Selena Gomez has recently been facing challenges with her body perception after experiencing weight gain due to an autoimmune condition diagnosed a few years ago. Admirers have shown concern regarding the reason behind Selena Gomez’s weight increase as the “People You Know” artist’s appearance has significantly altered over time.
The American celebrity recently responded to comments about her physique and weight gain on social media, disclosing the primary factor contributing to her increased weight. In this discussion, we’ll explain what happened to Selena Gomez, the illness she’s contending with, and her perspective on the situation.
Why Has Selena Gomez Gained Weight?
Selena Gomez recently posted on Instagram, showcasing before-and-after pictures that highlight her weight gain. “Today, I realized I will never look like this again,” the 31-year-old artist captioned the initial 2013 snapshot. The subsequent 2023 image was captioned, “I’m not perfect but I am proud to be who I am … sometimes I forget it’s OK to be me.”
Earlier, Selena Gomez openly discussed how medications for Lupus are affecting her body. Diagnosed with Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in 2015, the “Who Says” singer mentioned how this autoimmune condition leads the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues and organs.
In a TikTok live session from February 2023, Gomez stated that her Lupus medications cause water retention, leading to weight gain. “[When I’m taking it, I] tend to hold a lot of water weight, and that happens very normally. When I’m off of it, I tend to lose weight,” she explained.
She added: “I just wanted to say and encourage anyone out there who feels any sort of shame for exactly what they’re going through, and no one knows the real story.” Further, Gomez highlighted the significance of medications over public opinion and expressed contentment with her appearance.
“I just want people to know that you’re beautiful, and you’re wonderful. Yeah, we have days where maybe we feel like s—, but I would rather be healthy and take care of myself. My medications are important, and I believe that they’re what helps me.”
Can Lupus Lead to Selena Gomez’s Weight Gain?
Yes, Lupus can result in weight fluctuations, both gain and loss, as the autoimmune disorder causes inflammation in various body systems, including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. For Selena Gomez, it is specifically her medications that are contributing to her weight gain.
The “Single Soon” singer hasn’t detailed the exact medicines she’s taking for her condition. However, medical experts speculate she might be referring to the steroid prednisone during her live session. This widely-used medication for Lupus can lead to side effects such as weight gain, water retention, and fluid buildup.
Selena Gomez was diagnosed with Lupus in 2015 and subsequently underwent chemotherapy. In 2017, she had a kidney transplant due to her Lupus. She has been transparent about her health with her fans on social media, keeping them well-informed.
She first discussed the medications affecting her weight during a podcast in 2019. “It’s the medication I have to take for the rest of my life—it depends on even the month, to be honest,” she remarked. “So for me, I really noticed when people started attacking me for that. And in reality, that’s just my truth. I fluctuate. It depends on what’s happening in my life.”
Selena Gomez Talks About Her Body Image:
Following the release of her 2015 song “Who Says” (an anthem for body positivity), Selena Gomez has frequently confronted body shaming and stood firm against it. She has struggled with her body image due to continuous remarks about her weight gain.
In the same TikTok live session where she explained her Lupus medications’ impact on her appearance, she also spoke about her body perception.
“Not a model, never will be. And I think they’re awesome, mind you. I’m just definitely not that,” Gomez declared. “I just wanted to tell you I love you guys, and thanks for supporting me and understanding. And if not, go away, ’cause honestly, I don’t believe in shaming people for [their bodies] or anything.”
In a different TikTok live, Selena Gomez elaborated on her dieting efforts, weight changes, and condemned those spreading negativity about her body.
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“So I constantly attempt to maintain my slim figure, yet I visited Jack in the Box and ended up ordering four tacos, three egg rolls, onion rings, and a spicy chicken sandwich,” Selena remarked. “But honestly, I’m indifferent about my weight because people complain regardless.”
In April 2022, Selena Gomez also responded on TikTok Stories to critics of her body. “‘You’re too small,’ ‘You’re too big,’ ‘That doesn’t fit.’ ‘Blah blah blah blah.’” she penned. “Bitch, I am perfect just the way I am,” she continued. “Moral of the story? Bye.”
Gomez, through an Instagram video in March 2023 posted on Rare Beauty’s account, conveyed uplifting messages she would share with her younger self. “Something I wish I could tell my younger self is: Embrace the face and body you possess. It may not look like others, but you should take pride in yourself,” she expressed.
Selena Gomez’s Weight Gain Affected Her Mental Health:
She also discussed how the online criticism of her weight gain influenced her decision to stop managing her social media. She transferred control of her accounts to her assistant completely due to the hurtful remarks.
“People can insult me by calling me ugly or stupid, and I’d simply brush it off. But these individuals were very detailed and cruel in their comments,” Gomez noted in a conversation with Vanity Fair. “They wrote paragraphs filled with very specific and mean comments.”
“I would cry frequently. I experienced constant anxiety…And I just couldn’t handle it anymore. It wasn’t worth my time,” she added. “The world felt like my high school for so long, and I was bombarded with information I didn’t need.” Nevertheless, Selena has resumed managing her own profiles.
The “Same Old Love” performer remains vigilant about her mental well-being. “I devised a system,” she explained. “Everything I create goes to my assistant for posting. Regarding comments, my team selects a few encouraging ones.” Gomez has had a harsh go with social media recently.
Final Thoughts:
The topic of ‘Selena Gomez weight gain’ has been widely debated on social platforms recently. However, many are unaware that it is linked to her battle with Lupus, an autoimmune condition. The medicines she takes to manage her condition cause her face to appear swollen and her body to gain weight.
Many social media users still make ‘nasty’ remarks about her appearance. Nonetheless, the “Calm Down” singer has learned to manage the negativity and embrace self-love. She now confidently ignores the critics and values her body as it is. This approach has also significantly boosted her mental health.
That’s all for this article. If you have any suggestions or questions, please leave a comment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Below are some of the most common questions about Selena Gomez’s weight gain:
What is causing Selena Gomez’s weight gain?:
The medications Selena Gomez uses for Lupus, the autoimmune disease she was diagnosed with in 2015, lead to her weight gain. She hasn’t specified the exact medicines, but it’s likely she takes prednisone, a steroid known for causing water retention.
Which Disease Does Selena Gomez Have?:
In 2015, Selena Gomez was diagnosed with Lupus, specifically systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). She has lived with this autoimmune condition for over a decade and has undergone chemotherapy and a kidney transplant as part of her treatment.
Does Selena Gomez have a kidney disease?:
Selena Gomez suffers from Lupus Nephritis, a common complication of Lupus. This condition led her to have a kidney transplant in 2017, and she now must take lifelong medications, which contribute to weight gain and water retention.
How much does Selena Gomez weigh now?:
Selena Gomez currently weighs between 130 to 150 pounds. Her weight fluctuates due to the medications she takes for lupus, which cause her body to retain water and increase in weight. The topic of her weight gain is frequently discussed on social media and has negatively affected her mental health.
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