Rebel Wilson Weight Loss Journey: How Did She Lose 80 Pounds in Her Year of Health

Rebel Wilson’s weight loss journey was more than just dropping 80 pounds—she was looking to make significant changes to her overall well-being. Often typecast in the ‘fat funny character’ role, Wilson’s weight loss journey was also about breaking free from these societal expectations. During her self-declared “Year of Health,” she made some major shifts in her eating habits and exercise routines and also began focusing on her mental health. To learn more about her weight loss story, here’s a closer look at how she achieved her incredible transformation.

Main Reason Behind Rebel Losing Weight

Rebel Wilson’s main push factor for her weight loss journey was due to something deeply personal—improving the chances of her being able to become a mother. She explained to Us Weekly that when she visited her fertility doctor in 2019 he mentioned that she would “have a much better chance of having a child if you were healthy”. Initially, Rebel was taken aback. “I thought, ‘Oh God, this guy’s so rude.’ He was right. I was carrying around a lot of excess weight,” she told People. This realization that she may not have a baby because of her weight pushed her to prioritize her health for her future child.

At the age of 40, Rebel reflected that her lifestyle needed a change. It wasn’t that she didn’t have confidence in her skin, but she wanted to enhance her general well-being. As PCOS affected fertility, weight loss became a major role. She announced that 2020 is her year of health and committed herself to it, which eventually led to the birth of her daughter via a surrogate in 2022. Wilson wrote about her emotional factors and holistic approach to health in her memoir, providing a deeper understanding of her motivations.

More inspiring weight loss journeys:

Kelly Osbourne Weight Loss Journey: How She Lost Nearly 100 Pounds

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Unhealthy Habits Behind Her Weight Gain

Rebel Wilson has been candid about the ups and downs of her weight loss journey and has admitted that all the stress, emotional eating, and a busy schedule played a big role in her recent weight gain. In March, she told People she had put on 20 pounds after falling out of her usual fitness routine and snacking on junk food while working on set.

She also shared that the stress of releasing her memoir led to emotional eating. “I felt like I needed protection, so I had a bit more desserts and put up a bit of a barricade,” she said. In January 2024, she opened up on Instagram about gaining 30 pounds due to work stress, admitting, “It makes me feel bad about myself…it shouldn’t…but it does.”

She’s also been outspoken about how Hollywood’s expectations impacted her self-esteem and relationship with food. As she was often typecast in the “funny fat girl” role, she turned to emotional eating as a way to cope with the industry pressures. But despite setbacks, Rebel is focused on long-term health and balance. “It was less about just losing weight and more about feeling better, feeling more energetic, and ultimately getting healthy,” she said.

Using Ozempic for Weight Loss

Most times, when a celebrity loses considerable weight, there is speculation about the usage of ozempic, the diabetic drug used for weight loss. Rebel has been quite open about it, revealing to The Sunday Times in March 2024 that she did briefly use ozempic for her weight loss goals. “Someone like me could have a bottomless appetite for sweets, so I think those drugs can be good,” she shared. But she hasn’t used it in a very long time and is focusing on bettering her relationship with food.

Although she’s gone through such an experience, Rebel has encouraged self-acceptance and not obsess over appearance as you’re more than just your weight, especially for young women. In January 2024, she was honest about regaining some of her lost weight and acknowledged the complex emotions that came when she lost focus on her health journey.

More about weight loss drugs and trends:

Kylie Jenner Weight Loss: Her Journey, Health Choices, and Comments on Ozempic

The Truth About the Oatzempic Diet: Fast Weight Loss or Risky Trend?

Rebel Wilson’s Diet for Weight Loss

Previously, Rebel used to consume around 3,000 calories in a day but she’s not changed her eating habits to primarily include a high-protein diet. “I’ve really changed to eating a high-protein diet, which is challenging because I didn’t use to eat a lot of meat,” she told People, as she now consumes quite a bit of fish, salmon, and chicken breast. She also highlights this in her memoir Rebel Rising, stating that she prioritizes hydration and protein in all her meals which leaves her feeling fuller.

But despite having a structure to help her lose unnecessary body fat, Rebel doesn’t have very strict rules for food. She enjoys foods she loves but in moderation, even allowing herself treats like ice cream and chocolate on some occasions. She also has the approach of adding nutritious ingredients to tasty meals, like shredded carrots and avocado in tacos.

Rebel Wilson’s Exercise Routine

With the help of her personal trainer, Jono Castano, Rebel Wilson committed to a seven-day workout routine. In her memoir Rebel Rising, she details her typical day to include one hour of strength training and conditioning and another of cardio which is often simply walking.

Aside from those, she also includes high-intensity exercises like battle ropes, stair sprints, and interval training. She doesn’t excuse herself with her busy schedules, incorporating early morning hikes and sprints into her routines. In 2020, she posted about her progress on Instagram stating how despite her self-described “slow jog,” she was proud to be just a few kilos away from her weight loss goal.

But if you want to know what the real key is to her workout routine, it’s walking. Through metabolic testing, she realized walking is one of the most effective ways to lose fat and so she made it a daily habit. “Sometimes the simplest thing like getting out and walking for an hour a day is the kindest thing to your body,” she shared during Apple Fitness+’s Time to Walk series. Alongside exercise, she also balances her lifestyle with other healthy habits like quality sleep, a high-protein diet, and even journaling.

Learn more about the impact of walking:

28-Day Indoor Walking Challenge for Weight Loss [Free PDF]

Is Walking in Place the Same as Walking?

The Impact of 80 Pounds Weight Loss on Rebel’s Life

Rebel Wilson’s weight loss journey was about more than just shedding 80 pounds—it was a commitment to her overall well-being. Beyond the number on the scale, she gained energy, confidence, and mental clarity, emphasizing the importance of celebrating her body at any size. By prioritizing both physical and mental health, she embraced a sustainable lifestyle rather than a quick fix. Now, she hopes to inspire others to take control of their health, focus on self-improvement, and find balance in their own journeys to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

Rebel Wilson lost weight through her hard work, dedication, and consistency in keeping with her diet and exercise routine. Her journey is an inspiration for many on how we can manage our lifestyles, but it’s equally important to acknowledge that the common man doesn’t have access to the same level of resources as celebrities. So, our expectations should align accordingly. For accessible tips and resources on weight management, check out the JustFit app!