Celebrities, with their lithe bodies, often seem immune to America's battle with weight. From the naturally curvy to new moms who have gained a few extra pounds, celebrities who do not fit into the prototypical thin body type have the added challenge of trying to lose weight as the world watches in real time. To accomplish seemingly miraculous feats of weight loss, celebrities undergo weight-loss plans that often include strict diet and workout regimens.
Jennifer Hudson and Weight Watchers
"American Idol" finalist and Grammy Award and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson had once celebrated her plus-size figure. However, her role as a new mom triggered her decision to lose weight and take control of her body. Weight Watchers' "PointsPlus" program helped Hudson lose more than 80 pounds. The "PointsPlus" program combines portion control and food choice with eating awareness through the use of food journaling. The program is designed to help dieters maintain an "energy deficit" -- which means dieters should consume fewer calories than they burn each day.
Jenny Craig
The same Jenny Craig weight-loss plan used by Valerie Bertinelli, Sara Rue and Jason Alexander is also available to everyone. The Jenny Craig plan zeros in on bad eating habits and replaces them with prepackaged, portion-controlled meals. Coupled with nutritional counseling, motivation and exercise, the Jenny Craig plan helps those who feel their eating has spiraled out of control to regain confidence in their food choices.
Dancing with the Stars
A show as physically demanding as "Dancing with the Stars" is bound to produce dramatic weight-loss results. Kirstie Alley lost more than 60 pounds, and Kelly Osbourne shed a reported 42 pounds while dancing on the show. Kendra Wilson, Marie Osmond and Tia Carrere all lost weight while competing as well. Men competing on the show have lost significant amounts of weight as well. Disney Channel star Kyle Massey shed more than 30 pounds, and computing super-genius Steve Wozniak dropped a few pants sizes.
Celebrity Trainers
The popularity of reality television shows such as "The Biggest Loser" and "Celebrity Fit Club" transformed celebrity trainers into celebrities themselves. "Biggest Loser" trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels have books, websites and workouts on DVD and made for the Nintendo WiiFit platform. Their plans focus on a combination of fitness and diet change to produce results in clients. The drill sergeant on "Celebrity Fit Club," Harvey Walden, is a retired Marine who uses military-style tough love to motivate celebrities, on and off the small screen, to get moving and shed pounds. Walden's weight-loss plan focuses on fitness but also includes dietary advice and psychological support.
Common Thread
Regardless of the workout regimen or eating plan selected, each celebrity weight-loss success has one thing in common: they did not go it alone. Professional support, both in the gym and in the kitchen, is a key factor in losing weight and keeping it off for years. Your family physician is a great ally in the battle of the bulge, and a visit to your physician before beginning a weight-loss regimen is a good idea for anyone. Your doctor will be able to refer you to a local registered dietician or recommend a commercial weight-loss plan that would be the best match for you and your lifestyle. She will also be able to assess you for any physical limitations that could impact your workout routines. So, whether you select a celebrity trainer, commercial weight-loss center or enlist the support of a dietician and trainer, gather as much support around you for this challenging and exciting phase of your life.
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