Melissa McCarthy's Weight Loss Transformation Has Totally Changed Her Face

Melissa McCarthy is serving defined cheekbones and a slim jawline these days, thanks to a gradual weight management journey that began in her 40s. As seen in multiple 2026 on-screen appearances, including a hosting stint on Saturday Night Live (SNL) and a Super Bowl LX commercial, it's apparent that Melissa McCarthy's weight loss transformation has totally changed her face. The actor doesn't seem to have any significant changes to her lips or nose, but the loss of volume around her eyes does make them appear brighter.

Dramatic weight loss, such as McCarthy's, can significantly alter the appearance of the lips, nose, and chin, according to Dr. Paul Pin, Chief of Plastic Surgery at Baylor University Medical Center. However, unlike the expected face aging that can come from bariatric interventions such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, McCarthy is showing no such effects. This may be due to a natural, healthier, and progressive weight reduction process. According to the Oscar-nominated actor, she maintains her health through conscious lifestyle choices, such as reducing stress, and exercise, including Piloxing (a mix of Pilates and boxing) rather than extreme diets or quick fixes.

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Experts agree that slowly shedding weight over an extended period of time gives the collagen and elastin in the epidermis time to retract, producing a tighter, younger-looking facial structure rather than loose skin. This may explain why McCarthy has avoided skin sagging, wrinkles, and fine lines, despite her noticeable face changes.

Although many celebs, such as Sharon Osbourne, Kathy Bates, and Rebel Wilson, have been open about taking Ozempic, Melissa McCarthy has steered clear of making similar claims. As speculations circulated about her obvious weight transformation, she was posed with a direct question from Barbra Streisand in a now-deleted Instagram post back in April 2024 about whether she had taken the "off-label" weight loss drug. Rather than confirm or deny the claim, McCarthy chose instead to gush about Streisand's acknowledgement of her. "The takeaway, Barbra Streisand knows I exist... and she thought I looked good," she remarked on a now-deleted Instagram video (via The Hollywood Reporter).

In numerous interviews, however, the "Mike & Molly" actor has repeatedly stated that she wasn't a fan of crash diets or severe dietary restrictions for weight loss. Responding to "Breakfast Club" host Charlamagne in 2018, as to why she didn't just get surgery, McCarthy said she preferred a slower, no-stress approach to shedding the weight. "If I can destress and do it slower and stop constantly trying to be on something, it will actually work better," she said. She later told People magazine that her doctor had put her on an all-liquid diet while filming "Gilmore Girls," causing her to lose 70 pounds in four months. However, she added, "I'd never do that again, I felt starved and crazy half the time." 

The CDC confirms that gradual weight loss is better for one's long-term health and maintenance. Losing weight can either be a hit or miss, but for Melissa McCarthy, the results speak for themselves. By taking a gradual, measured approach over several years, she appears healthier and more confident than ever, as fans have certainly noticed.