Weight loss and weight gain seems to be a consistent problem in the USA. With so much focus on diet fads and weight loss programs, it can be tough to know what’s right for you and your body. These celebrities have done it all with their weight: kept it off, then put it back on.
Kirstie Alley
Who can forget our favorite lady from “Cheers” during the early ’90’s? Kirstie Alley became a spokeswoman for Jenny Craig from 2005 to 2008, when she was almost 228 pounds. Before that, she would constantly go up and down with her weight. Her stint on “Dancing With The Stars ” in 2011 has kept her in shape and even starting a weight loss campaign. “Cheers” to that!!
Oprah Winfrey
One of the most notorious yo-yo dieters out there, Oprah Winfrey has gone up and down since her TV career began in 1986. On her hit talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” she famously showed off her new figure in 1988 while pulling a red wagon of fat showing the equivalent of 67 pounds of fat she lost. Since then, we have seen her chronicle her weight loss/gain journey on TV and in articles where she has stated she has a problem with “binge eating.”
Sherri Shepherd
The past few years have been a whirlwind for actress and comedienne Sherri Shepherd. Not only DID she lose 41 pounds in 2009, but she had a hit sitcom on Lifetime entitled “Sherri,” an Emmy for her hosting gig on “The View,” married her boyfriend, Lamar Sally, in August of 2011 and had a stint on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars” in 2012. Like Kirstie, she has gone up and down with weight and size, but does her best to maintain it along with her diabetes by exercising and eating properly. Keep up the great work, Sherri!
Ruben Studdard
Since American Idol, Ruben Studdard, aka The “Velvet Teddy Bear” has seen his share of difficult circumstances to contribute to his on again-off again weight journey. Immediately after “Idol,” he weighed over 400 pounds and wanted to change his lifestyle. In between album releases, he ultimately went down to being over 300 pounds by exercising and becoming a vegan and ended up getting married in 2008. The pending divorce has caused emotional stress to where he now resorts to comfort food in the likes of “Southern home cooking. ” We are with you, Ruben; stay strong!
Tracy Morgan
Funnyman Tracy Morgan has graced our TV sets with hit shows such as “30 Rock” and memorable character “Hustle Man” on the FOX hit “Martin.” We also know that while on “Martin,” he was much larger than he’s been in recent years. Being a diabetic and having hypertension, Tracy has to watch his food intake. He was able to lose 10 pounds via Nutri-System and kickboxing as one of his many exercises. He has put on some pounds lately, but he is a strong guy who can take a licking and keeps on ticking!
Jessica Simpson
New mommy Jessica Simpson has done many things in life. She’s had a: successful singing career, a fashionable shoe and clothing line and a thriving empire including accessories, fragrances and swimwear. Another focus on Jessica’s life: her weight. Her weight has yo-yo’ed back and forth prior to her country debut album, “Come On Over” in 2008 because of failed relationships, stress and societal pressures to be skinny. Since having her nine-pound baby, it will only be a matter of time before those pressures kick back up again. Congratulations on the baby, Jessica!
Janet Jackson
We ALL know Ms. Janet is another infamous yo-yo dieter and has had constant struggles with her weight, self-esteem and lifestyle habits, all dating back to when she played Penny on “Good Times.” Her book, “True You” discusses those issues along with offering some recipes for the fans. Every new album was a new image, so getting in shape wasn’t hard; it was staying in shape that has been proven difficult for her. She is the new spokeswoman for Nutri-System and the results, as you can see, have paid off! She was determined to find a way and she has!
Luther Vandross
Last, and certainly not least, there is the magnificent Luther Vandross, who had been scrutinized for his weight losses and gains throughout his illustrious career. Prior to his passing away in 2005, he had released two more albums, 2001’s “Luther Vandross” and 2003’s “Dance With My Father” at a smaller frame than usual. Since his career began, his weight had become comical fodder for many comedians who knew his size would/did consistently fluctuate. He maintained himself as best he could and will always be remembered for his music. R.I.P. to a great artist and man, Luther Vandross.
