Lizzo, the acclaimed singer known for her empowering messages and distinctive sound, has opened up about the challenges she faced regarding her weight loss journey, which began in 2023. Speaking on ‘The Jason Lee Show’, the artist reflected on the backlash she received as she began intentionally releasing weight, noting that many perceived this transition negatively in relation to her brand.
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Throughout her career, Lizzo has championed body positivity and self-love. However, she revealed that as her weight increased, she began to experience joint and back pain, which made performing increasingly uncomfortable. At her highest weight, while she considered her blood health to be excellent, she acknowledged physical discomfort that prompted her to reassess her health and fitness. Lizzo stated, “I think I was extremely healthy at my highest weight. My blood was extremely healthy. I think what happened was it was physically uncomfortable in some areas.”
The singer was taken aback by people’s reactions to her decision to lose weight, with some fans suggesting that her changing physique might jeopardise her brand identity. She admitted during the interview, “I was really surprised when people said that me looking smaller, releasing weight, was f—ing up my brand.” This led her to question the core of her public persona, wondering if it was centred around her being plus-sized.
Despite the criticism, Lizzo clarified, “I had to sit back and maybe a lot of people thought that my brand was being fat, but one thing I had to realise is my brand is joy.” She stressed that her vibrant personality and the joy she shares with her fans should take precedence over any singular aspect of her appearance. “When I was bigger and joyful, all they saw was fat,” she lamented.
This revelation serves to highlight Lizzo’s belief that joy, rather than size, is what connects her with her audience. She expressed her resilience by stating, “So, I can be joyful no matter what size my body is. But when I started releasing that weight, I wasn’t completely joyful.” During this period, she also faced legal troubles, notably harassment and discrimination lawsuits brought forth by former employees, all of which were subsequently dismissed.
In the midst of her challenges, Lizzo remains optimistic. “It was during a dark time,” she admitted, though she affirmed, “I’m still joyful and, like, healthy. I just got smaller.” This resilience in the face of adversity illustrates her commitment to well-being, both physically and mentally.
The support from her fanbase has played a significant role in her outlook, as Lizzo emphasised the importance of positive interactions. She shared how messages from fans expressing that her music had been a source of healing or comfort made a profound impact on her. “They’re telling me about how my music literally saved their lives,” Lizzo noted, highlighting the positive influence her work has on many.
Ultimately, she stated, “That, to me, beats a thousand hate comments of people who don’t know me and clearly don’t know what they’re talking about or know the truth.” Her focus on the uplifting messages reinforces the notion that an individual’s value is not defined by their appearance but by their contributions and the joy they bring to others.
Lizzo continues to share her journey of self-discovery and health with a message that resonates with many, proving that positivity and resilience can emerge even amid difficult transformations.