8 min read
8 min read

Academy Award winner Kathy Bates has delivered a fierce reply to critics who dismissed her incredible health transformation. The Matlock star recently made headlines when she told critics exactly what she thought about their comments regarding her weight loss journey.
“People say, ‘Well, it was the Ozempic.’ F*** you, it was the Ozempic! It took me years to do this,” Bates declared in her explosive interview with Variety. Her unfiltered response has sparked conversations about celebrity weight loss and public criticism across social media platforms.

Bates revealed that her weight loss began in earnest after receiving a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2017. The actress explained how family history motivated her to take immediate action for her health and wellbeing.
“I got this diagnosis about diabetes — my father died of it; his mother died of it; one of my sisters is in peril,” she shared during the candid interview. Her father had suffered a leg amputation due to complications from the disease, while her sister continues battling serious health issues.

The Misery star emphasized that years of dedicated effort came before any medical intervention. She lost the majority of her weight through lifestyle changes and mindful eating practices over several years.
“When they said ‘diabetes,’ I figured out what to do slowly, over years, to lose the weight,” Bates explained to reporters. She clarified that medication only helped with the final portion of her journey, losing the last fifteen to twenty pounds with medical assistance.

Bates credited her success to developing a mindful relationship with food rather than following restrictive diets. She learned to recognize her body’s natural hunger and fullness signals during the challenging process.
“At some point when you’re eating, you have this involuntary sigh, and that’s really your brain and your stomach communicating that you’ve had enough,” she revealed in interviews. The technique helped her push away plates when satisfied, preventing overeating habits.

The actress described how her physical transformation aligned perfectly with career opportunities. Working on the CBS reboot of Matlock became easier as her stamina and energy levels increased dramatically.
“Health-wise, the show is hard, and it takes a lot of stamina, and I feel up to it every day,” she explained during promotional interviews. She contrasted this with her previous experience filming Harry’s Law, when she had to sit down constantly due to physical limitations.

Bates opened up about the surprising emotional aspects of her transformation. The actress admitted to breaking down in tears when trying on clothes that actually fit her new body size.
“I looked at it on the hanger, and I thought, ‘That’s not gonna fit.’ I put it on, and it fit, and I just melted down,” she shared about a recent styling session. The experience forced her to confront deep questions about what her previous weight had represented emotionally.

The actress has survived multiple serious health challenges throughout her life. She battled ovarian cancer in 2003 and breast cancer in 2012, experiences that likely influenced her approach to the diabetes diagnosis.
Her cancer survivorship background provided perspective on the importance of proactive health management. Having faced life-threatening illnesses twice, Bates understood the critical nature of addressing her diabetes diagnosis quickly and effectively.

Bates candidly discussed how she previously used food to cope with difficult emotions. She revealed that fear and low self-esteem had driven unhealthy eating patterns for years before her transformation.
“I ate because I was afraid, and I ate because it was a FU to my self-esteem,” she admitted in her honest reflection. Her journey involved learning to separate emotional triggers from actual hunger signals.

The actress has received significant recognition for her work on Matlock alongside her health journey. She won a Critics’ Choice Award for her performance in the legal drama series.
Her Emmy nomination for Matlock represented another career milestone during this transformative period. The timing of professional success with personal health achievements created what she called an almost miraculous coincidence.

Bates described dramatic improvements in her daily physical abilities. Simple activities like walking and moving around became significantly easier as she shed the weight.
“I feel like a different woman, I really do,” she said during a morning show appearance. She went from wearing size 3X clothing to fitting into size ten outfits, a change that amazed her daily.

The actress took advantage of the global pandemic to concentrate intensively on her health transformation. The slower pace of life during lockdowns allowed her to develop sustainable eating and exercise habits.
“This was hard work for me, especially during the pandemic. It’s very hard to say you’ve had enough,” she acknowledged about the challenging process. The period of reduced social obligations created space for establishing new routines.

While not describing herself as a fitness enthusiast, Bates incorporated regular movement into her lifestyle. Walking became her preferred form of exercise, providing sustainable activity without overwhelming her schedule.
Her approach focused on consistent, manageable physical activity rather than extreme workout routines. This sustainable strategy contributed to her long-term success in maintaining her weight loss.

Bates reported receiving excellent health evaluations following her transformation. Her most recent physical examination showed significant improvements across multiple health markers.
“I just had a physical. I’m doing great,” she told reporters at a health-focused event. The actress emphasized feeling better than she had in years, calling her current state miraculous.

The demands of television production became much more manageable as her physical condition improved. She no longer needs frequent breaks during long filming days.
“I’m ashamed to have put myself through that,” she reflected about her previous physical limitations on set. Her increased energy allows her to fully engage with demanding shooting schedules.

Bates’ direct response to criticism has garnered support from fellow celebrities and fans. Comedian Nikki Glaser defended the actress against online trolls who attacked her transformation.
“You’re upset that Kathy Bates has a thigh gap,” Glaser joked in defense of the actress. The support highlights how Bates’ journey has inspired others facing similar health challenges.

The actress had to completely rebuild her clothing collection as her size changed. Shopping became an entirely different experience as she could choose from regular retail options.
“I went into my costume fittings and I’m wearing a size ten, and it’s so different from being a 3X,” she marveled. The practical aspects of her transformation continue affecting her daily life.
While Kathy Bates claps back at weight loss critics, Dwayne Johnson reveals the real reason behind his own recent weight drop.

Bates expressed feeling like she’s in the best period of her life despite being in her late seventies. Her health improvements have given her optimism about future projects and personal goals.
“I finally feel like I’m who I am. I’ve fought my way through the rapids. I feel this is the best time of my life,” she declared. Her journey serves as inspiration for anyone facing health challenges at any age.
And in another inspiring story, Jelly Roll opens up about his incredible 110-pound weight loss journey.
How do you feel about Kathy’s message to body-shamers? Join the conversation by liking and commenting!
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