Health
Kelly Clarkson’s Wellness Journey: Prediabetes Diagnosis to NYC Lifestyle Shift
Kelly Clarkson, the renowned singer and talk show host, has been candid about her journey to a healthier lifestyle and weight loss. Recently, she shared some insights into the changes she’s made for her long-term well-being.
During a January episode of her talk show, Clarkson revealed that she was diagnosed as prediabetic. She shared this news with actor Kevin James, stating, “I wasn’t shocked. I was a tiny bit overweight … But they were like, ‘You’re prediabetic. You’re right on the borderline.’ And I was like, ‘But I’m not there yet.'”
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic. Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent the condition from progressing.
Two years after her diagnosis, Clarkson decided to take action and make changes to her lifestyle. She attributes her move to New York City as a significant factor in her becoming more active. In an interview with People, she shared that her weight loss is a result of taking her wellness more seriously and incorporating more walking into her daily routine.
She said, “Walking in the city is quite the workout.”
In 2023, Clarkson relocated her talk show from Los Angeles to New York. She explained to People, “I was very unhappy in L. A. and had been for several years. I needed a fresh start.” She added that California wasn’t conducive to her mental health.
Now settled in New York, Clarkson has embraced other wellness trends as well. “I’m really into infrared saunas right now. And I just got a cold plunge because everybody wore me down,” she shared.
Regarding her diet, Clarkson maintains a balanced approach. “I eat a healthy mix,” she told People. “I dropped weight because I’ve been listening to my doctor — a couple (of) years I didn’t. And 90% of the time I’m really good at it because a protein diet is good for me anyway. I’m a Texas girl, so I like meat — sorry, vegetarians in the world!”
She also allows herself to indulge occasionally. “The other night I had a frozen yogurt with my daughter, and it was magical,” she added.
In the past, Clarkson has spoken about her weight loss journey in relation to addressing thyroid and autoimmune issues. In 2018, she revealed to TODAY’s Hoda Kotb that she had lost about 37 pounds after changing her diet to manage these health issues.
She said, “I know the industry loves the weight gone, but for me, it wasn’t really the weight.”
Clarkson had followed a lectin-free diet, which involved cutting out legumes, beans, whole grains, dairy, and certain vegetables. “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 shared.
Despite the pressures of Hollywood and the constant commentary about her size, Clarkson has maintained that being thin does not necessarily equate to confidence. She shared with Glamour UK in 2020 that she was offered her coaching role on “The Voice” after gaining some weight.
She said, “Paul (Telegdy, chairman of NBC Entertainment) hired me from NBC because he loved my personality, he loved that I connect with people and I’m really raw and real. It had nothing to do with my sex appeal or my look aesthetically. It had to do with me as a person. I think it’s really up to artists to force people to have that mentality.”
In a recent episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Clarkson and TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager connected over their shared experiences with weight struggles. Clarkson’s journey is a testament to the importance of prioritizing health and wellness, and her story continues to inspire many.
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