Kathy Bates Has Had An Inspiring Weight-Loss Transformation

Ever since Kathy Bates showed the world what terror looks like in human form when she played Annie Wilkes in 1990's "Misery," the actress has had an extraordinary career. Not only did Bates win the Academy Award for her terrifying performance in "Misery," but she was in the blockbuster "Titanic;" the heartbreakingly beautiful romantic comedy, "Fried Green Tomatoes;" and also appeared in dozens of other films and television series, including a stint on "The Office." In other words, Kathy Bates is the epitome of iconic.

But despite her talent, because Bates never fit the mold of what Hollywood deems classically beautiful, she struggled early in her career to get roles. "I have always had a problem with my weight," Bates told The New York Times in January 1991. "I'm not a stunning woman. I never was an ingenue; I've always just been a character actor. When I was younger it was a real problem, because I was never pretty enough for the roles that other young women were being cast in. The roles I was lucky enough to get were real stretches for me: usually a character who was older, or a little weird, or whatever." Bates added that not only was the lack of work difficult, but so was how people perceived her because of her looks.

However, after a series of health scares, Bates decided it was time to make some changes. It wasn't about trying to fit into Hollywood's standards but putting her health first. Because of this, Bates has joined the ranks of celebs who totally transformed after taking Ozempic losing 20 pounds on it and another 80 through sheer determination. 

As Kathy Bates shared with The New York Times in 1991, her weight has always been something with which she has struggled. But despite that fact she continued on with her career, not making any changes to her weight. It wasn't until 2011 when she was at her heaviest, that Bates could feel the physical toll her weight was having on her body. At the time, Bates was starring in "Harry's Law" on NBC, and while it wasn't exactly supposed to be a physically demanding role, because of her weight, it became one. 

"I had to sit down every moment that I could," Bates told Variety in September 2024 when talking about her weight loss journey. "It was hard for me to walk. I'm ashamed I let myself get so out of shape, but now I have a tremendous amount of energy."

According to a 2023 study published in StatPearls, not only does weight loss positively affect metabolic changes, leading to more energy, but it can increase overall physical and mental health. People who lose a substantial amount of weight reduce their risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other possible diseases and disorders. In December 2020, the Centers for Disease Control, per The Washington Post, reported that as many as 74% of U.S. adults are overweight and 43% of the population is considered obese.

In 2003, Kathy Bates was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, but chose to keep it private, telling SheKnows in May 2024 that her manager wasn't exactly sold on her being the poster child for a cancer that affects one in 91 women, per the American Cancer Society. But when she was diagnosed with breast cancer just nine years later in 2012, she wanted to put a face to the cancer, as well as lymphedema, with which she diagnosed shortly after her double mastectomy. However, it wasn't until her type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2017 that Bates knew it was time to do something about her weight.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the number one cause of type 2 diabetes is carrying excessive weight, especially if that weight isn't evenly distributed and is mostly in the stomach. If not treated, type 2 diabetes can cause issues in the eyes, kidneys, and can even result in heart-related diseases. So like many overweight people that get such a diagnosis, for Bates, losing weight didn't just help prevent a whole slew of diseases, but there's a good chance that it literally saved her amazing life from being cut too short. And let's be honest: no one is ready to lose Kathy Bates. 

In March 2019, Kathy Bates sat down with Extra to talk about her recent weight loss and how diabetes was the driving force behind it. Bates explained that diabetes runs in her family and she's well aware of the damage it cause. "I really didn't want to live with that," Bates told Extra, explaining that her niece taught her about listening to her body through mindful eating.

"After you eat for 20 [to] 30 minutes, you experience an involuntary sigh," said Bates. "It's communication between stomach and brain telling you [that] you had enough ... and what I discovered is if you listen to that sigh and push that plate away for just five minutes, you realize you're satisfied and you don't have to eat more." Thanks to her niece's advice, Bates was able to take a closer look at her relationship with food and make the necessary changes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in 10 Americans have diabetes and roughly 90% to 95% of those people have type 2 diabetes. However, one of the good things about type 2 diabetes is that it can be reversed through lifestyle changes. "For most people, this means trying to attain a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and minimizing sugars and excessive carbohydrates in your diet," assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Patricia Peter, told YSM News. For Bates, losing that initial 60 pounds was a fabulous step in the right direction for the sake of her health.

When the series "Matlock" premiered in September 2024, the world was introduced to a much slimmer Kathy Bates. Although just as beautiful and talented as ever, it was obvious that she had lost a substantial amount of weight — which was immediately attributed to Ozempic. But that wasn't entirely the case for Bates.

"There's been a lot of talk that I just was able to do this because of Ozempic," Bates told People in September 2024. "But I have to impress upon people out there that this was hard work for me, especially during the pandemic." Like she had in 2019 when she spoke to Extra, Bates doubled down on the reason for her drastic weight loss being linked to her 2017 type 2 diabetes diagnosis. "I'd seen what my father had gone through. He had a leg amputation," Bates told the magazine. "One of my sisters is dealing with it very seriously, and it terrified me. It scared me straight." It was fear that led to Bates ditching burgers, pizza, and soda for healthier options.

Considering how difficult it can be to stay physically healthy in your 60s and beyond, Bates' ability to drop 80 pounds through lifestyle changes is a testament to her dedication. "It took a few years," Bates told US Weekly in September 2024 when asked about how she stayed on track. "I would say you have to be really patient... I don't like the word willpower, but I like the word determination." On "The Drew Barrymore Show," in October 2024, Bates shared that she used Ozempic to lose the last 15 pounds.

In every interview since her 100-pound weight loss, Kathy Bates has been adamant that it was for health reasons — especially after her type 2 diabetes diagnosis. While there's been no statement about whether or not she was able to reverse her diabetes, Bates has noticed that her weight loss has made life easier. It's also decreased the side effects that come with her lymphedema, which includes swelling of the body.

"I don't have to sit down. I can stand up all day long and walk and move and breathe and do so many things that I couldn't before," Bates told People in September 2024. "It's been a tremendous benefit for me," Bates added regarding her lymphedema. "I'm lucky that I don't have to wear my compression sleeves every day. It's such a thrill to be able to put my arm into a jacket and it fits."

Bates is finally feeling comfortable in her skin and it shows. She radiates with happiness and healthiness and it's a beautiful thing to witness. What's also beautiful is that despite rumors, Bates won't be retiring anytime soon. "No, I think it was kind of a misunderstanding, but I was very flattered that everybody was upset," Bates told Newsweek in September 2024 about something she had previously said regarding the future of her career. Phew! After all, a "Misery" reboot where Annie Wilkes comes back from the dead would be a total hit.