Lizzo Then and Now: Her Drastic Weight Loss Journey in 20+ Photos

Buzzing With Curiosity

Lizzo performs on May 21, 2016, in Gulf Shores, Alabama. | Source: Getty Images

The Grammy-winning rapper had fans buzzing over her weight-loss reveal. Shutting down Ozempic rumors, she shared her own methods. Lizzo's noticeable weight loss sparked comments about her transformation. One social media user remarked she looked "so skinny," while another said she resembled a "different person" entirely.

A Journey Made Public

Lizzo at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2016, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

The discussion around her appearance tied back to Lizzo's openness about her fitness journey, which she has shared with fans since early 2020. In one post, the "About Damn Time" singer posted a video of herself jumping rope outdoors and tagged her trainer.

Workout Routines on Display

Lizzo and Sophia Eris attend Entertainment Weekly's PopFest on October 29, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Building on her fitness journey, Lizzo took to TikTok in June of that year to share more of her workout routines, including an exercise bike session. In a voiceover, she addressed misconceptions about her goals.

Her Body, Her Rules

Lizzo attends the premiere of "Girls Trip," 2017 | Source: Getty Images

"Hey, so I've been working out consistently for the last five years, and it may come off as a surprise to some of y'all that I'm not working out to have your ideal body type. I'm working out to have my ideal body type," she said.

Progress at Its Own Pace

Lizzo attends the MTV Video Music Awards on August 27, 2017, in Inglewood, California. | Source: Getty Images

By February 2021, Lizzo opened up about the steady pace of her progress, noting that others often commented on her weight loss — though she had not noticed a significant change herself. "If anyone who's on a natural weight loss knows, losing weight is actually the slowest thing in the world, and you don't really notice it until you notice it," she shared.

A Healthy Daily Routine

Lizzo performs on stage during the Reading Festival on August 25, 2018, in Reading, England. | Source: Getty Images

Despite seeing no movement on the scale, the Michigan native expressed pride in her healthy routine, which included meditative mornings with sound balls, making smoothies, taking wellness shots and vitamins, and hitting the gym for her workouts.

Too Big for a Box

Lizzo attends the Total Wireless Presents Lizzo Live Powered By Pandora on September 12, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

In a 2022 interview, Lizzo shared her perspective on body positivity and health, laughing off the idea of being boxed in by public expectations. "I can't fit into a box!" she said, addressing speculation about how weight loss might affect her music or fanbase.

Health Over Pressure

Lizzo performs on the West Holts stage during the Glastonbury Festival on June 29, 2019, in Glastonbury, England. | Source: Getty Images

She emphasized prioritizing health — mentally, spiritually, and physically — without focusing on societal pressures. Explaining her veganism, the star stated, "I'm not a vegan to lose weight; I just feel better when I eat plants."

Food Is Fun

Lizzo performs onstage during Music Midtown on September 14, 2019, in Atlanta, Georgia. | Source: Getty Images

Lizzo also reflected on the complexity of food and stress, noting, "It sucks that we associate weight gain with the negative thing that causes it. I feel very lucky because I don't feel that weight gain is bad anymore. Nor is weight loss — it's neutral. And food is fun."

Working on Everything

Lizzo performs onstage during 102.7 KIIS FM's Jingle Ball on December 6, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Continuing her candid reflections, Lizzo shared a heartfelt update in a November 2023 Instagram post. Alongside a selfie in a robe, she wrote, "Hi. I'm working... on music, myself, relationships with people and food, my anxiety, my body, my business, and my trust issues with the world... but they are deep now, deeper than they've ever been. Xoxo."

Pilates and a Sense of Humor

Lizzo performs during The Brit Awards on February 18, 2020, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Lizzo's journey of self-care extended into December 2023, when she shared a TikTok video of herself doing Pilates. Captioning the post, "Help I started Pilates to heal my back now I can't stop [sic]," she showcased her commitment to physical wellness while adding her signature humor to the mix.

Guided by a Celebrity Trainer

Lizzo performs during the Outside Lands Music and Arts festival on October 30, 2021, in San Francisco, California. | Source: Getty Images

By May 2024, Lizzo continued to prioritize her health, sharing a workout video on social media. Guided by Celebrity Trainer Corey Calliet, whom she tagged in the post, the clip showed her ongoing dedication to fitness and well-being.

Not About Thinness

Lizzo performs during the Outside Lands Music and Arts festival on October 30, 2021, in San Francisco, California. | Source: Getty Images

Lizzo made it clear that her workouts were not about achieving thinness. In 2023, she responded to a TikTok video by @tiffriahgrande, agreeing that not everyone exercises to lose weight. "Heavy on the not trying to escape fatness [sic]," said the singer, adding that her focus was on health and mental well-being, not thinness, and that she embraced her body's natural fluctuations.

Joking About Ozempic

Lizzo performs onstage during the BET Awards on June 26, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Lizzo also shared insights into her weight loss journey, addressing rumors and revealing lifestyle changes. In September 2024, she joked about Ozempic speculation, writing, "When you finally get Ozempic allegations after five months of weight training and calorie deficit."

Five Days a Week

Lizzo performs onstage at the iHeartRadio Z100’s Jingle Ball on December 9, 2022, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

Her trainer, Calliet, confirmed in October 2024 that Lizzo had been training five days a week since May and had switched from veganism to a high-protein diet, adding that she never considered weight loss drugs.

A Diet That Works for Her

Lizzo performs on stage on March 8, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. | Source: Getty Images

Lizzo explained, "After tests and research, I found that animal proteins helped me have more energy, lose weight, and helped with my mental fog. This is the diet that's helped me reach my goals and helped me feel good in my body."

Milkmaid Braids and Mixed Reactions

Lizzo attends the Vanity Fair Oscar party on March 10, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Adding to her string of stunning appearances, Lizzo amazed fans on Instagram with her look in November 2024. She shared a series of photos featuring her in milkmaid braids and an elegant off-the-shoulder dress, captioning the post, "Last night I wore milkmaid braids." The post sparked a wave of mixed reactions from her followers, showcasing a variety of opinions and perspectives.

The Comment Section Speaks

Lizzo attends The Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" on May 6, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

"Yo, Lizzo lost mad weight," one Instagrammer said in surprise. Another added, "Can y'all go one post without mentioning how 'skinny' she's getting or how she's 'using Ozempic'? She's been documenting her fitness and healthy eating journey this whole time." Some remained skeptical, with one writing, "Understandable, but this doesn't look like your normal weight loss through diet and exercise... I pray Lizzo isn't sick or anything, and I wish her the best."

From Skeptics to Supporters

Lizzo shares selfie in a car, 2024 | Source: instagram.com/lizzobeeating

Others shared their own stories, like one who noted, "Everybody isn't on Ozempic... I've lost a lot of weight by walking and green smoothie cleanses." A fan defended Lizzo's transformation, writing, "She was beautiful before and is beautiful now." More observations followed, such as, "She looks like a different person," and, "She's looking great but still losing weight... On this pic, she looks mad skinny, but it's 'cause of the angle she took the pic."

Beyond Body Positivity

Lizzo in a white dress, 2022 | Source: instagram.com/lizzobeeating

The ongoing discussions aligned with Lizzo's evolving views on body positivity. "The idea of body positivity, it's moved away from the antiquated mainstream conception. It's evolved into body neutrality [sic]," she explained. Adding, "There are some days I adore my body, and others when I don't feel completely positive." Through her inclusive shapewear brand Yitty, launched with Fabletics in 2022 and designed for all sizes and gender identities, Lizzo's journey reflected her unwavering commitment to authenticity, empowerment, and representation — continuing to inspire others to embrace their bodies and redefine beauty standards.