Valerie Bertinelli’s weight loss journey is nothing short of inspiring, filled with ups, downs, and real moments that show how personal transformation goes far beyond the numbers on a scale. If you’ve ever struggled with body image or wondered if it’s too late to make a change, Valerie’s story might be just what you need.
“I’m Done Criticizing My Body”
Valerie Bertinelli has been open about her lifelong struggles with weight, admitting that she often let the scale dictate her happiness. In a recent interview, she shared, “There was a time I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror without judgment.” But Valerie’s mindset has shifted significantly, and she’s now advocating for a more compassionate approach to weight loss.
How Did Valerie Bertinelli Lose Weight?
From 2022 to 2024, Valerie has gone through one of the most transformative periods of her life, both physically and emotionally. During that time, she managed to lose over 40 pounds, something that she says wasn’t just about diet and exercise but also about changing her perspective on what health really means.
“I realized that feeling good isn’t just about how much you weigh,” Valerie said, adding that her approach to weight loss became much healthier when she started focusing on her overall well-being. She no longer sees weight as the sole marker of her progress. “I stopped weighing myself,” she revealed in an interview, adding, “It was the best thing I ever did for my mental health.”
Ditching the Scale and Embracing Positivity
One of the pivotal moments in Valerie’s journey was deciding to ditch the scale altogether. The pressure to conform to societal standards, especially being in the public eye, had weighed heavily on her. “At 150 pounds, I was considered overweight,” Valerie stated. The numbers weren’t kind to her mental health, and stepping on the scale every day just made her feel worse.
Instead, she decided to measure success by how she felt physically and mentally. Valerie began focusing on how her clothes fit and how much energy she had to enjoy her life. “I want to feel comfortable in my skin—not just look a certain way for others,” she explained. This change in perspective made a huge difference.
The Role of Ozempic
In early 2024, Valerie shared her experience with Ozempic, a weight loss drug that’s been gaining attention in Hollywood circles. “I tried Ozempic, and it helped me lose 10 pounds in a week,” she said candidly. While this rapid weight loss might sound enticing, Valerie emphasized that she didn’t see the medication as a long-term solution. “It was helpful, but it wasn’t the answer for everything. It’s a tool, not a lifestyle,” she explained. Valerie has been clear that while medications like Ozempic can give a boost, they aren’t the magic bullet many people hope they will be.
Jenny Craig and Beyond
Many fans remember that Valerie was a spokesperson for Jenny Craig back in the late 2000s. “Jenny Craig had the best food,” she said, reminiscing about her experience on the program. It wasn’t just about the food, though. Valerie credits Jenny Craig for helping her learn the basics of portion control and healthy eating. She lost 49 pounds on Jenny Craig and even appeared in a green bikini for People Magazine, a moment she describes as both empowering and terrifying.
In her latest journey, Valerie hasn’t gone back to Jenny Craig, but she has embraced the core principles she learned there: portion control, balanced meals, and the importance of feeling full without overindulging.
“Eat Less, Move More” Doesn’t Work for Everyone
Valerie has become a vocal advocate for breaking away from the old adage of “eat less, move more.” In her words, “It just doesn’t work like that for a lot of people.” She found that while physical activity is an important component of health, it was her relationship with food that needed the most attention. Emotional eating was a significant challenge for her, something she’s tackled through therapy and mindfulness.
She explained, “It wasn’t just about cutting calories—it was about understanding why I overate in the first place.” This meant addressing the stress and emotions that often led to her binge eating. Valerie described it as one of the hardest parts of her weight loss journey but also the most rewarding.
Staying Candid on Social Media
Valerie has also been very open on social media, sharing her weight loss journey in real-time with her followers. In June 2023, she posted a candid photo celebrating her smaller size, captioning it, “So it’s getting about time for me to stop hiding behind baggy clothes and start celebrating this progress.” Fans appreciated her honesty, especially her willingness to share the ups and downs that come with weight loss.
Her posts are not all about the physical changes. Valerie has often shared messages of self-love and acceptance, encouraging her followers to look beyond the superficial aspects of health. “Your body carries you through life—it’s not something to hate,” she once wrote, a sentiment that resonated deeply with many.
Finding Balance: Pasta and Self-Compassion
Interestingly, Valerie hasn’t sworn off her favorite foods, like pasta. In an interview, she laughed and said, “I still eat pasta! I just don’t eat the whole pot anymore.” It’s this kind of balance that has helped her make lasting changes. She also spoke about how important it was to her to stop labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” Instead, she focused on how foods made her feel and what they did for her body.
After her divorce from Tom Vitale, Valerie turned more towards therapy, meditation, and self-care to find peace. “Therapy was crucial for me,” she said, explaining that much of her overeating stemmed from unaddressed emotions. Letting go of body shame and embracing her body as it is has been key to maintaining her progress.
Weight Loss Isn’t the Whole Story
At 63, Valerie Bertinelli isn’t just about losing weight—she’s about gaining health, happiness, and peace. She’s learned that feeling your best isn’t determined by the number on the scale. Whether she’s ditching the scale, speaking openly about her emotional struggles, or embracing therapy and meditation, Valerie’s journey is a reminder that health is holistic.
She admits that the battle isn’t over. “There are still days when I don’t feel great about myself,” she said, adding, “But those days are fewer and farther between now. And that’s progress.”
Valerie’s Lessons for All of Us
So, what can we learn from Valerie Bertinelli’s weight loss journey? First, it’s never too late to start working on yourself, not just physically, but mentally. Weight loss is about more than just the pounds you shed—it’s about shedding the emotional baggage, the negative self-talk, and the unrealistic expectations.
And maybe most importantly, it’s about being kind to yourself every step of the way. As Valerie says, “Be patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You deserve to feel good—whatever that looks like for you.“