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When you think of Valerie Bertinelli, you probably picture the beloved actress from One Day at a Time, or maybe as the star of the Food Network. But behind the smile and the camera-ready look, Valerie’s weight loss journey has been anything but simple. Recently, she opened up about her personal struggles, challenges, and triumphs in an emotional interview on The Today Show, shedding light on her ongoing transformation—both physically and emotionally.
The conversation was raw, honest, and incredibly inspiring. “I’ve spent most of my life battling weight,” she shared on Today. “But I think the biggest battle was never about the pounds; it was always about how I saw myself.” In this article, we dive into Valerie Bertinelli’s weight loss journey, the emotional challenges she’s faced, and the lessons she hopes her story can teach others.
Valerie Bertinelli’s career is no stranger to public scrutiny. From her role as the sweet and funny Barbara Cooper on One Day at a Time in the 1970s, to her more recent ventures on the Food Network, she’s always been in the public eye. But it wasn’t just her acting that had people talking. Her appearance, her body, and her fluctuating weight have been the subject of much discussion over the years.
In an emotional conversation with Today’s Jenna Bush Hager, Valerie shared that she has faced body shaming for much of her life. “I was always told I was too big, too this, too that,” she explained. “And I internalized that for so long, believing it.” But as Valerie grew older and wiser, she began to reject the unrealistic beauty standards that had once haunted her.
Valerie’s transformation didn’t happen overnight. It wasn’t just about shedding pounds—it was about learning to accept herself and her body in every stage of her life. In fact, Valerie’s weight loss journey has been full of ups and downs. In a candid conversation with Today hosts, she revealed that she had tried many diets over the years, including a stint with the Jenny Craig program back in the mid-2000s, where she lost 40 pounds. But despite the success of these programs, there was always something deeper that needed healing.
In 2023, Valerie took a different approach to her health and weight loss journey. Rather than focusing purely on the scale, she shifted her attention to her mental and emotional health. “I was going through therapy, working on myself emotionally, and it changed everything,” she told Today. “It wasn’t just about calories; it was about being kind to myself.” This approach allowed Valerie to lose an additional 40 pounds in 2024, but more importantly, it gave her the space to heal from the inside out.
One of the most revealing parts of Valerie’s weight loss story is her struggle with emotional eating. For years, food had been a source of comfort for her. “When I was upset, I’d eat,” she confessed on The Today Show. “I didn’t realize how much I was using food to numb my emotions.” But with therapy and self-reflection, Valerie learned to address her emotions in healthier ways. “Therapy taught me that my feelings are valid, and I don’t need to turn to food to fill that void,” she said, smiling with pride.
She also spoke about how her daily routine has changed, with exercise becoming a regular part of her life. “I used to hate working out, but now, I love it,” she shared. “It’s about finding something you enjoy, whether that’s walking, dancing, or just moving your body.” Valerie now focuses on a balanced routine that includes physical activity, healthy eating, and emotional well-being.
In 2024, Valerie shared another vulnerable moment with her fans, revealing how she’s learning to embrace her body at every stage of life. “I’ve got saggy skin, and I’m not ashamed of it,” she said during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show. “I don’t care if I have wrinkles or loose skin—what matters is how I feel about myself.” This open declaration was a powerful moment for anyone who has ever struggled with body image. Valerie’s confidence is a reminder that beauty doesn’t have to look a certain way, and self-love is the true measure of success.
One of the most shocking revelations came when Valerie admitted that she no longer steps on the scale. “I don’t care about the number anymore,” she shared. “I used to weigh myself every day, but I realized that number doesn’t define me.” This mindset shift is a major departure from her past when weight numbers held so much significance. “I can wear jeans and judge how I feel in them, but the scale? Not important,” she added, emphasizing how liberating it has been to stop obsessing over numbers.
In fact, Valerie now emphasizes body positivity and mental health over conventional weight loss metrics. “I know that I’m healthy, I’m happy, and I’m strong,” she stated confidently on The Today Show.
During her Today Show interview, Valerie also shared advice for those on a similar weight loss or self-acceptance journey. “It’s not about rushing to lose weight or fitting into a certain size,” she said. “It’s about making lasting changes that make you feel good in your own skin.” For Valerie, the focus is on a sustainable lifestyle that supports overall health—mental, emotional, and physical.
Valerie’s message is a reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to weight loss. Whether it’s through therapy, exercise, or simply learning to love yourself, everyone’s journey looks different. And most importantly, there’s no deadline for feeling good about who you are.
Valerie Bertinelli’s weight loss story is far from just a physical transformation. It’s a testament to the power of self-compassion, emotional healing, and the importance of finding balance in life. Whether she’s on the Food Network or candidly sharing her journey with the world, Valerie has become a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with body image or weight loss.
Her story resonates because it’s not just about the number on the scale—it’s about how she feels inside. It’s about learning to be kind to herself, letting go of societal pressures, and embracing who she truly is. As she continues her journey, Valerie Bertinelli reminds us that the most important relationship we have is the one we have with ourselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Valerie Bertinelli lose so much weight?
Valerie lost weight through a combination of therapy, emotional healing, regular exercise, and healthier eating habits. She has emphasized the importance of addressing mental health in her weight loss journey.
Did Valerie Bertinelli take Ozempic to lose weight?
No, Valerie Bertinelli has not used Ozempic. In interviews, she has stated that while she supports others who choose to use medications, she has focused on lifestyle changes instead.
How much weight did Valerie Bertinelli lose in 2024?
Valerie Bertinelli shared that she lost 40 pounds in 2024, thanks to healthier eating habits, regular exercise, and emotional healing.
What is Valerie Bertinelli’s stance on the scale?
Valerie no longer focuses on the scale and believes it’s important to focus on how you feel, not just the number on the scale.
What advice does Valerie Bertinelli have for others on a weight loss journey?
Valerie’s advice is to take it slow, be kind to yourself, and focus on making lasting lifestyle changes rather than obsessing over quick fixes or specific weight goals.