Over the years, Melissa McCarthy has grown accustomed to public scrutiny regarding her fluctuating weight. However, this attention no longer affects her as it once did. As she shared with People in 2023, Melissa McCarthy has embraced a sense of self-assurance and is comfortable in her own skin.
“Somewhere in my 30s, I realized, ‘I’m okay with who I am.’ If others weren’t satisfied with that, I learned to be fine with it too,” she said. “Not everyone is going to like you, and that’s a hard but valuable lesson.”
Throughout the past decade, McCarthy has been open about her journey toward body positivity, often offering insights on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while prioritizing personal well-being over societal expectations. Here are some key takeaways she has shared:
Melissa McCarthy Abandoned Extreme Dieting
Melissa McCarthy has experienced firsthand the pitfalls of extreme diets. In 2011, she recounted a liquid diet she followed in 2003, during her time on Gilmore Girls. Consuming only 500 calories a day, she lost 70 pounds in just four months. However, McCarthy admitted, “I’d never do that again. I felt starved and unbalanced most of the time.”
No Pressure for Rapid Weight Loss
Contrary to the quick fixes that pervade Hollywood, Melissa McCarthy opted for a more gradual approach to weight loss, achieving results over five years. In a 2018 interview on Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM, she explained, “What’s the rush? I wanted to take my time, destress, and let the process unfold naturally. It was more sustainable that way.”
McCarthy compared extreme dieting to holding one’s breath for too long, a method that inevitably leads to failure. “Instead of forcing myself into rigid routines, I allowed myself to relax and focus on feeling better,” she said.
Embracing Weight Fluctuation
In 2016, Melissa McCarthy acknowledged that her weight has fluctuated over the years but noted that it’s not a central focus for her. “I’ve lost weight, but it will likely fluctuate throughout my life,” she told Refinery29. She expressed frustration that weight seemed to be the primary interest in her transformation, saying, “If that’s the most interesting thing about me, I need to go live on a lavender farm.”
Moderation is Key
For McCarthy, balance is essential to a healthy lifestyle. While she strives to eat well, she recognizes the importance of treating oneself occasionally. “I could eat healthier and drink less, but I also think life is too short to be rigid about it,” she told Rolling Stone in 2017.
This attitude extends to her parenting. “I want to show my daughters how to be healthy,” she explained, adding that while she emphasizes nutritious meals, indulging occasionally is fine.
She Enjoys Varied Workouts
In 2011, McCarthy revealed to People that she enjoys keeping her workouts fun by exploring different activities, including Piloxing—a mix of Pilates and boxing—and tennis.
Letting Go of Weight Obsession
Reflecting on her past, McCarthy realized she spent too much time worrying about her body. “I thought I struggled with my weight in high school, but when I look back, I was incredibly active and healthy,” she said in a 2013 interview with More magazine.
Now, she focuses on self-acceptance. “I feel sexiest when I’m comfortable and true to myself, flaws and all,” McCarthy said in 2016.
Encouraging Her Daughters to Embrace Their Bodies
McCarthy is determined to instill confidence in her daughters, encouraging them to embrace their own body types. “There’s a harmful epidemic in this country where girls and women feel inadequate based on unrealistic ideals,” she told Redbook in 2016. “My message is simple: as long as you’re healthy, enjoy and embrace who you are.”
Avoiding Comparisons
Melissa McCarthy rejects the notion that women should constantly compare their bodies to one another. “With women, there’s this cultural pressure to compete over appearance,” she said. “Why can’t everyone win? Life would be incredibly dull if we all looked the same.”
A Work in Progress
Melissa McCarthy is candid about her journey. In a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, she reflected on a time when she gained 25 pounds after moving to Los Angeles. Now, she approaches life with a sense of gratitude and perspective. “I have two wonderful children and the most supportive husband, and everything else is just a work in progress,” she told US Weekly.
Through her openness and self-acceptance, McCarthy has become a champion of body positivity, inspiring others to find comfort and confidence in their own journeys.
