In recent years, many celebrities — including Adele, Lizzo, Selena Gomez, Chris Pratt, Joaquin Phoenix, and Jelly Roll — have publicly addressed their journeys with body image, weight loss, and overall wellness. As public figures constantly in the spotlight, their choices rarely go unnoticed, particularly when it comes to how they present and represent themselves. Celebrity transformations have drawn increased attention as medical approaches to weight management and wellness gain popularity in the public eye. These developments have not only fueled conversations around body positivity, health, and authenticity but have also raised questions about the influence of celebrity culture on public perceptions of weight, wellness, and the role of pharmaceutical intervention in achieving physical ideals.
Body positivity is a core belief for many people, including celebrities. Lizzo has stated on many occasions that she doesn’t view herself as ugly or unworthy of success because she is overweight. In her podcast episode of Jay Shetty, she states, “I’ve been on an intentional weight release journey; my body has been changing very slowly, and I was still very anti-fatphobia throughout my whole journey.” With her size-inclusive brand, Yitty, she aimed to make intimate wear that was comfortable and of excellent quality so that every person, big or small, could feel included.
Similarly, Selena Gomez has been open about her struggles with body image, particularly in the public eye. As someone who lives with lupus, an autoimmune disease, Gomez has experienced fluctuations in her weight due to both the condition and the medications she takes to manage it. Despite harsh scrutiny from the media and online commentators, Gomez has continued to advocate for self-acceptance. In a TikTok Live, she candidly addressed body shaming by saying, “I’m not a model. I’ll never be a model. And I think they’re awesome, but I’m not that.” Through her honesty, she encourages fans to embrace their bodies as they are and to show themselves grace during times of physical change. Lizzo and Selena Gomez exemplify what it means to challenge societal standards and redefine beauty on their terms, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate dialogue around body image.
Adele has faced relentless attention surrounding her body, especially after she lost a significant amount of weight in 2019, which sparked a media frenzy. Instead of celebrating her health journey, much of the public discussion shifted to how her appearance had changed, often framing it as a “transformation” narrative. Adele later expressed frustration with focusing on her weight rather than her artistry, stating in an interview with British Vogue, “I did it for myself and not anyone else. So why would I ever share it? I don’t find it fascinating.” Her experience highlights how, even when celebrities make changes for their well-being, they are subjected to intense public scrutiny. Like Lizzo and Selena, Adele’s story underscores the importance of reclaiming the narrative around body image and shifting the focus from appearance to overall health, confidence, and personal empowerment.
Chris Pratt also underwent a drastic physical transformation for his role as Star-Lord in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). Known previously for his more laid-back, comedic persona and softer frame on Parks and Recreation, Pratt committed to a rigorous fitness and nutrition regimen to prepare for the superhero role. In an article by Men’s Health, he explained that he’s “stayed pretty consistent since, dropping fat and building much muscle.” While his transformation was widely praised, it also raised conversations about the double standards in Hollywood, where male actors are often applauded for dramatic changes in physique. At the same time, women frequently face more invasive and judgmental scrutiny, regardless of whether they gain or lose weight. Pratt’s journey adds another dimension to the body image conversation, showing that the pressures of appearance in entertainment affect all genders, although not always equally.
There seems to be a considerable shift in the conversation around body image in recent years, influenced not only by societal pressures but also by the introduction of weight loss medications and the rise of extreme diets. Celebrities, in particular, are often at the forefront of these transformations, whether by choice or due to roles that require physical changes. Joaquin Phoenix, for instance, underwent a dramatic physical transformation for his roles in Joker (2019) and Joker: Folie à Deux (2024). For the original film, he reportedly lost over 50 pounds in a short period to embody the frail, disturbed character of Arthur Fleck. Medical professionals closely monitored the process, but even so, Phoenix later described the experience as mentally and emotionally taxing. His portrayal earned critical acclaim, but it also reignited debates about the lengths actors go to for roles and whether such extreme weight loss, even for artistic purposes, should be so highly celebrated.
He was asked at the film press conference with Lady Gaga during the Venice Film Festival What his routine was for Joker: Folie à Deux (2024), which he states “I know I was responsible last time for talking about it quite a bit because it’s difficult to do, and so you can’t it becomes your obsession right because as you’re working through and trying to get to a certain weight and so then you can’t help but talk about it, and then it just sounds like an actor just talking about like how much weight they lost, and so I by the end of that run I was like so sick of myself and angry at myself for making such a thing of it.”
Another voice to add to the conversation is Jelly Roll, a Nashville-based musician known for his authenticity and openness to personal struggles. In a recent appearance on Pat McAfee’s show, he shared an update: “I started at 540 pounds, and I was 357 pounds this morning.” His journey, which includes a commitment to exercise and overall wellness, isn’t just about weight loss — it’s about reclaiming health and extending his life for the sake of his family and fans. Unlike transformations fueled by vanity or industry pressure, Jelly Roll’s transparency highlights a more grounded, human side of the journey — one rooted in perseverance, vulnerability, and self-love. His story resonates with many who seek change not for approval, but for a better quality of life and a longer life.
Ultimately, the evolving conversation around body image, transformation, and self-worth reveals how complex and personal these journeys can be. Whether it’s for health, a career role, or simply self-acceptance, public figures like Lizzo, Selena Gomez, Adele, Chris Pratt, Joaquin Phoenix, and Jelly Roll remind us that bodies are not static, and neither are the reasons behind their changes. In a culture quick to judge appearances, these stories encourage a more compassionate, inclusive view that values authenticity, mental well-being, and personal growth over societal expectations.
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