Khloé Kardashian has become an emblem of dedication to personal transformation, sharing how her weight loss journey has been a decade-long process fueled by hard work, fitness, and resilience. The reality TV star and entrepreneur has faced both praise and criticism, but she remains steadfast in her commitment to improving her physical and mental health.
At 40, Kardashian emphasizes that her transformation isn’t about adhering to societal expectations, but about feeling her best and embracing the long-term journey. In recent interviews, she addressed speculation regarding weight loss methods, including the use of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or bariatric surgery, firmly rejecting these claims.
Rejecting Ozempic and Surgery Rumors
Kardashian has long been transparent about her weight loss efforts, noting that her transformation didn’t happen overnight. She has been vocal about her journey, which spans over ten years, and emphasizes that she didn’t resort to medications or surgery.
“Over the past three years, people have assumed I got surgery because of my weight loss,” Kardashian said in a December 2024 interview with Bustle. “But it’s been a long process, not a quick fix.” While she firmly rejects using weight loss drugs, she has no judgment towards those who choose these methods.
“If people get surgery or try Ozempic, I have no issue with it,” she said. “As long as they feel good about themselves, that’s what matters. It’s silly that people are so judgmental about these choices.”
Fitness as Therapy and a Lifelong Commitment
Kardashian’s dedication to fitness began during a deeply personal period in her life—following her divorce from Lamar Odom, finalized in 2016. After facing a breach of trust, she found therapy ineffective and turned to the gym for emotional release.
“The gym became my safe space,” she explained. “I needed a way to cope with my emotions, and as a result, my body started changing. I loved how it made me feel. Over the past 10 years, it’s become a lifelong habit that I continue to embrace.”
Catherine Garvacio, a registered nutritionist, explains that exercise plays a critical role in mental well-being by releasing endorphins and serotonin, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
The Early Struggles with Fitness
Kardashian admits that when she first began her fitness journey, it wasn’t easy. “It was agony,” she recalled. “When I was heavier, I had no clue what I was doing. I started slowly, with just two days a week, and gradually increased to a consistent routine.”
She now incorporates a variety of workouts into her routine, including Pilates, SoulCycle, and high-intensity cardio, and is known for her competitive nature in the gym. “I love pushing myself,” she said in a 2016 Harper’s Bazaar interview.
Public Scrutiny and Body Image
Despite her success, Kardashian’s weight has been a source of public scrutiny. She recalls being fat-shamed when she was heavier, only to face criticism after losing weight as well. Initially, this led to insecurity, but over time, she learned to embrace her body and focus on her own well-being rather than external judgment.
“When I was bigger, I felt confident and loved my body,” she shared. “But as I’ve gotten more in shape, I’ve become more self-critical. It’s a cycle that’s hard to break, but I’ve learned to focus on what’s best for me, not what others think.”
She also discussed the toxic nature of societal standards, noting that no matter what size someone is, they’re often criticized. “It’s crazy that we’re so mean to ourselves. People will judge you for being too thin or too big, and that’s when you have to let go of trying to please everyone,” she said during a conversation with influencer Remi Bader on her Khloé in Wonder Land podcast.
Overcoming Mindless Eating and Focusing on Health
Kardashian has also worked to develop a healthier relationship with food. In her book Strong Looks Better Naked, she admits that she previously ate for comfort or out of habit, often during moments of unhappiness.
“Mindless eating is common, especially when emotional factors are at play,” explained Shelley Balls, a registered dietitian. “It’s important to practice mindful eating and differentiate between physical hunger and emotional urges.”
By becoming more mindful of her eating habits, Kardashian was able to make lasting changes to her diet. She doesn’t believe in restrictive diets, but instead focuses on making sustainable lifestyle changes. “I don’t subscribe to fad diets or extreme weight loss plans,” she wrote on social media. “For me, it’s all about balance and consistency.”
Dietary Changes and Their Impact
A significant turning point in Kardashian’s diet was cutting back on carbs and dairy after a blood test showed how her body reacted to these foods. “After limiting carbs in the evening and cutting out dairy, I felt transformed,” she said. This change led to increased energy levels and helped her lose 13 pounds in less than three months.
Focus on Strength Over Numbers
Throughout her journey, Kardashian has emphasized that her ultimate goal was never to hit a certain number on the scale, but to feel strong and confident. Despite gaining weight during pregnancy, she lost 60 pounds after giving birth to her daughter True and reached her goal of around 150 pounds by 2020.
“Seeing progress in strength, both physically and mentally, is empowering,” said Garvacio. Kardashian’s story illustrates that fitness and health are about more than just weight—they are about personal growth, consistency, and finding a balance that works for the individual.
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