5 Real Reasons Behind Selena Gomez's Weight Fluctuations: Her Health Journey And Powerful Body-Positive Message

The conversation surrounding Selena Gomez’s weight has been a constant in the media for years, but the true story is far more complex and deeply personal than simple diet talk. As of December 10, 2025, the latest updates confirm that the star's body changes are intrinsically linked to her ongoing battle with chronic health conditions, a journey she has bravely shared to promote a powerful message of body positivity and self-acceptance.

Her recent public statements and social media posts, particularly those from 2024, have firmly redirected the narrative from superficial scrutiny to one of prioritizing health, mental well-being, and managing the side effects of life-saving medical treatment. This is the definitive, up-to-date look at the real reasons behind Selena Gomez's weight fluctuations and her inspiring approach to wellness.

Selena Gomez: A Brief Biography and Career Profile

Selena Marie Gomez is an American actress, singer, producer, and entrepreneur who has become one of the most influential figures in modern pop culture. Her career began in childhood and has evolved across multiple industries.

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• Birth Name: Selena Marie Gomez
• Date of Birth: July 22, 1992
• Birth Place: Grand Prairie, Texas, United States
• Age: 33 (as of December 2025)
• Notable Professions: Actress, Singer (Grammy-nominated), Producer, Beauty Entrepreneur (Rare Beauty Founder)
• Career Milestones: Disney Channel’s *Wizards of Waverly Place* (2007–2012), hit songs like "Lose You To Love Me" and "Single Soon," starring role and executive producer of Hulu’s *Only Murders in the Building*.
• Health Battles: Diagnosed with Lupus in 2013, underwent a kidney transplant in 2017.

The 5 Real Reasons Behind Selena Gomez’s Weight Fluctuations

Unlike many celebrity weight stories, Selena Gomez’s journey is not about crash diets or extreme workouts. Her body changes are a direct result of managing serious, chronic health issues. She has been exceptionally candid about these factors, offering transparency that combats body shaming and speculation.

1. The Impact of Lupus Medication and Water Retention

The single most significant factor in Selena Gomez’s weight changes is her systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus) diagnosis. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body.

The Medication Factor: To manage her Lupus, Selena takes necessary medication, which often includes steroids or similar drugs. She has spoken out publicly, including in a 2023 TikTok live, explaining that these medications cause her to retain water, leading to noticeable weight gain.

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Prioritizing Health: In her own words, she stated that she would "much rather be healthy" and that the medication makes her feel better. This powerful statement reframes the weight gain not as a failure, but as a sign that she is actively managing a life-threatening illness.

2. Dealing with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

In addition to Lupus, Selena Gomez has also revealed her diagnosis of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO is a condition where an excessive amount of bacteria grows in the small intestine, which is normally relatively sterile.

SIBO and Bloating: When SIBO flares up, it can cause severe gastrointestinal issues, including bloating and inflammation, which contribute to the appearance of weight gain or fluctuation. Managing SIBO often requires specific, restrictive diets and treatment, further complicating a stable weight management routine.

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3. Shutting Down the 2024 "Ozempic Rumors"

In early 2024, following a period where her body appeared slimmer, social media was flooded with speculation that the star was using Ozempic, a drug often used for weight loss.

The Truth: While Selena has not directly named the drug in a rebuttal, the consistent and authoritative reporting confirms that her weight fluctuations are linked to her medical conditions (Lupus and SIBO), not unconfirmed cosmetic drug use. The media cycle often fails to acknowledge the underlying chronic illness that dictates her body's changes.

Selena Gomez’s Real Diet and Exercise Philosophy

Selena Gomez and her long-time trainer, Amy Rosoff Davis, have always emphasized a holistic approach to fitness and nutrition that prioritizes mental health and enjoyment over strict restriction. Her routine focuses on sustainable, healthy habits rather than extreme measures.

A Focus on Whole Foods and Balance

Selena’s diet philosophy, as shared by her trainer, is less about "dieting" and more about fueling her body. The core principles include:

• Whole and Organic Foods: A strong emphasis on incorporating more whole and organic foods into her daily meals.
• Hydration: Making sure she stays well-hydrated, a crucial factor when dealing with water retention caused by medication.
• Minimizing Processed Foods: Adopting a balanced diet low in processed foods, which helps manage inflammation related to her autoimmune condition.
• Enjoyment: The philosophy is to eliminate the idea of "bad foods" and focus on balance, allowing for treats in moderation to maintain a healthy relationship with food.

The Varied and Mental Health-Focused Workout Routine

Her exercise regimen is designed to keep her engaged and healthy, not to achieve a specific body type. It’s a mix of activities that support both physical and mental well-being.

• Pilates: A core component of her fitness, offering low-impact strength and flexibility.
• Yoga: Used for flexibility, stress reduction, and mental clarity, which is vital for managing chronic illness.
• Strength Training: Incorporating strength-building exercises to maintain muscle mass and bone density.
• Dance Cardio: A fun and engaging way to incorporate cardiovascular fitness, often performed 3–5 days a week.

Selena’s Powerful 2024 Message: Health Over Appearance

In January 2024, Selena Gomez used her platform to deliver one of her most memorable and powerful body-positive messages. She shared a side-by-side comparison of her body "then and now" on her Instagram Stories, explicitly addressing how her figure has changed over the years.

The Intentional Post: The post was a direct reflection on self-love, reminding her millions of followers that bodies change, and that is perfectly normal. She emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and prioritizing mental health over the unrealistic standards set by the media.

A Role Model for Self-Love: By consistently speaking out against body shaming and linking her weight changes to her medical conditions, Selena Gomez has become a major advocate for the body-neutrality movement. Her journey serves as a crucial reminder that a person’s worth and beauty are not defined by their weight, but by their health, resilience, and inner strength. She has successfully shifted the focus from a superficial "weight loss" story to a profound narrative about living well with chronic illness.