularly beneficial for her. While Clarkson is known for her Texas roots and love of meat, she’s also found balance, allowing for occasional indulgences. She jokingly confessed that she still enjoys a frozen yogurt with her daughter, River Rose, “and it was magical.”
These lifestyle changes—combined with medication—are not about achieving a specific number on the scale. Rather, Clarkson’s journey has been about improving her health and feeling better in her own skin.
Health Issues and the Importance of Wellness
Kelly Clarkson has also been candid about her health struggles, including her autoimmune issues and thyroid condition, both of which have impacted her weight. In the past, she has made significant diet changes to address these issues, including adopting a lectin-free diet to help manage her thyroid problem.
More recently, Clarkson revealed in January 2024 that she had been diagnosed as prediabetic. “I wasn’t shocked,” she said. “I was a tiny bit overweight. … They were like, ‘You’re prediabetic. You’re right on the borderline.’” This diagnosis motivated Clarkson to take her health more seriously, resulting in the positive changes she’s made in her diet and lifestyle.
Clarkson’s honesty about her health struggles has been both refreshing and inspiring for many. She’s demonstrated that health and wellness are ongoing journeys, and sometimes, we need to make adjustments in our lives to prioritize ourselves. For Clarkson, that means being proactive about her health and addressing issues like thyroid problems and prediabetes before they progress further.
Kelly Clarkson’s Empowering Health Journey
Kelly Clarkson’s weight loss journey is a powerful reminder that health isn’t just about looking a certain way; it’s about feeling your best and prioritizing wellness. Whether it’s through medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both, Clarkson has found a balance that works for her. She’s shown that the key to success is not perfection but rather persistence and self-care.
In a world where public figures are often under scrutiny for their bodies, Clarkson continues to stand firm in her decisions. She’s embraced the idea that health comes in many forms and that the most important thing is to feel confident, strong, and happy in your own body. Clarkson’s journey is not just about weight loss—it’s about living a fulfilling and healthy life, no matter the number on the scale.
