Actress Valerie Bertinelli has shared a candid reflection on her weight loss journey and the emotional challenges she faced after being let go by a weight loss brand. During a recent episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, she discussed the toll that her fluctuating weight took on her self-esteem and mental health, especially during a significant time in her career.
Bertinelli, who was a spokesperson for a well-known diet program, revealed that her partnership with the brand ended when she regained weight. This occurred during a particularly challenging period in her life, coinciding with her Hollywood Walk of Fame induction in August 2012. She recalled the moment she learned she was being dropped, stating, “They fired me. Eventually they said, ‘We can’t keep going with you because you’re gaining weight again.’”
Reflecting on her past, Bertinelli noted that she had lost approximately 50 pounds after starting the diet program in 2007. However, as personal circumstances changed, maintaining her weight loss became increasingly difficult. “Life started to get the better of me,” she explained. “I wasn’t taking care of my mental and emotional health, so the weight started to come back on.”
During her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, Bertinelli wore a size 12 dress and admitted to feeling conflicted about her body image. While she felt that size 12 was not excessively large, she had previously reached a size 4, which she described as “impossible for me to maintain.”
In recent years, Bertinelli has focused on finding peace with her body. She now identifies as a size 10 and emphasizes that her worth is not defined by her weight. “I’m so strong and firm in who I am. It doesn’t matter how much I weigh. What matters is who I am, how I treat people,” she shared during her appearance on the show.
Bertinelli’s journey highlights the complexities of body image and self-acceptance, particularly in the public eye. Her openness about the emotional struggles associated with weight fluctuations resonates with many individuals, making her story both relatable and inspiring.
As she continues to advocate for mental and emotional health, Bertinelli’s experiences serve as a reminder that well-being encompasses more than just physical appearance. Her candid reflections aim to encourage others to prioritize their mental health and embrace their bodies at any size.
