Actress Valerie Bertinelli has candidly shared her experience of being dismissed as a spokesperson for a weight loss brand after regaining weight. During an emotional segment on “The Drew Barrymore Show” aired on January 14, 2024, Bertinelli reflected on how this professional setback deeply affected her self-esteem and body image, coinciding with a significant milestone in her career.
Bertinelli, who received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012, recalls that the moment of being let go by the weight loss company occurred during a particularly challenging time in her life. “This was the last year I was with this diet company,” she stated. “They fired me. Eventually, they said, ‘We can’t keep going with you because you’re gaining weight again.’”
The actress first became associated with the weight loss brand in 2007 after successfully losing 50 pounds. However, life circumstances soon took a toll on her mental health, making it increasingly difficult for her to maintain that weight loss. “I wasn’t taking care of my mental and emotional health, so the weight started to come back on,” she explained.
Emotional Reflections and Body Image Struggles
Bertinelli’s Walk of Fame ceremony marked a high point in her career, yet she felt conflicted about her body image at the time. She wore a lace dress to the event and admitted she struggled with her self-perception despite being a size 12. “But size 12 is not that big,” she reflected, noting that she had previously reached a size 4, which she described as “impossible for me to maintain.”
Today, at 65 years old, Bertinelli claims to have found a new sense of peace with her body. “I have been up and down, but pretty much this weight my whole life that I am right now,” she shared. Currently a size 10, Bertinelli emphasizes that her focus has shifted from weight to mental and emotional health. “I’m so strong and firm in who I am. It doesn’t matter how much I weigh. What matters is who I am, how I treat people.”
Through her journey, Bertinelli has sought to reshape her relationship with her body and self-worth. Her reflections highlight the often tumultuous nature of public perceptions surrounding weight and beauty, particularly in the entertainment industry.
As she continues to navigate her path, Bertinelli’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health and self-acceptance over societal standards. Her openness about her struggles has resonated with many, contributing to a broader conversation about body positivity and personal wellness.
