Lizzo's "Weight Release": New Body, New Language

Singer Lizzo has openly documented her "weight release journey," a nearly two-year process resulting in a 16 percent reduction in body fat. This transformation, she emphasizes, prioritizes mental and emotional well-being over solely physical goals. In a May 2023 TikTok, Lizzo stated that her workouts aimed to improve her mental health and combat feelings of shame and disgust, not simply to alter her physique. She clarified that body fluctuation is a natural part of life, and she never aimed for thinness.
Initially met with speculation about Ozempic use, Lizzo playfully dismissed the rumors in September 2024, highlighting her consistent weight training and calorie deficit. In March 2024, she told The New York Times that her weight loss was methodical and slow, a fact she felt many overlooked. Lizzo explained that the seemingly sudden changes in her appearance were due to the public only seeing snapshots of her journey, not the daily effort involved. Her routine includes pilates (to heal her back), strength training, long walks, and jump rope.
By January 2025, Lizzo reached her initial weight release goal, a milestone she celebrated on Instagram, revealing a 10.5 BMI reduction. She credits her boyfriend, Myke Wright, with suggesting the term "weight release," framing the process as a holistic gain rather than a loss. Speaking on Jay Shetty's podcast, Lizzo detailed how Wright's perspective shifted her own language around body image, highlighting the importance of mindful communication, especially considering her young fanbase. She aims to avoid negative language, emphasizing that even her own weight release has impacted others and wants to promote a comfortable and less fearful approach to similar journeys. Lizzo's evolving perspective on body positivity has transitioned into body neutrality, acknowledging the daily fluctuations in self-perception. She continues to emphasize the importance of daily self-care and consistent exercise as integral parts of her well-being.