Kathy Bates Addresses Weight Loss Speculations
Kathy Bates is responding to recent speculation about her significant weight loss. In a recent interview with Variety, the 77-year-old Oscar-winning actress addressed critics who attributed her 100-pound weight loss solely to Ozempic, a medication initially prescribed for diabetes that has gained attention for weight management.
“People say, ‘Well, it was an Ozempic.’ Sure, but it took me years to tackle my diagnosis of diabetes,” Bates explained. “When I learned I was diabetic, I gradually figured out how to lose weight over the years. It was only with Ozempic that I shed the last 15-20 pounds and averted further issues.”
This weekend, Bates will make history as the oldest nominee for the lead actress category at the Emmy Awards, recognized for her portrayal of Madeline Matlock in CBS’s reboot of “Matlock.”
Bates shared her thoughts on the show’s timing, calling it “great,” and noted it’s “incredible” to have the opportunity to star in it.
Despite her achievements, Bates admitted that adjusting to her new body has been a process. She recalled trying on a beautiful dress and feeling emotional when it fit perfectly. “I just started crying. It’s strange for me to think about what I was hiding behind all that weight,” she reflected.
Bates previously revealed in September 2024 that her weight loss journey spanned six to seven years. Looking back, she mentioned that she faced significant challenges, including discomfort during her role in “Harry’s Law,” where she found it hard to walk.
In an earlier chat with People Magazine, she mentioned that shedding pounds was a tough endeavor. After losing 80 pounds on her own, she used weight loss medications to assist with the final 20. “There were many rumors about Ozempic, but I want to emphasize that this was hard work for me, especially through the pandemic,” she noted. Bates was first diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2017, which prompted her focus on health.
One of the pivotal changes she made involved avoiding food after 8 PM. Reflecting on her past habits, Bates acknowledged, “I ate out of fear, and it truly affected my self-esteem.” She also shared her family’s experiences with diabetes, which intensified her determination to change her lifestyle.
