When Rebel Wilson proclaimed 2020 as her “Year of Health”, she was most definitely not kidding. Best known for her comedic roles and bombastic personality, Rebel shocked fans and inspired millions when she lost almost 80 pounds (losing approximately 240 pounds by 2022). But her transformation was about much more than a number on the scale; it was release, strength, and a total mindset shift.
In this post, we will review Rebel Wilson’s weight loss journey step-by-step, uncover what methods she used (diet, activity, emotional work, and even medication(s) like Ozempic), and collect some takeaways for beginning weight-loss seekers in the U.S.
Who is Rebel Wilson?
Before we get into her health journey I want to take a brief overview of the star behind the headlines.
Name: Rebel Wilson
Titles: Actress, comedian, writer, and producer
Notable Movie Roles: The Pitch Perfect trilogy, Bridesmaids, and Isn’t It Romantic
Health Achievement: 80 pounds loss by 2022
Rebel never had a problem loving her body, and never let societal expectations tell her if she was worth it or not; but health issues, a desire for long-term prevention, and the unfortunate reality of mortality all led to a more serious commitment to updating her lifestyle choices.
Why She Chose to Lose Weight
Rebel shared that her emotional eating habits and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) presented weight loss issues.
She found that her focus on getting healthy was more than just looking a certain way – it was about feeling better, mentally and physically.
The Year of Health: Where it Happened
In 2020, Rebel announced her “Year of Health.” It wasn’t a New Year’s resolution gimmick; it was a shift in mindset. Here’s how she experienced that shift:
Key Objectives:
Fertility and hormone balancing
Physical fitness and strength
Emotional and mental wellness
Rebel’s Diet: High Protein, Not Low Calorie
She made the biggest shift in her diet to a high-protein avenue, focusing on high-quality nutrients vs counting calories.
Items She Ate:
Eggs
Chicken and fish
Greek yogurt
Vegetables with Protein (spinach, broccoli)
Limit Processed Carbohydrate and sugar items.
She worked with the team at the VivaMayr wellness center in Austria to learn concepts like chewing food slowly, mindful eating, and limiting late-night snacking.
Rebel’s Workout Routine: Walking>Intensity
Rebel was refreshingly honest that intense workouts were not her thing.
“The best exercise was walking – just walking
Rebel’s Normal Fitness Routine
Daily walking (45-60 min)
Strength training 3-4 times per week
Low-impact activities like swimming or resistance bands
She was guided by Jono Castano, who wanted her to keep up the consistency, not the intensity.
Medical Support: Did Rebel Use Ozempic?
Rebel admitted to trying Ozempic, the controversial type 2 diabetic medication now known to help with weight loss.
This honesty started conversations about safely and responsibly using medications under the supervision of a medical professional.
Emotional Healing and Therapy
Possibly the underrated aspect of Rebel’s transformation was her emotional labour.
Rebel cites therapy, journaling, and mindfulness as essential components of her journey — they were the tools and techniques to break the cycle of emotional eating and create long-lasting habits.
Rebel’s Weight Loss Wasn’t Linear — And That’s Okay
Rebel has been vocal about gaining back a few pounds (especially after having her daughter through a surrogate), but she’s not trying to be perfect she is trying to be balanced and healthy.
“It’s not about being skinny; it’s about being the healthiest version of yourself.”
What Can You Learn from Rebel’s Journey
Here are some take-home tips from Rebel’s weight loss journey for the beginners trying to embark on their own health journey:
Quick Hints:
Don’t crash diet — focus on a long-term approach
Walking daily may be just as effective as going to the gym for an hour a day.
Focus on whole foods and protein.
Addressing emotional eating issues should involve self-care and perhaps can be treated through therapy.
There’s no shame in seeking medical help if the situation calls for it.
Progress > Perfection
The Numbers That Matter
80 lbs lost in about 2 years
Daily walking for 45-60 minutes
Targeting ~160 g of protein per day consistently through meals
Over 9.4M IG followers were inspired by her openness in her journey
Final Thoughts: Be Inspired, Not Stressed
Rebel Wilson’s journey isn’t about a number on a scale, it’s about self-love, health, and grit. Whether you are starting your journey or you have been going after it for a while, Rebel represents that change takes time, love, and commitment.
FAQs
Q1: Did Rebel Wilson undergo weight loss surgery?
No. Rebel lost weight by eating healthy, exercising, working on her mental health, and sometimes taking medication like Ozempic.
Q2: What is the VivaMayr method she followed?
This is a holistic wellness approach that focuses on gut health, mindful eating, and detoxification, which originated in Austria.
Q3: How long did it take Rebel to lose 80 lbs?
Approximately 18 – 24 months starting in early 2020, and reaching her original goal of 80 lbs lost approximately late 2021 or early 2022.
Q4: Is Ozempic safe for weight loss?
It can work, but should only be taken with consent from your doctor, especially if you are not a diabetic.
Q5: Does Rebel still maintain her weight loss?
She has had some fluctuations but is focused on health and not a number on the scale.
Q6: What is her message to fans?
“Love yourself at every size. Just do what’s best for you for your health and happiness.”
Q7: Can someone just starting to work out follow her routine?
Of course. Start out with walking every day, adding more protein into your daily diet, and addressing your emotions – no fancy gym required.
