This post has been updated since its original publication date to include new info
Kelly Clarkson has captured the attention and admiration of her global fanbase with her many Grammy wins, chart-topping singles, successful namesake talk show, and other accomplishments following her historic American Idol win in 2002. In more recent times, the “Mine” singer, 41, has garnered attention for her impressive weight loss journey.
Although there has been speculation about her potential use of Ozempic, a controversial diabetes medication rumored to aid in rapid weight loss, Clarkson has repeatedly emphasized that she achieved her results through a healthy and nutritious diet known as the ‘Plant Paradox Diet.’ However, a health expert isn’t convinced, and spoke to the U.S. Sun earlier this month about just why he isn’t buying that Clarkson is *not* using weight loss injections.
Health Expert Thinks Kelly Clarkson's Weight Loss Is Down To Ozempic
Dr. Fred Pescatore, a physician who specializes in nutritional medicine, reportedly compared pictures of the "Stronger" singer at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in March 2023 with photos of the star at a SiriusXM event in November 2023. And based on those pictures alone, he told the U.S. Sun: "I think she has lost close to 50 pounds."
Pescatore noticed an immediate difference in "her hands, face and her breast size," before going on to say: "It is possible she is on a diet, but all things point to Ozempic or Mounjaro." He then went on to speculate why Clarkson could be keeping her alleged Ozempic use a secret, saying it probably has something to do with her image as a role model. "In her case, she is a talk show host and has to be relatable. Taking a drug that is $1,000 per month isn't very relatable to the women who watch her show," he speculated.
Insider Claims Kelly Clarkson's Weight Loss Is Down To Diet And Exercise
This is a stark contrast to what sources close to the "Underneath the Tree" singer have told various outlets over the past few months. An insider reportedly told Life & Style, via Ok!, recently that she lost weight in a healthy way, and diet and exercise was the reason for her dramatic weight loss. "She's limited her sugar and carb intake," the insider said at the time, reiterating that "she's not" on Ozempic or any other weight loss injections.
"She's cut out soda, chips, biscuits, cheese and tortillas. And she's added exercise, mostly cardio, into her weekly routine. She's lost about 40 pounds. She feels amazing," the source continued, before adding: "Kelly, like many people, can be an emotional eater, so she gained weight during the divorce."
What Has Kelly Clarkson Said About Her Weight Loss In The Past?
She may not have admitted to using Ozempic, but the "Because of You" singer has been quite open about her weight loss over the years. In 2018, she made a significant acknowledgment about her weight loss during her conversation with Extra at the CMT Music Awards, where she looked radiant on the red carpet with her slimmer figure. She divulged that her diet and lifestyle underwent a significant transformation, all thanks to the inspiration drawn from The Plant Paradox, authored by Dr. Steven R. Gundry.
"I literally read this book, and I did it for this autoimmune disease that I had and I had a thyroid issue, and now all my levels are back up," she said at the time. "I'm not on medicine anymore because of this book, it's called The Plant Paradox. It's basically about how we cook our food, non-GMO, no pesticides, eating really organic … Literally, I haven't worked out at all!"
The 'Plant Paradox Diet' is grounded on the notion that lectins, a type of protein found in several common foods, are anti-nutrients that can lead to chronic health issues such as obesity, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammation, according to WebMD. The diet plan associated with this approach involves eliminating foods that contain lectins, including wheat, beans, potatoes, nuts, and dairy.
In 2018, while appearing on the Today Show, the "Since U Been Gone" hitmaker shared details about her dietary routine and also provided a recipe for a more nutritious version of one of her preferred dishes. "It's the same stuff you eat — I just use different ingredients," she dished to co-host Hoda Kotb. "Even like fried chicken – I use cassava flour, tapioca or almond flour, and you use non-hormone chicken. And honestly, I'm going to be real with you: It's really expensive to do."
By following the methods outlined in The Plant Paradox, the mother of two stressed that she successfully shed nearly 40 pounds. During an interview on Today in November 2023, Clarkson delved deeper into her weight loss journey alongside Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Bush.
"I love losing weight, but here's the thing, jeans are so hard when you have a butt and a smaller waist," Clarkson noted while discussing recent challenges she faced when shopping for clothes after shedding pounds.
In 2015, she memorably told People Magazine that her positive mindset, confidence and self-love is boundless and comes from within. "It's like, you're just who you are. We are who we are. Whatever size, and it doesn't mean that we're gonna be that forever," she said while talking about loving herself and her body.
"That's the thing. Sometimes we're more fit. Like, especially me, I'm such a creative person that I yo-yo. So sometimes I'm more fit and I get into kickboxing hardcore. And then sometimes I don't, and I'm like… I'd rather have wine."