For many, the name Mariah Carey is synonymous with extraordinary vocal range, glamorous performances, and chart-topping hits. But behind her public persona, the legendary singer has faced her own personal battles, including her health and fitness. Mariah’s weight loss journey, especially her transformation from 220 pounds to 150 pounds, has been nothing short of inspiring.
In 2025, Mariah Carey made waves when photos surfaced showing a slimmer, more toned version of herself, leaving fans in awe of her incredible weight loss. The diva, known for her larger-than-life stage presence, shocked fans and critics alike with a transformation that was more than just about numbers on the scale. It was a shift in her lifestyle, a reclaiming of control, and a rediscovery of her physical and emotional well-being.
But how exactly did she shed 70 pounds? What sparked this dramatic change? Was it simply a case of diet and exercise, or was there something more profound at play? Let’s take a deeper look into Mariah’s weight loss journey, uncover the driving factors behind her transformation, and explore the emotional evolution she underwent along the way.
The Turning Point: A Personal Decision to Transform
Mariah’s decision to lose weight wasn’t made on a whim. In fact, the singer has been open about the struggles she faced with her weight throughout her career. For years, Mariah’s weight fluctuated, largely due to the emotional toll of balancing fame, family, and personal challenges. In an interview with E! News in 2016, she revealed, “It’s really hard. My diet, you would hate it. All you eat is Norwegian salmon and capers every day.”
This glimpse into her diet paints a picture of the intensity and commitment required to make lasting changes. But it wasn’t just about food; the emotional and psychological journey played a critical role. For someone who had always been in the spotlight, Mariah’s weight loss was not just a physical transformation but an emotional breakthrough.
The Role of Diet: A High-Protein, Low-Carb Approach
Like many who embark on a weight loss journey, Mariah’s diet played a pivotal role in her transformation. She adopted a high-protein, low-carb regimen that helped her shed the pounds in a sustainable and healthy way. Norwegian salmon, a favorite food of hers, became a regular part of her meals, along with capers, veggies, and other low-calorie foods that kept her energized without depriving her of essential nutrients.
Mariah’s diet wasn’t about deprivation; it was about balance. “I’m not trying to starve myself. I’m just trying to make better choices,” she shared in one of her interviews. In addition to her daily meals, she kept herself hydrated and paid close attention to portion control, ensuring that she stayed on track without overindulging.
The Influence of Physical Activity
While Mariah’s diet was the foundation of her weight loss, exercise played an equally important role. In fact, Mariah was dedicated to mixing strength training with cardio, which helped her build lean muscle while increasing her metabolism. Her exercise routine was centered around staying active and consistent, rather than pushing herself to extreme limits.
“I started feeling so much better physically. I have so much more energy now,” Mariah remarked in one interview. The added physical activity not only helped her achieve her weight loss goal, but it also boosted her confidence and mental health.
The Gastric Sleeve Surgery: A Key Turning Point
In 2017, Mariah made a significant decision: she underwent gastric sleeve surgery, a procedure that shrinks the stomach and limits food intake. While the surgery was a factor in her weight loss, it was far from the only one. Mariah has always been vocal about her decision to undergo the procedure, citing her struggles with emotional eating and the challenges of staying active while juggling her responsibilities as a mother and a global superstar.
However, it’s important to note that the surgery was part of a larger lifestyle shift that included healthier eating habits, exercise, and improved mental wellness. As Mariah herself has said, “It was an emotional decision to do something for myself, to regain control.”
The Mental and Emotional Shift: A Journey of Empowerment
For Mariah, weight loss wasn’t just about fitting into a smaller dress size. It was about regaining control over her life and her body, especially after experiencing the pressures of fame and motherhood. As she shared in an emotional interview, “I had to get to a place where I realized my worth wasn’t just in how I looked. But it was time to get healthy for me, for my family, and for my fans.”
Her weight loss journey wasn’t without its challenges, but it was these very challenges that fueled her drive. The emotional resilience Mariah displayed is a testament to her personal growth. It wasn’t just about her body changing; it was her mindset, her sense of self-worth, and her understanding of what it means to take care of oneself.
Overcoming the Struggles: The Path to a New Mariah
It’s easy to assume that Mariah Carey’s weight loss was a linear process, but as with many transformations, it was full of setbacks, growth, and victories. “There were moments where I didn’t think I could do it. But I pushed through,” Mariah admitted. It was in those tough moments that she realized the importance of mental health in her journey. Emotional well-being was just as essential as physical health, and she learned to manage both with more grace and patience.
Through it all, Mariah’s sense of humor and her candidness about her struggles resonated with fans. She openly discussed how her weight loss journey had affected her personal relationships, and how she felt more comfortable in her own skin. “I want to be healthy and feel good about myself, inside and out,” she said.
The Impact on Mariah’s Career and Public Image
As the world watched her transformation, Mariah became a beacon of empowerment for others. Her weight loss wasn’t just about meeting societal standards of beauty; it was about embracing who she truly was. It sent a powerful message to her fans, particularly those who admired her for more than just her music.
Mariah’s career continued to thrive as she embraced her new look and sense of self. Her body transformation didn’t define her, but it became a symbol of her resilience. With each performance, Mariah exuded more confidence, knowing that she had overcome personal challenges and come out stronger on the other side.
Embracing Self-Love and Confidence
Mariah Carey’s weight loss journey is a story of perseverance, self-love, and empowerment. It’s a tale of a woman who, despite the pressures of fame, found the courage to prioritize her health and well-being. Through her dedication to diet, exercise, and emotional wellness, Mariah has become a shining example of how to achieve lasting change without compromising one’s identity.
For fans and those on their own weight loss journeys, Mariah’s story serves as a reminder that true beauty and strength come from within. Whether through shedding pounds, gaining confidence, or learning to love oneself, Mariah Carey’s transformation continues to inspire and motivate others to take control of their health — body, mind, and soul.
FAQs About Mariah Carey’s Weight Loss Journey
1. How much weight did Mariah Carey lose?
Mariah Carey reportedly lost 70 pounds, dropping from 220 pounds to a much healthier 150 pounds, thanks to a combination of diet, exercise, and gastric sleeve surgery.
2. What type of diet did Mariah Carey follow for her weight loss?
Mariah adopted a high-protein, low-carb diet, which included meals like Norwegian salmon, capers, and vegetables. She focused on portion control and hydration.
3. Did Mariah Carey undergo any surgery for weight loss?
Yes, Mariah Carey underwent gastric sleeve surgery in 2017, which played a role in her weight loss. However, she also made significant lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise.
4. How did Mariah Carey stay motivated during her weight loss journey?
Mariah’s motivation came from within. She focused on her emotional well-being, knowing that her transformation was not just physical, but also about reclaiming her sense of self-worth and confidence.
5. How did Mariah Carey’s weight loss affect her career?
Mariah’s weight loss didn’t just transform her body; it also boosted her confidence and public image, allowing her to continue inspiring fans and thriving in her career.
