Kathy Bates Reveals Her 100-Pound Weight Loss Strategy Wasn’t Just Ozempic

Kathy Bates has achieved a remarkable 100-pound weight loss. The Oscar-winning actress detailed her seven-year health journey in a recent interview. She spoke with People magazine in early 2024.

Her transformation began after a serious Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2017. Bates, now 76, was motivated by a family history of the disease. She was determined to avoid the severe complications her father faced.

The Diagnosis That Sparked a Lifestyle Overhaul

Kathy Bates did not take the easy route. Her doctor’s warning about diabetes served as a crucial wake-up call. According to People, she recalled her father’s amputation and her sister’s ongoing struggle.

This fear propelled her to change her life completely. She abandoned old eating habits that included burgers, Cokes, and pizza. Bates adopted a strategy of intuitive eating and cut off food intake after 8 PM.

She lost the first 80 pounds through diet and consistent walking alone. This period lasted for several years before she considered any medication. Her primary exercise was walking on a treadmill at home.

Setting the Record Straight on Medication Use

Bates is transparent about using Ozempic, but she clarifies its role. She told People that the drug only assisted with the final 15-20 pounds. The narrative that medication alone caused her transformation frustrates her.

“I have to impress upon people that this was hard work for me,” she stated. This honest take challenges the common celebrity weight loss storyline. It highlights the sustained effort behind her achievement.

The physical benefits have been profound. On the set of her new show “Matlock,” she has more energy and mobility. Symptoms from past lymphedema, related to cancer treatment, have also improved.

Info at your fingertips

How did Kathy Bates lose 100 pounds?

She lost 80 pounds over several years through diet changes and walking. The final 15-20 pounds were lost with the aid of Ozempic in the last stage of her seven-year journey.

Why did Kathy Bates start losing weight?

Her main motivation was a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2017. A strong family history of the disease, including her father’s amputation, compelled her to make a change for her health.

What diet did Kathy Bates follow?

She switched to intuitive eating, focusing on whole foods and listening to her body’s fullness signals. A key rule was stopping all food consumption after 8 PM each night.

What exercise does Kathy Bates do?

Her main form of exercise is walking. She uses a treadmill at home, emphasizing a simple and sustainable routine over intense gym workouts.

How has her health improved?

She manages her diabetes better and has significantly more energy for acting roles. Her lymphedema symptoms have also lessened since losing the weight.

Is she only using Ozempic for weight loss?

No. Bates stresses that Ozempic was a tool used only at the very end of a long process. The vast majority of her weight loss came from foundational lifestyle changes.

Kathy Bates’s story is a powerful testament to long-term health commitment. Her 100-pound weight loss journey underscores that sustainable change often requires more than a quick fix. It is a blend of personal determination and, when appropriate, medical support.

Trusted Sources: People Magazine, Today Show