Lizzo has a new lease on self-love as she shows off the fruits of her work to get healthier from head to toe, her goal weight "far surpassed" in the process.
The Grammy and Emmy winner, born Melissa Jefferson and turning 38 on April 27, decided it was time to feel better — even though part of her brand was being proud of how she looked exactly as she was. “Body positivity has nothing to do with staying the same,” she told Women's Health last summer. “Body positivity is the radical act of daring to exist loudly and proudly in a society that told you you shouldn’t exist.”
She started exercising for mental health first. “After, I always feel better. I work out for mental health first. Exercise is the best mood enhancer,” Lizzo noted. As she explained in a May 2023 TikTok, “Once I started working out for mental health … so that I don't look at myself in the mirror and feel ashamed of myself … exercise has helped me shift my mind, not my body.”
Her shape inevitably shifted as she got into Pilates and strength-training, along with taking regular walks. “Any stress, any anxiety … I kind of forget about it by the time I'm done walking,” she said in a February 2024 TikTok. Her routine now includes thrice-weekly training sessions, daily cardio, pickleball, hiking, and walking on the beach.
Diet changes also played a role. Lizzo cut out potato chips, sugary Starbucks drinks and soda, and cut down on alcohol ("I earned it!" she joked). After being vegan for years, she added more protein — eggs, tuna, poultry. In April 2025, she shared she was two months sober from alcohol.
But she still allows herself indulgent treats when truly craving them. “It’s a beautiful balance where it’s like, if you allow yourself to have something, you can enjoy it without overindulging and hurting yourself,” she told Women's Health.
Self-care such as daily sauna sessions, holistic body work, wood therapy, and lymphatic massage has also been key.
Lizzo pointed out she was working out long before fame hit with Cuz I Love You in 2019. “I’m working out to have my ideal body type. And you know what type that is? None of your f--king business,” she said in a 2020 TikTok.
However, as her star rose, she became painfully aware of the need for change — and she’s now reaping the benefits.