Kelly Clarkson recently disclosed that she incorporated medication into her weight loss journey, clarifying that she did not opt for Ozempic, a commonly used diabetes medication known for its weight loss effects.

During a conversation with Whoopi Goldberg on her talk show, "The Kelly Clarkson Show," the Grammy-winning singer discussed her experience with weight loss drugs for the first time on Monday, May 13th.

Goldberg shared her positive experience with a weight-loss medication, prompting Clarkson to share her own decision to explore similar options.

What drug is Kelly Clarkson taking to lose weight?

Clarkson clarified that the medication she is using is not Ozempic, though she did not disclose its specific name.

"Everyone assumes it's Ozempic — but it's not. It's something different," she stated. "But it's a medication that helps in breaking down sugar. Clearly, my body doesn't handle it properly."

She further shared insights into her weight journey, mentioning her heaviest weight at 203 pounds, despite being 5 feet 3 and a half inches tall. Contrary to assumptions, Clarkson emphasized that she didn't feel miserable or depressed at her heaviest.

"People might think, 'Oh, she must have been unhappy or depressed,' but that wasn't the case," she reflected.

Clarkson admitted to initially hesitating about taking the medication, expressing concerns about potential side effects given her existing thyroid issues.

"My doctor had been recommending it for about two years, but I was hesitant because of my thyroid problems," she revealed.

How did Kelly Clarkson lose weight?

In addition to incorporating a weight-loss medication into her routine, Clarkson has implemented lifestyle changes aimed at improving her long-term health.

In January 2024, she attributed her move to New York City as a catalyst for becoming more active. In an exclusive interview with People magazine, Clarkson shared that she has shed pounds due to a newfound dedication to her wellness and increased walking.

While she did not delve into her gym regimen, Clarkson emphasized the physical demands of walking in the bustling city, remarking, "Walking in the city is quite the workout."

Clarkson's decision to relocate her talk show from Los Angeles to New York in 2023 stemmed from her dissatisfaction with life in California. "I was very unhappy in L.A. and had been for several years. I needed a fresh start," she disclosed to People, citing concerns about her mental well-being.

In her new city, Clarkson has embraced various wellness practices, including infrared saunas and cold plunges. "I’m really into infrared saunas right now. And I just got a cold plunge because everybody wore me down," the "Piece By Piece" singer shared.

Regarding her dietary habits, Clarkson opts for a balanced approach. "I eat a healthy mix," she informed People. "I dropped weight because I’ve been listening to my doctor — a couple (of) years I didn’t. And 90% of the time I’m really good at it because a protein diet is good for me anyway. I’m a Texas girl, so I like meat — sorry, vegetarians in the world!"

However, Clarkson doesn't shy away from occasional indulgences. "But I still splurge. The other night I had a frozen yogurt with my daughter, and it was magical," she added. The Grammy winner shares her daughter River Rose, 9, and son Remington, 7, with her ex-husband Brandon Blackstock.

Kelly Clarkson's thyroid and other health issues

Clarkson has been open about her struggles with thyroid and autoimmune issues and her efforts to manage her weight in response to them.

In a 2018 interview with YEPPOST's Hoda Kotb, she shared that she had lost approximately 37 pounds through dietary changes. "I know the industry loves the weight gone, but for me, it wasn't really the weight," Clarkson remarked at the time.

To achieve her weight loss goals, Clarkson adopted a lectin-free diet, as she revealed to Extra. Lectins, proteins that bind carbohydrates, were eliminated from her diet, leading her to avoid foods such as legumes, beans, whole grains, dairy, and certain vegetables.

"I literally read this book, and I did it for this autoimmune disease that I had and I had a thyroid issue, and now all my levels are back up," she explained during the interview. "Literally, I haven't worked out at all."

During an episode of her talk show in January 2024, Clarkson disclosed that she had been diagnosed with prediabetes.

"I wasn't shocked," she acknowledged. "I was a tiny bit overweight. ... They were like, 'You're prediabetic. You're right on the borderline.' And I was like, 'But I'm not there yet.'"

Prediabetes indicates that blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet in the range for Type 2 diabetes, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Clarkson's decision to make lifestyle changes, including exercise and a healthy diet, reflects an effort to mitigate the risk of progressing to Type 2 diabetes.

Kelly Clarkson's weight struggles

Throughout her career in Hollywood, the "American Idol" alum has faced considerable scrutiny regarding her body size.

In a 2020 interview with Glamour UK, she revealed that being thin doesn't necessarily translate to increased confidence. Clarkson shared that she landed her coaching role on "The Voice" after gaining weight, highlighting that her weight was not a factor in securing the opportunity.

"I got on the No. 1 television show at my heaviest point because it was right after I had kids, and it was like they didn't care," Clarkson disclosed. "Paul (Telegdy, chairman of NBC Entertainment) hired me from NBC because he loved my personality, he loved that I connect with people and I'm really raw and real. It had nothing to do with my sex appeal or my look aesthetically. It had to do with me as a person. I think it's really up to artists to force people to have that mentality."

Clarkson and YEPPOST's Jenna Bush Hager found common ground over struggles with weight during an episode of "The Kelly Clarkson Show" in November 2023.

During their conversation, Clarkson shared a photo of Jenna and her sister, Barbara Pierce Bush, dressed identically as children.

"Those drop waist things were popular," Jenna commented on their outfits. Clarkson then humorously remarked, "Which is not good for girls with curves later on."

Jenna acknowledged that she and Barbara "were chubby" as children, with Barbara adding, "Well, there was a stage."

Clarkson playfully gave Jenna a high-five, quipping, "I've had many stages."