It’s not every day that we get to witness a transformation as dramatic as Mariah Carey’s. The iconic diva, known for her powerful voice and larger-than-life persona, has stunned fans and critics alike with her weight loss journey. She’s dropped a jaw-dropping 70 pounds, leaving many wondering: how did she do it?
If you’ve been keeping up with Mariah’s career, you know she’s never been shy about her personal life. From her high notes to her high heels, Mariah has always been an open book. But when it comes to her weight loss, it’s been a mix of mystery and revelation. Through the years, the singer has shared bits and pieces about her struggle with weight, her frustrations with the process, and the lifestyle changes she’s made. But there’s so much more behind her incredible transformation that you may not know. Let’s dive into the story of how Mariah Carey lost 70 pounds, without resorting to any quick fixes, and instead with a balanced approach to health.
The Beginning: A Struggle With Weight
It all started years ago when Mariah Carey began feeling the pressure of both her career and personal life. She’s been open about the fact that she struggled with her weight, particularly after giving birth to her twins in 2011. “It’s really hard. My diet, you would hate it,” Mariah once confessed to E! News back in 2016. “All you eat is Norwegian salmon and capers every day…” Her attempt at weight loss at that time was both grueling and frustrating.
For many years, Mariah’s weight fluctuations became public fodder, often drawing unwanted attention. But as she approached 50, something clicked. Her priorities shifted, and she began to seriously focus on a healthier lifestyle—something that went beyond just slimming down for the cameras.
The Turning Point: Surgery, Diet, and Exercise
In 2017, Mariah Carey took a major step in her weight loss journey by undergoing gastric sleeve surgery. This procedure is designed to shrink the stomach, making it easier for patients to control portion sizes and ultimately lose weight. For Mariah, this was a pivotal moment, and although the surgery helped her lose the first wave of weight, she knew that maintaining her transformation would require more than just medical intervention.
“After the surgery, I had to commit to changing my diet and adding exercise into my daily routine,” Mariah explained in an interview. The superstar didn’t rely solely on the surgery to achieve her stunning transformation. She embraced a high-protein, low-carb diet and began working out regularly—three times a week, to be exact.
But what exactly does her diet look like? According to insiders, Mariah made a significant shift toward eating clean. She cut out processed sugars and focused on healthy, whole foods. Norwegian salmon became a staple in her meals, along with vegetables and other lean proteins.
Maintaining the Weight Loss: A New Lifestyle
Let’s be real: it’s easy to assume that Mariah, being a famous singer, has access to all kinds of weight loss hacks. But as she’s mentioned in interviews, her transformation wasn’t about finding the latest quick-fix trend. “It wasn’t about just doing something for a few months,” she said. “It was about creating a lifestyle I could live with.”
Part of her new lifestyle involves understanding that weight loss is not just about the number on the scale, but how you feel in your own skin. Mariah openly acknowledges that the emotional aspect of weight loss is just as important as the physical changes. She’s talked about her insecurity with her weight in the past, and how this change in mindset has been key to her long-term success.
The Results: More Than Just a Slimmed-Down Physique
As of 2025, Mariah has kept the weight off and continues to radiate confidence. Her current weight loss has been nothing short of a stunning 70 pounds. Fans have been in awe of how she’s been able to maintain a healthy balance between career demands and her personal well-being.
Her transformation isn’t just skin deep. Mariah looks and feels better than ever, often sharing photos that highlight her slimmed-down physique. Whether it’s a night out in a glamorous gown or a casual selfie, she’s always glowing—and proud of her progress.
What Can We Learn from Mariah Carey’s Weight Loss?
1. Consistency Is Key: Mariah didn’t lose the weight overnight. It took dedication, patience, and a commitment to healthier choices. The combination of gastric sleeve surgery, exercise, and a balanced diet helped her drop 70 pounds over time.
2. Make It Sustainable: Instead of focusing on quick fixes, Mariah embraced a lifestyle change that she could maintain long-term. Her emphasis on exercise and healthy eating isn’t a “fad”—it’s her new reality.
3. Emotional Health Matters: Weight loss isn’t just physical. Mariah’s journey has been about mental and emotional growth, too. Her willingness to face her insecurities head-on has allowed her to build the confidence she needed to embrace a healthier body image.
Mariah Carey Weight Loss FAQ
1. How did Mariah Carey lose so much weight?
Mariah Carey lost 70 pounds through a combination of gastric sleeve surgery, a high-protein, low-carb diet, and regular exercise. She also embraced a healthier lifestyle by cutting out processed sugars and focusing on clean, whole foods.
2. Did Mariah Carey use Ozempic for weight loss?
While Mariah has been open about her weight loss journey, there is no confirmed information that she used Ozempic or any similar drug for weight loss. Her transformation has primarily been attributed to surgery, diet, and exercise.
3. What type of diet did Mariah Carey follow to lose weight?
Mariah followed a high-protein, low-carb diet, with a focus on whole foods. Her meals often included salmon, lean proteins, and vegetables, while avoiding processed sugars.
4. How long did it take for Mariah Carey to lose 70 pounds?
Mariah’s weight loss journey took place over several years, starting with gastric sleeve surgery in 2017. The combination of surgery, diet, and exercise helped her lose 70 pounds over time.
5. Can I achieve similar weight loss results?
While Mariah’s journey is inspiring, it’s important to remember that every weight loss story is unique. A combination of surgery, diet, and exercise can work for some, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your routine.
Mariah Carey’s weight loss journey is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible at any stage in life. Through hard work, dedication, and a focus on both mental and physical health, Mariah has proven that with the right mindset and support, you can achieve your health goals—no matter how big or small.