Mariah Carey’s weight loss journey is an inspiring story of how public figures, especially women in the entertainment industry, often face undue scrutiny about their bodies. With age and motherhood, it’s natural for a woman’s body to change.
However, celebrities may feel the added pressure to stay “ageless” and maintain certain standards. Mariah Carey’s transformation demonstrates the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, focusing on exercise and diet. Let’s take a closer look at how she achieved her remarkable weight loss.
Who Is Mariah Carey?
Mariah Carey is a renowned American singer, songwriter, and actress, best known for her extraordinary vocal range and iconic hits. Rising to fame in the early 1990s with tracks like “Emotions,” “Fantasy,” and “Always Be My Baby,” Carey became a household name.
Her success continued into the 2000s with even more memorable hits, including “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “Shake It Off,” and “Obsessed.”
With over 200 million records sold worldwide, Carey is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She was also ranked as the fifth greatest singer of all time by Rolling Stone in 2023. Her impact on both pop and hip-hop music is significant, having contributed to remixes that shaped the music industry during the 2000s.
Mariah Carey’s Weight Loss Plan
After giving birth to twins, Moroccan and Monroe, in 2011, Mariah Carey worked hard to regain her pre-pregnancy weight. She often attributes her weight loss to a combination of improved diet and regular exercise.
In the early stages of postpartum recovery, Carey lost 40 pounds of water weight, which is common for many women after childbirth. Studies, such as one from the National Library of Medicine, show that this water weight loss can continue for up to six months after pregnancy.
Carey reported losing an additional 30 pounds following her initial weight loss, eventually reaching a healthier weight that allowed her to regain her slim figure.
Mariah Carey’s Weight Loss Diet
Carey’s diet is one of the main factors behind her weight loss success. She revealed that her meals primarily consist of lean protein sources such as salmon, chicken broth, and capers.
Both salmon and chicken are excellent sources of lean protein, which helps promote satiety and support weight loss by reducing hunger. Capers are not only flavorful but also packed with antioxidants that support digestive health and combat metabolic diseases.
Additionally, Carey incorporated whole, clean foods into her diet, increasing her vegetable intake while cutting out refined carbohydrates, like bread. She has also significantly reduced processed sugars and eliminated chocolate and sugary desserts, replacing them with fresh fruits such as blueberries and mangoes.
Research, including a study from the Polish Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences, supports the idea that refined sugars are closely linked to weight gain, making it crucial to minimize their consumption.
Mariah Carey also followed the Jenny Craig diet program, which helped her stay on track. The plan consists of low-calorie, pre-packaged meals and one-on-one consultation services. Carey adhered to a 1,500-calorie per day regimen, which contributed to her overall weight loss.
Mariah Carey’s Exercise Routine
While diet played a significant role in Carey’s weight loss, exercise was also important. Post-pregnancy, she began incorporating light activities like long walks, including on a treadmill.
Gradually, she increased the intensity and began committing to regular exercise, working out three times a week. Her routine included aerobic exercises, cardio, and resistance training, typically lasting 60 to 90 minutes per session.
Despite her dislike of traditional gym workouts, Carey found joy in water aerobics, a low-intensity yet effective exercise for improving strength, stabilizing blood pressure, and aiding in weight loss. Aquatic workouts are a great way to stay active without putting too much strain on the body.
Did Mariah Carey Undergo Weight Loss Surgery?
In 2017, Mariah Carey underwent gastric sleeve surgery, a procedure that shrinks the stomach, helping patients consume less food.
She decided to pursue surgery after realizing how her weight was affecting her stamina, particularly during her tour with Lionel Richie. Following the procedure, Carey lost an additional 30 pounds, contributing to her weight loss transformation.
The Ozempic Rumor
Many fans have speculated that Mariah Carey used Ozempic, a semaglutide drug commonly prescribed for type-2 diabetes that also aids in weight loss.
However, Carey has never confirmed using Ozempic or any similar medication. She has consistently attributed her weight loss to a combination of dedicated exercise and following the Jenny Craig diet program.
Given her well-structured diet and exercise regimen, it seems unlikely that Carey’s weight loss was due to a drug like Ozempic.
However, her journey underscores the importance of a balanced diet and the role of regular exercise in achieving sustainable weight loss.
Mariah Carey’s weight loss journey showcases the power of a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, consistent exercise, and sometimes medical intervention, such as gastric sleeve surgery.
By focusing on whole foods, cutting out processed sugars, and staying active with enjoyable exercises like water aerobics, Carey has managed to regain her slim figure while maintaining her overall health. Her story highlights the importance of embracing a personalized, sustainable approach to weight loss.
FAQs
How did Mariah Carey lose weight after having twins?
Mariah Carey lost weight by adopting a high-protein, low-carb diet, focusing on lean proteins like salmon and chicken, while increasing her vegetable intake and cutting refined sugars. She also followed the Jenny Craig diet and incorporated regular exercise.
Did Mariah Carey undergo weight loss surgery?
Yes, Mariah Carey underwent gastric sleeve surgery in 2017, which helped her lose an additional 30 pounds, contributing to her overall weight loss journey.
Did Mariah Carey use Ozempic for weight loss?
No, Mariah Carey has never confirmed using Ozempic or any similar drug for weight loss. She credits her transformation to a combination of exercise and a balanced diet.