Chrissy Metz (Kate From ‘This Is Us’) Weight Loss Journey

Chrissy Metz’s weight loss has got people talking. The actress who plays Kate Pearsons in the show This Is Us is a true role model for women. Irrespective of ages and sizes, Chrissy Metz’s weight loss story has been an inspiration for many. Moreover, the show’s creator, Dan Fogelman, has also supported her in her weight loss journey. She lost the weight at her own pace, promoted body positivity, got the big dollars, and got eventually showered with Emmy nominations! Her journey is not just about physical change but also about embracing self-love and acceptance, inspiring those facing similar challenges. Read on to know how Chrissy Metz started losing weight and what keeps her going.

Who Is Chrissy Metz?

Chrissy Metz is a well-known American actress celebrated for her role as Kate Pearson in the hit TV series This Is Us. She was born on September 29, 1980, in Homestead, Florida, and she began her acting journey in 2005. She achieved widespread fame with her compelling performance on This Is Us in 2016. Her talent has earned her nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards. She is also a gifted singer and performs with her band ‘Chrissy and the Vapors.’

Outside of her acting career, Metz authored a memoir called ‘This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today.’ Keep reading to learn some more quick facts about Chrissy.

Quick Facts About Chrissy Metz

Full Name:

Christine Michelle Metz

Age In 2024: 43 years

Early Life: Raised in Japan and Florida

Early Career: Worked as an agent for talent management companies

Debut Film: Loveless in Los Angeles (2007) as Bonnie

Family: Two siblings and two half-siblings

Awards: Recipient of Screen Actors Guild Award in the category ‘Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series’

Chrissy Metz, best known for her role as Kate from ‘This Is Us,’ has captivated audiences with her incredible acting and inspiring journey. Beyond her professional achievements, Chrissy Metz has been candid about her personal struggles with body image and weight, becoming an advocate for body positivity and self-acceptance in the entertainment industry. Her openness has inspired and resonated with many people around the world. Learn more about her issues with weight in the next section.

Infographic: Things To Learn From Chrissy Metz’s Weight Loss Story

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Childhood Weight Loss Struggles – The Beginning

Like many of us, Chrissy Metz struggled with obesity from an early age. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Chrissy said, “I was born chubby, and as I got older, at different times in my life I was thinner or more active or playing sports, but I was definitely always a chubbier kid. My friends could eat whatever they wanted to, but I knew that as a kid if I ate certain things I would totally gain weight. I had to be really cognizant of what I ate.”

She also opened up about the reality she faced as a kid. Even though her mother loved her, Chrissy always felt that her mother loved shopping and trying on clothes with her two younger and slimmer sisters. That must have been heartbreaking. And this is why she identifies with the character Kate Pearsons. She said, “I remember going to Weight Watchers when I was like 11. I was the youngest person in the damned room and it was awkward. My mom was trying to figure it out, but it’s a process. Kate wants her mom to be happy with her… [and] Rebecca (her on-screen mom played by Mandy Moore) just wants her daughter to be happy, and, of course, not be made fun of and just live a normal life. No matter what, somebody is going to pick on you for something. It’s a complicated dynamic and it is heartbreaking.”

Acting Happened By Chance – What Will Play A Crucial Role In Her Weight Loss

Before her acting career began, Chrissy Metz was a preschool teacher. She told Marie Claire magazine that she took her sister to an audition and ran into an old teacher who encouraged her to audition as well. She said, “In my heart, I was like, ‘Yes, I would love to,’ but I was too afraid of my own shadow.” However, she took the plunge and got a call next day. And within a year, she headed to Los Angeles to audition for a pilot season. According to her mom, Metz said, “Mom, I’m going to live my dream.”

Career And Weight Struggles

After coming to LA and going on numerous auditions, Chrissy Metz started working as her agent’s assistant! It sure paid her bills but she told Marie Claire mag, “I was like, ‘This isn’t fair, I didn’t come here for that.” But sadly, she had to work as an agent for a while. In a candid interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Metz admitted it was more than painful to schedule auditions for other actresses. She said, “Scheduling auditions for the talent was like watching your boyfriend take out another woman every single day.”

But does Kate lose weight in ‘This Is Us’? While Kate’s weight loss was part of her storyline, Chrissy’s real-life journey has been uniquely her own.

Before landing her famous role in This Is Us, in her then agent’s advice, she lost a whopping 50 pounds only to put 100 pounds back on. According to Chrissy, she was suffering from depression and she felt like she was “eating my feelings”, meaning that she was chained by emotional eating. Which led to a lot of weight gain. On her 30th birthday, she had a panic attack and had to be rushed to the hospital. And this is when Chrissy Metz took a step back and had to rethink her weight loss strategy.

Quick Tip

According to a study conducted on 424 University students, negative emotional eating is more prevalent among women than men (1).

How Chrissy Metz Lost 100 Pounds

Chrissy Metz’s weight loss has been a topic of interest for fans and media alike. After the incident, she started taking self-care more seriously and more responsibly. All she did was go on a 2000 calorie diet. She started avoiding most of the unhealthy foods and started walking 20 minutes every day. And this made a huge difference to her physical and mental health. She lost 100 pounds in 5 months. Of course, this time she took time to lose the weight, but she was in a much better place mentally than before.

Quick Tip

It is true that mental health improves with weight reduction. According to a study, people with obesity experienced reductions in symptoms of depression when they started losing weight (2).

How Chrissy Landed The Job On This Is Us

After American Horror Story, there was no looking back for Chrissy. She knew she would have to go on auditioning and she continued doing that. She told Glamour, “I kept auditioning, with no savings and no money, credit card debt gaining interest…I went on unemployment. I bought ramen noodles at dollar stores. I never had to — God forbid — live on the streets; I moved in with a roommate who told me, ‘Stay with me until you can afford rent. Don’t give up.’ People who supported me were like, ‘If you don’t have money for food, I’ll cook you dinner. You don’t have money for acting class? Let’s get together and read lines.’” it’s evident that there were good people around her who supported her when she needed it the most. In fact, she admitted in The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that she had only 81 cents in her bank account and just enough fuel in her car to get to the audition of This Is Us. Also, when it came down to her and one other actress who auditioned for Kate’s role, she was sure they would not select her, as the other actress was slimmer! But Dan Fogelman’s sister was also struggling with weight loss and he knew that Chrissy would be best for Kate’s role.

Also, Chrissy was going through the same issues as Kate and therefore playing her was more relatable. Metz said, “She was a real woman who was really struggling, and all I could think was, ‘Oh my God, I’m Kate.’”

Chrissy told the Deadline, “The script was incredible from the moment I started it; it felt different. I desperately wanted an audition and begged my agent for the opportunity to read for casting. This was a role that finally broke down the real issues behind weight: inadequacy, codependent relationships and living in the shadows.”

Thankfully, the show was a hit and Chrissy was finally able to open up about her real struggles and also pay her bills while she continued to progress! But is she bound by a contract to lose weight? Find out in the next section.

Is Weight Loss Mandatory In Chrissy’s Contract?

Many speculated that Chrissy Metz has signed a contract where she is required to lose a certain amount of weight. However, that’s not the case. She told People that her contract does not require her to lose weight. But, she is definitely going to start living healthy as it is both Chrissy and Kate’s fitness journey toward a better and healthier lifestyle. She told, “In our contract, it did state that that would be a part of it, to lose the weight in the trajectory of the character as she comes to find herself.”

She also said, “Why not have a motivation beyond me to get to a healthy weight? Every actor does that. We’re chameleons. We change, we grow as an actor… you lose weight, you gain weight, you change your hair or whatever.” Chrissy also stated on the Ellen DeGeneres Show that, “Like most actors, we are chameleons so we play different roles; like Christian Bale lost all that weight for The Machinist,’” That makes sense, right?

Why This Is Us Is Important For Chrissy Metz To Lose Weight?

This Is Us happened at the right time for Chrissy. She said, “The show is educating people that people who are overweight don’t just sit in a corner eating themselves into oblivion. The food is the symptom, it’s not the issue. When you put the food down, the issues come up. And that’s what we need to be talking about.” And that’s why, she said, “We create art and movies and television…because someone somewhere needs to know that they’re not alone.”

Nancy Landrum, a Relationship Coach, notes, “Healing is the application of love to the part that hurts. She is demonstrating that truth.”

Through the journey of Kate, Chrissy is losing weight with determination and gaining confidence. And that’s what she wants for all of you who are struggling. And the best part is, many women can relate to her. She told Glamour, “I’ve had women — average women, older women, teenagers — who say to me, ‘Your role and this show has changed my life.’ That makes all the struggle, all the ramen noodles, all the times when I couldn’t pay my bills, all the times where I was like, ‘I can’t do this,’ worth it.”

Alicia ‘Chacha’ Miller, MS, RD, LDN, says, “Chrissy Metz’s weight loss journey is inspiring because it emphasizes sustainable lifestyle changes rather than solely focusing on the number on the scale. Gradual changes, like incorporating nutrient-dense foods and regular physical activity, can lead to weight loss as a natural side effect of those changes.”

She continues, “More importantly, these lifestyle adjustments often bring benefits beyond weight loss—like improved mood, increased energy, better sleep, and even a stronger sex drive. While reducing caloric intake can be effective, it’s not always sustainable long-term for most people. That’s why pairing it with a focus on overall well-being, as Chrissy has done, is so beneficial.”

So, what does Chrissy Metz look like in 2023? Fans searching for the latest photos of Chrissy Metz will notice a radiant and confident woman embracing her health and happiness. While exact details like how much does Chrissy Metz weigh remain private, it’s clear she’s been prioritizing her well-being.

It is clear that Chrissy Metz faced many challenges on her weight loss journey. Let’s take a look at the diet plan she followed to get where she is today.

Chrissy Metz’s Diet Plan

Chrissy Metz’s approach to health and fitness reflects her dedication to her overall well-being. While she has never publicly shared her exact diet plan, she has been open about her journey toward a healthier lifestyle accompanied by good food habits.

Her transformation is evident when comparing Chrissy Metz weight loss before and after images. She’s shared in interviews that her journey isn’t just about numbers on a scale but also about improving her mental health and promoting a sense of body positivity and self-love.

Chrissy committed to her well-being by adopting a balanced 2000-calorie deficit diet. She focused on healthy choices, mindful eating, and portion control and avoiding drastic cuts in food intake.

A study in the Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome explored effective dietary strategies for weight loss and long-term maintenance, emphasizing the importance of individual preferences and sustainability. The findings showed that low-calorie diets (1,000–1,500 calories daily with a 500–750 calorie deficit) and very-low-calorie diets (600–900 calories daily for short periods) can be effective, particularly for people struggling with severe obesity or metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes (3).

Approaches focusing on incorporating macronutrients, such as low-fat, low-carbohydrate, ketogenic, and high-protein diets, also proved beneficial, with high-protein diets helping maintain weight by increasing satiety. The Mediterranean diet stood out as a heart-healthy option, rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (3).

Timing-based strategies, including intermittent fasting, consuming a heavy breakfast, and avoiding late-night eating, were also found to aid weight management. The study highlights that the best results come from choosing a diet that fits individual lifestyles and can be followed consistently, with healthcare professionals playing a vital role in guiding these decisions (3).

She incorporated whole organic foods, like oatmeal, vegetables, and fruits, that are rich in fiber into her diet to aid her weight loss and curb cravings. She also purportedly had six small meals over the course of the day to prevent hunger and minimize stress-related snacking due to past eating issues.

A study published in the Stress and Eating Behaviors journal explored how stress influences eating behaviors and its connection to obesity. It suggests that chronic stress can drive people to consume more hyperpalatable foods—those high in fat and sugar—by making these foods more appealing and altering eating patterns (4).

Over time, this can lead to changes in the body’s stress-regulation systems, like the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and in brain circuits related to motivation and reward, such as the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. These changes increase cravings, leading to compulsive eating, and disrupt processes like insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, contributing to weight gain and metabolic issues. The study emphasizes that individual differences in stress responses and eating habits play a key role in weight management (4).

Her diet may also have featured nutritious carbs, beans, proteins, and vegetables, with occasional cheat meals for balance. For those looking for diet tips that fuel transformations like Chrissy’s, try incorporating foods like squash or sweet potatoes for weight loss, as it may help boost metabolism and curb cravings.

Chrissy’s journey highlights the importance of balance and patience. When asked, ‘Has Chrissy Metz lost weight?’ she openly discussed taking a mindful approach that includes better eating habits, exercise, and focusing on her emotional health. She paired her diet with a good exercise routine to kickstart her fitness journey. Learn more about it in the next section.

Chrissy Metz’s Workout Routine

Regarding her workout routine, Chrissy Metz has highlighted the importance of staying active. Her approach to fitness revolves around consistency and finding physical activities that bring her joy.

Chrissy is said to have added various activities to her workout routine: cardio exercises (like walking for 20 minutes and cycling) and possibly weight training or strength training with a personal trainer guiding her five-day-a-week routine. This is an excellent strategy for sustainable weight loss. A study by Willis et al., published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, explored the effects of different types of exercise on weight and body composition in overweight or obese adults. The research involved 119 participants who were divided into three groups for an eight-month program: one group did resistance training (RT), another focused on aerobic training (AT), and the third combined both (AT/RT) (5).

The results showed that aerobic training alone or combined with resistance training significantly reduced body weight and fat mass compared to resistance training alone. However, RT and the combined program were better for increasing lean muscle mass. Interestingly, combining aerobic exercises and resistance training required twice the time commitment but didn’t result in more fat loss or weight reduction than aerobic training alone (5).

Based on these findings, aerobic training appears to be the most effective for losing weight and fat, while adding resistance training to the routine is ideal for building muscle.

Alicia adds, “Regular physical activity, even in moderate amounts, supports heart health, boosts metabolism, and increases overall wellness. This balanced approach promotes lasting health benefits and reinforces that weight loss is an incredibly personal journey, best tailored to each individual’s unique needs and desired outcomes.”

Chrissy also enjoyed daily brisk walks and found solace in yoga and meditation, which also support healthy weight loss.

A review published in Obesity Science & Practice explored how yoga affects energy balance in adults struggling with obesity and excess weight. The analysis included 10 studies, ranging from randomized trials to pre-post studies, that measured energy intake (EI), energy expenditure (EE), and physical activity (PA). While one study showed a significant decrease in EI compared to a control group, a few others indicated trends toward healthier eating habits (6).

Similarly, two studies reported increased physical activity or energy expenditure in yoga participants, with others noting slight improvements, though not always statistically significant. Overall, yoga appears to have a modest impact on reducing energy intake and increasing physical activity (6).

It is important to note that Chrissy Metz promotes body positivity and self-acceptance, advocating that health and happiness come in various shapes and sizes. So, for those wondering what size is Chrissy Metz now, let us clarify that she’s been clear that size doesn’t define her. Instead, it’s about feeling her best. Her journey serves as an inspiration to those trying to accept their body and seeking a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Chrissy Metz emphasizes the importance of enjoying physical activity for sustainable weight loss. She believes finding joy in movement makes exercise seem natural and rewarding, rather than just a chore. By encouraging others to engage in activities they love, Chrissy highlights how this approach can support a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle.

Chrissy Metz’s journey of weight loss and body positivity is an inspiration to many. The next section has some tips inspired by Chrissy’s journey that you can incorporate into your own life.

Practical Tips

Here are some tips to help you embrace body positivity and lead a healthy life:

• Prioritize self-love and engage in activities that stimulate your mind and body.
• Embrace your body at every stage of your journey.
• Practice self-compassion and replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations.
• Make gradual and sustainable lifestyle changes.
• Practice mindful eating and pay attention to your body’s hunger cues.
• Incorporate more whole, unprocessed foods into your diet.
• Engage in regular exercise and do activities that you may enjoy.
• Prioritize adequate sleep to support your overall well-being.
• Seek professional guidance to get personalized advice.
• Build a strong support system and surround yourself with positive people.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Chrissy Metz?

Chrissy Metz was born on 29th September 1989, and is 42 years old.

Does Chrissy Metz have children in real life?

No. Chrissy Metz was previously married to British Journalist Martyn Eadyn, but does not have any children of her own.

How much does Chrissy Metz weigh now?

After her inspiring weight loss journey, Chrissy Metz now weighs around 83 kilos (182 pounds).

Illustration: Chrissy Metz (Kate From &039This Is Us&039 Show) Weight Loss Journey

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Check out the video below and join the inspiring conversation as Chrissy Metz shares her journey to losing weight, gaining confidence, and empowering others in this heartfelt video interview below.

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Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

• 
  Alicia Chacha MillerMS, RDN, LDN Alicia Chacha Miller is a Registered Dietitian specializing in maternal and pediatric nutrition. She obtained her Master's degree in Nutrition Sciences from the University of Southern California. Her work is focused on bridging the gap in health disparities between BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and other races by making nutrition education available, accessible, and easy to understand.⁠ She is the founder of The Cardamom Nutrition, where evidence-based practice, diversity, inclusion, cultural competence, and compassion all collide.
  
  Alicia Chacha Miller is a Registered Dietitian specializing in maternal and pediatric nutrition. She obtained her Master's degree in Nutrition Sciences from the University of Southern California. Her work is focused on bridging the gap in health disparities between BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and other races by making nutrition education available, accessible, and easy to understand.⁠ She is the founder of The Cardamom Nutrition, where evidence-based practice, diversity, inclusion, cultural competence, and compassion all collide.

Charushila BiswasHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Charushila is an ISSA certified Fitness Nutritionist and a Physical Exercise Therapist. Over a span of 6 years, she has authored more than 400 articles on diet, lifestyle, exercises, healthy food, and fitness equipment. She strives to inform, educate, and motivate her readers via authentic, straightforward, and fact-checked information.

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Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Sindhu KogantiSenior Health & Wellness Writer

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

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