Kelly Clarkson, the talented singer behind “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” and “Since U Been Gone,” has rocked the music industry—and the headlines—because if there’s one thing Clarkson has done, it’s change her life. The talk? Her diet and weight loss.

Clarkson’s weight loss journey is unlike what others might consider a ‘crash diet’ (think Taylor Swift’s latest “bikini body” post or Jennifer Hudson’s weight loss transformation, but with an intentional will to change). Clarkson created a true lifestyle change from a plant-based diet, exercise, weight loss medication, and a mindset of self-love and sustainability.

In this article, we will get into what Kelly Clarkson actually did to lose weight, how she was able to maintain it, and even what you can take away from Kelly Clarkson’s journey, with real take-home bits you can use today.

The Beginning: Kelly Clarkson’s Plant-Based Diet

What did she eat?

Clarkson chose a ‘plant-forward’ diet that offers whole-food, unprocessed foods. Think vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds and healthy fats.

“I am not on some stupid diet. I just started eating real food, and stopped putting crap in my body,” Kelly told Extra TV.

Clarkson focused on:

Whole food (vegetables, fruits, grains)

Lean proteins (for plants, and occasionally fish)

Healthy fats (like avocado and olive oil)

No refined carbs or sugary beverages

A very minimal amount of processed foods and snacks

Real-World Example: What Kelly’s Plate Looks Like

Breakfast: Green smoothie made up of kale, banana, chia seeds, and almond milk

Lunch: Quinoa bowl with roasted veggies and tahini dressing

Dinner: Protein source (fish or plant-based) with sautéed greens

Snack: Nuts, berries or hummus and cucumber slices

Did She Use Weight Loss Medication?

Yes, and she has been transparent about it.

In 2024, Kelly admitted to using a weight loss medication that was prescribed by her doctor—possibly GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Ozempic or Mounjaro) that are trending for weight loss support.

Movement Matters: Kelly’s Movement

Although Clarkson never stated she was a person who loved to work out, she found easy ways to move and enjoy it while it complemented her busy life with low maintenance.

Walking daily (low impact, but daily)

Strength training (a couple of times a week)

Dancing/movement (for fun and variety)

Regardless of whether they gained muscle mass or not, her goal for fitness was more mental than physical when she became routine, simply to feel strong, healthy, and confident.

Stats & Facts That Make You Go Hmm

The CDC says that over 70% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese.

In a Harvard study, the incidence of cardiovascular disease dropped by 32% among participants who consumed plant-based diets.

Participants using these GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, have demonstrated greater than 15% body weight loss long-term.

Mindset Shift: Kelly in a Health Focus, Not Slim Focus

At Kelly’s phase of transformation, she decided to redefine WHO she was physically, as well as her frame of mind.

She started to prioritize:

Listening to her body’s hunger signals and satiety

Discarding the diet mentality

Body neutrality and body acceptance

Not fixating on the scale

Step-by-Step Process: How You Can Fill in Kelly’s Diet Style

Step 1: Start with Small Food Swaps

filtered or infused water or herbal tea instead of soda

sprouted grain bread instead of white bread

almonds instead of chips

Step 2: Add More Plants

Each meal should include 2 servings of vegetables

Make it a goal to try “Meatless Mondays” to transition into plant-based meals

Step 3: Move Your Body Your Way

Walk daily for 20-30 minutes

Add strength or body-weight exercise twice a week, either at home or elsewhere

Step 4: Speak to Your Doctor

If you’re considering using some kind of medication like Kelly employed, get an evaluation to obtain your doctor’s recommendations

Inquire about working with meta, hormonal, and relevant potential underlying health issues

Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Be Famous to Be Fit

Kelly Clarkson’s story is authentic, relatable, and emphasizes balance—she did not rely on starvation diets or extreme exercise; she used whole foods, simple movements, and a lot of self-awareness.

FAQs

1. What did Kelly Clarkson eat to start losing weight?

She drank whole foods and a mostly plant-based diet—almost all processed food and sugars were gone, and she focused on whole veggies, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains.

2. Did Kelly Clarkson take Ozempic?

She did not confirm the exact name but did mention she was taking a weight loss medication prescribed to her by her doctor.

3. Is this diet safe for beginners?

Yes. It emphasizes real food that is nutrient-dense, and therefore is a good place to start for anyone who is making lifestyle changes toward a healthier way of living. Just make sure to check with your doctor first.

4. How much weight did Kelly Clarkson lose?

She did not confirm exact numbers but many estimates say that she lost in the 40-50 pounds range.

5. Can I start her plan even if I don’t take medication?

Yes! Her eating and exercise behaviors are effective for most people on their own, without weight loss medications.

6. Is Kelly Clarkson’s weight loss sustainable?

Yes, it is based on lifestyle changes and not quick fixes or restrictive diets.