It’s 11:00 a.m. on a beautiful Monday when Lizzo and I dive into an intense circuit-training session at her stunning mid-century modern home in Los Angeles. “Let’s get it!” she exclaims, with Beyoncé’s Renaissance providing the perfect soundtrack as she powers through her third set of lateral step-overs while I tackle bench dips. The gym is a true fitness and recovery sanctuary, equipped with a Peloton Tread, StairMaster, Power Plate whole-body vibration platform, a non-impact Arc Trainer, and an infrared sauna. A large window reveals a lush green view, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.
Dressed in a cropped green nylon hoodie and flare leggings from her own shapewear brand, Yitty, Lizzo attacks her workout with fervor, singing along to Beyoncé. You’d never guess that just moments before, she felt run down and out of sorts. Yet, instead of allowing those feelings to hinder her, she draws inspiration from her love for movement. “I’ve never regretted a workout,” the 37-year-old singer shares, sipping water between reps. “I work out primarily for my mental health. Exercise is the best mood enhancer.” Her trainer, Marvin Telp, with whom she has been training for under a year, notes her focus and determination even during challenging times.
Lizzo’s journey to global stardom is marked by her unwavering ambition and a powerful message of confidence. Born Melissa Jefferson in Houston, Texas, she transitioned from performing with girl groups to achieving monumental success, including her hit song “Truth Hurts,” which became the longest-running number one single by a solo female rap artist. In 2023, she made history by becoming the first Black woman since 1994 to win the Grammy Record of the Year for her double-platinum track “About Damn Time.” But beyond her commercial success, Lizzo is a beacon of empowerment and body positivity, challenging beauty standards and promoting self-love.
“I’m not a snack at all," she boldly declares in her song “Juice.” “Look, baby, I’m the whole damn meal.” However, her journey hasn’t been without challenges. In the summer of 2023, Lizzo faced legal issues when three former backup dancers accused her of sexual harassment and weight shaming. This was followed by another lawsuit from a wardrobe stylist claiming harassment by Lizzo’s team. As accusations surfaced, she found herself grappling with the harsh realities of cancel culture.
Although Lizzo has denied the allegations, the court cases remain active. Amidst this tumult, she is also navigating the shifting tides of public opinion, questioning the double standards faced by women, particularly Black women. Throughout her career, Lizzo has faced criticism related to her size and race, but the weight of the recent accusations hit harder than before. “You start to wonder if every experience and relationship you’ve had was real,” she reflects. Feeling paranoid and isolated, she withdrew from her social circles and even distanced herself from her therapist, losing touch with her true self.
On her darkest days, Lizzo admits to feeling exhausted and contemplating her worth. “There were moments when I thought, ‘If everyone hates you, what’s the point of living?’” she confides. However, attending Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour became a turning point. Instead of facing hostility, she was met with overwhelming support from fans, reigniting her zest for life. “That experience reminded me that life is worth living,” she says, which spurred her to reclaim her life and mental health.
Lizzo’s journey to healing began with detaching from social media. She handed over her accounts to her team and stopped reading negative comments. “I realized my self-worth was tied to external validation,” she explains. “If my worth is based on others’ opinions, I’m in trouble.” This realization prompted her to engage in a series of self-care practices, including therapy sessions, gentle Pilates workouts, detoxing, and meditation.
She also hosted spiritual retreats and gathered friends for relaxation and bonding. Lizzo faced ongoing back pain, a consequence of weight-related strain, which motivated her to adopt a more intentional approach to her fitness and health. Her new routine included regular weigh-ins and setting achievable goals, such as aiming for a healthy weight while embracing her body’s natural changes.
In her quest for a balanced lifestyle, Lizzo shifted her diet from a vegan approach that had previously left her feeling bloated to a more nutrient-rich regimen focused on protein and vegetables. Breakfast now features scrambled eggs with chicken sausage and cauliflower hash browns, while lunches include shredded Thai chicken salads. For dinner, she opts for turkey meatloaf and cauliflower mashed potatoes, ensuring she eats early to manage her GERD symptoms. “There’s a balance,” she emphasizes, highlighting the importance of enjoying food without guilt.
Lizzo has also overcome struggles with disordered eating, learning to find joy in moderation. “I used to binge eat in secret, feeling ashamed afterward,” she reveals. “Now, I’ve developed a sustainable lifestyle that allows for indulgence without guilt.” Her journey to self-acceptance has enabled her to surpass her health goals, alleviating her back pain and gaining newfound confidence.
On a transformative trip to Bali in August 2024, Lizzo encountered a Tibetan monk who reminded her to prioritize self-trust. “You need to believe you are incredible,” he advised. This encounter solidified her resolve to embrace her evolving identity. “I’m protective but not guarded; I don’t let public opinion dictate my sense of self,” she asserts.
Reflecting on her body positivity message, Lizzo acknowledges the complexities of public perception. “When I said I loved myself back in 2016, it was met with backlash,” she recalls. Today, she confidently navigates comments about her changing body, asserting, “It’s okay to release weight; I did it for my health.” This intentional framing underscores her transformative approach to wellness.
Despite facing inquiries about weight-loss methods like Ozempic, Lizzo maintains pride in her journey, emphasizing her autonomy in making health decisions. She believes that regardless of how her body changes, her self-worth remains intact. “Body positivity is about existing proudly in a society that tries to dictate otherwise,” she explains.
Lizzo's newfound confidence spills into her music, particularly in her upcoming album, Love in Real Life, which explores themes of connection and personal growth. “This time, I’m sharing the process of how I arrived at feeling good,” she states, addressing topics like grief and betrayal that resonate with many. With a blend of powerful ballads and upbeat tracks, the album is a celebration of resilience and self-discovery.
As Lizzo continues to embrace her identity and shape her narrative, she stands empowered, ready to face whatever comes next. “I’m proud of who I’ve become,” she reflects. “I’ve turned my experiences into growth, and for the first time, I’m not just navigating life—I’m reshaping it on my own terms.”
