This article was originally published on Kueez
We all grow and change as we get older - that's just a fact of life. But while for us "normal, non-famous" people the changes are slow and gradual, for celebrities it seems like their transformation takes place overnight! That's probably because these stars have access to the best personal trainers, dieticians, and who knows what else to help them get whatever body type they want. Not that hard work doesn't come into play - it's just that it's a lot easier when you're getting millions of dollars worth of help, wouldn't you agree? Some of your favorite stars have gone through incredible transformations, to the point that you probably won't even recognize them.
Chris Pratt — 2009
Who else remembers the days when Chris Pratt was the loveable and chubby Andy on Parks and Recreation? He was a larger man with a fuller figure for the early years of his career, but he still made it work. People have always loved his goofy personality and overlooked his physique.
What most people didn't see was Pratt's struggle with "yo-yo" dieting to get better roles. He found himself stuck on the dark side of celebrity culture that no one really sees, especially for men. It wasn't until he landed a role with Marvel that he really transformed his body.
Chris Pratt — 2013
When Chris Pratt landed the lead role in Guardians of the Galaxy, he had to get in the best shape of his life. He started working with a trainer and nutritionist provided by Marvel and lost a whopping 60 lbs. At his peak fitness level, he had muscles on muscles and has since maintained this new ripped body.
When he posted this shirtless selfie on his Instagram in 2013, fans were stunned to see the drastic transformation. One thing he hated giving up to achieve his goal was beer, but he wanted to prove the directors wrong and show them that he was ready for this superhero role.
Kim Kardashian — 2007
When Kim Kardashian first came on our radars in the mid-2000s, she was known for her curves, but we would never say Kim was heavy. She brought on the trend of having an hourglass figure with a big butt and a big chest. However, her look was drastically different back then.
In 2007, her makeup was much heavier, and she hadn't discovered the art of contouring yet. She also worked looser-fitting clothing, which we rarely ever see these days. After having her first two children, Kim decided she wanted to get into the best shape of her life.
Kim Kardashian — 2019
After gaining weight from pregnancy, Kim Kardashian was determined to work for her ideal figure. She started working with a nutritionist and a personal trainer to get down to her goal weight. Throughout the years, her style and makeup have also evolved, making her look like she is aging in reverse.
At the 2019 Met Gala, Kim made everyone's heads turn in her custom Theirry Mugler dress, and Mr. Pearl corset. She looked incredible to match the camp theme of the evening, but she also had to put in hours at the gym to reach her goals, and it's basically become her job to look good.
Zac Efron — 2008
When Zac Efron starred in High School Musical, he was just an 18-year-old boy with devilishly handsome good looks. He was the man of every teenage girls' dreams, and if you didn't have a poster of him on your wall, you weren't a die-hard fan.
As he started to get more roles, we watched him grow up from a boy to a man before our eyes. No matter what age we are, Zac Efron is always our type because he ages like fine wine. However, for his role in Baywatch, he hit his absolute peak physically.
Zac Efron — 2017
When Zac Efron got one of the leading roles in Baywatch, he had to transform his body because he had his shirt off for most of the movie. However, it wasn't easy to build all this muscle. Efron worked out two times a day, ate virtually no carbs, and did hours of lifeguard training.
Although he looked amazing, Efron warned viewers not to idolize his ridiculous physique. He said he doesn't want people to think that is the best way to be, and everyone should love themselves the way they are. Those are important words to hear from actors these days.
Kylie Jenner — 2010
When Kylie Jenner first started to make a name for herself, she was just a young pre-teen in a famous family. Despite being a child, people didn't hesitate to comment on her appearance and criticize her looks. It is no wonder she started going through such dramatic changes early on in her teen years.
When Jenner hit her teens, she would often change her hair color, overline her lips, and wear heavy makeup. People noticed how hard it was for her to compete with her older sisters, and it was a lot to deal with for such a young girl.
Kylie Jenner — 2021
Today, Kylie Jenner looks completely unrecognizable. After having a child, getting lip and face filler, and changing up her style, the 23-year-old looks like a different and more mature person. It has also been speculated that she had some surgeries to enhance her curves.
Kylie has never admitted to anything besides lip fillers, but we suspect there was something else done. However, we don't blame her because she had so much pressure put on her as a child to look and act a certain way.
Adele — 2017
With vocals like Adele's, most people weren't paying attention to what she looked like, and instead, they were appreciating her fantastic music. Throughout most of her career, Adele has had a fuller figure, and she was an inspiration to many larger women.
However, when Adele had her son, she wanted to make some lifestyle changes to be around for him. She also wanted to be able to chase him and be the best mother she could without feeling winded or tired. So, around 2017, Adele started losing weight, but it was slow at the beginning.
Adele — 2020
After splitting from her husband in 2019, Adele began a more serious weight loss journey. She started working with a trainer and nutritionist and, in 2020, she shocked fans by posting a photo with a much slender figure. Her new look is lightyears away from when she first began her career.
Throughout her weight loss journey, she has focused on working out and cutting out sugary and processed foods. Today she seems much happier than ever before, and it is amazing to see how she is really glowing these days.
Jonah Hill — 2009
When we think of Jonah Hill, we think of him as the chubby sidekick who makes us laugh till our sides hurt. In movies like Superbad, The Sitter, and This Is the End, Hill had a burlier figure and fluctuated in weight depending on his role.
Growing up in the spotlight, Hill was left vulnerable to criticism about his body, and although it isn't talked about as much, he felt self-conscious. In an interview, he said, "I spent most of my young adult life listening to people say I was fat, gross, and unattractive," so he decided to make a huge change.
Jonah Hill — 2018
While writing and directing his movie Mid90s, Jonah Hill had started to understand how much it hurt to be made fun of for his weight. It finally hit him that he wanted to be a responsible adult and make a huge lifestyle change to be healthier. He started by correcting his unhealthy diet and sought out the help of a nutritionist.
Hill took things slow and also started running and doing push-ups to ease himself into exercise, and the weight quickly melted away. He debuted a slimmer figure, and fans couldn't believe how amazing he looked. He has since maintained his slimmer figure by finding workouts that excite him.
Heidi Montag — 2006
You might remember Heidi Montag from The Hills, but she looks nothing like this these days. When she was just 23-years-old, Montag was thrust into the spotlight, and there was a lot of pressure to look a certain way. When you are compared to everyone and constantly picked apart, it's hard to feel confident.
After experiencing so much hate in the media and feeling insecure, Montag took matters into her own hands and made a drastic decision. She decided to get ten plastic surgery procedures in one day, and at the time, she told a magazine," I think I look way better, and I’m way happier. Nobody ages perfectly, so I plan to keep using surgery to make me as perfect as I can be.”
Heidi Montag — 2019
After Heidi Montag got her plastic surgery, people thought she was addicted, and it caused a rift between her and her mom. Today, Montag says she was way too young to make those life-altering decisions, and now she doesn't let the negativity and hate on the internet get to her.
Montag said she looked in the mirror too often and only thought about what viewers would see. However, today she is much more comfortable in her own skin but doesn't think the surgeries were worth it - especially for her since she actually almost lost her life during the recovery!
Kumail Nanjiani — 2015
Kumail Nanjiani is best known for his role in Silicon Valley, but he has shown off his comedic chops on many other shows such as Portlandia, Veep, and Franklin & Bash. After years of television work, Nanjiani turned his attention to film roles: writing and starring in The Big Sick.
It was his work in The Big Sick that lead to Nanjiani's next big projects, including a part in the upcoming Marvel film The Eternals. For this role, Nanjiani had to get ripped because he would be playing alongside stars like Angelina Jolie and Selma Hayek. His routine completely changed to prepare for this role.
Kumail Nanjiani — 2019
Kumail Nanjiani stunned fans when he posted this picture of himself on Instagram. He had been sticking to a strict diet and working out twice a day for four or five days a week. However, there were times in his journey where he struggled with body dysmorphia, and he knew this wasn't a sustainable lifestyle.
Nanjiani is one of the few actors to admit that his transformation was only possible due to the Marvel trainers, and the studio footing the bill. He has stuck to working out since finishing the movie, but it is nowhere near as intense as it was for the film, and he is okay with that.
Jennifer Hudson — 2004
When we first heard Jennifer Hudson sing, she was a girl with a dream on American Idol. Although she finished in seventh place, she went onto prove all those judges wrong because she has made an amazing career for herself based on pure talent.
However, once she was in the spotlight, it became harder to ignore the comments people made about her body. Hudson has always been a curvier girl, but she wanted to get healthier and look better for herself because the remarks were difficult to handle.
Jennifer Hudson — 2018
Jennifer Hudson debuted a slimmer frame after she lost a whopping 80 pounds. Hudson said she did it by changing her diet, not restricting herself too much, and working out in ways that didn't feel like working out. She also joined Weight Watchers to set a good example for her son.
Hudson embraces her curves and lets herself indulge from time to time. She has been a role model for not only her son, but also for other young women struggling with body image issues. People with platforms like hers can really influence the minds of younger generations.
Khloe Kardashian — 2008
Khloe Kardashian has always been compared to her sisters. She was always called the "fat and funny" one, but that didn't bother her for a while. Being compared to anyone is challenging, but with her level of fame, those words were constantly thrown at her in the comments section and tabloids.
To be fair, Khloe was never "fat," she was just taller and curvier than her petite sisters, so online trolls did whatever they could to break her spirits. However, Khloe is much stronger than that and decided to start working out when she was ready.
Khloe Kardashian — 2017
After Khloe Kardashian's marriage to Lamar Odom fell apart, she decided to get her "revenge body." She started working out, working with a nutritionist, and using this time to work on her mental health. Khloe said she found that working out helped with her anxiety a lot.
Once called the "fat and funny" sister, Khloe was now turning heads with her toned body. She has always been gorgeous, but you could finally see her confidence radiating from within. However, she still hasn't admitted to any facial surgery, which is pretty obvious.
Carrie Underwood — 2008
Like Jennifer Hudson, we first met Carrie Underwood on American Idol. As the winner of season four, Underwood was suddenly in the spotlight, and her style was scrutinized. She was just a typical country girl who was suddenly recognized wherever she went, and there is pressure to be perfect in that position.
She was also the face of American Idol for the year after she won, so she represented a brand. Underwood was struggling internally and admitted to only eating 800-calories a day after the show because she felt like everyone was watching her.
Carrie Underwood — 2018
It didn't happen overnight, but Underwood finally realized that people were going to criticize her regardless of how skinny or little she ate. She finally started to love herself, and it showed. She was shining in a different way, and people could see she was much happier.
Underwood also changed her style drastically over the years. She went from small-town country girl to style icon. Today she is not afraid to take fashion risks, and she is happy to show off her fit figure. She stole the show in this yellow minidress and continues to slay.
Christina Aguilera —2010
When Christina Aguilera first got into the industry, she was just a teenager with a dream. The pop star wowed the world with her killer vocals and interesting fashion choices that sparked many trends throughout the 2000s. In 2010, she changed up her style and went the more elegant route for her petite frame.
Aguilera has been someone whose weight has fluctuated throughout the years due to the pressures of Hollywood. She has been picked apart by the media because of her body, but she finally decided to take control and create her own narrative to inspire other women.
Christina Aguilera — 2020
After years of dieting and trying to conform to societal standards, Christina Aguilera decided to take back her life. In a recent interview, she said she refuses to diet because she wants to embrace her fuller figure instead of worrying about what she can and can't eat.
These days, Aguilera is all about body positivity and embracing your natural beauty. She is an inspiration for women of all ages who struggle with body image, and she has said that we need to stop comparing ourselves to others because we each follow a different path in life.
Kelly Clarkson — 2002
Kelly Clarkson was the first winner of American Idol, and she was just 20-years-old. As people started to recognize her, she was picked on for every little thing. In an interview in 2004, she said, "I don't think artists are ever the ones who have the problem with their weight; it is other people."
For most of her career, she called out people who had a problem with her body. Clarkson was never trying to lose or gain weight, she was just living her life, and as long as she was happy and healthy, that is all that ever mattered to her.
Kelly Clarkson — 2014
People continued to focus on Kelly Clarkson's fluctuating weight, so she would cover her body with flowy dresses and leggings. However, when she didn't feel healthy anymore, she started eating a little healthier and working out more. She started losing some weight, but then got pregnant in 2013.
No matter what size she has been, Clarkson has always embraced her body. She doesn't care what people say because she only cares about her personal happiness, which is important when you are a public figure. People can say what they want, but Kelly Clarkson is a body-positive role model.
Matthew McConaughey — 2012
One of Matthew McConaughey's most astounding roles was in Dallas Buyers Club. He was so dedicated to the role that he lost 40 pounds to prepare for the based-on-true-events story of AIDS patient Ron Woodroof. People were concerned for his health and ability to complete the 25-day shoot, but he assured everyone he was full of energy.
Although he lacked energy in his body, McConaughey said he was mentally sharp. He met with a nutritionist and gave himself four months to lose the weight. He did it in the healthiest way possible and wanted to make sure he made his physique as realistic as possible.
Matthew McConaughey — 2020
After the role, he gained weight for his part in Gold, and he says McConaughey said his body never fully recovered from the extreme weight loss followed by weight gain. However, he works out and eats as healthy as possible to stay fit and live a long life.
For someone who is 50-years-old, he looks pretty good, and whatever he is doing to keep his body in shape is working for him. McConaughey luckily has the money to spend on trainers and nutritionists so he can prepare for roles in the healthiest way possible.
Kelly Osbourne — 2002
As Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne's daughter, Kelly Osbourne has been in the public eye since she was a little girl. Being in the public eye that young can be detrimental to a young adult's development, and the public's opinion definitely got to the young star.
Osbourne was a little chubbier as a child, which is normal, but the public picked her apart. She eventually turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with the scrutiny, and it wasn't until 2017 that she finally decided to seek treatment and start her journey to sobriety.
Kelly Osbourne — 2020
Without drugs and alcohol, Kelly Osbourne has been feeling better than ever. Sobriety obviously came with its struggles, and she has had to work hard to stay sober, but it has made her much happier and healthier. Recently, she even shared a bit about her recent weight loss journey.
Osbourne said after being called fat and ugly by the press most of her life, she wanted to make a change for her health, and it showed. Over the past few years, she gradually lost weight and looks amazing. She also modernized her style and started loving herself more.
Rihanna — 2012
Rihanna has never been one to really talk about diets and exercise. She has always said, "you can't have a butt without a gut," so we think we know where she stands on Hollywood's toxic diet culture. Despite everything she has said about embracing her body, people still like to make comments about it.
Yes, Rihanna's weight has fluctuated over the years, but whose hasn't? Every time she looks a little more slender or curvier, the headline on every tabloid is about her body and speculating if she is dieting or exercising. She is a business mogul, so why should other's care?
Rihanna — 2020
Today, Rihanna is raking in money while her haters hide behind screens. With her lingerie and loungewear line, Savage X Fenty, she has embraced all body types and genders by using women of all shapes and sizes in her runway shows as well as drag queens and trans icons.
The representation Rihanna has shown is different from anything we have seen on any other runway. As far as her personal transformation, Rihanna still looks fabulous as always; no matter what size she is or which hair color she is rocking.
Drake — 2010
When Drake was just starting his music career after his acting run on Degrassi, he started bulking up and gaining more muscle. He was rarely ever seen without a perfect fade and trimmed beard. His style rarely strayed from the classic baggy jeans and basic t-shirts.
When he started posting shirtless pictures of his chiseled abs, his fans went wild. Drake was every girl's dream, and his thirst trap photos were raking in the likes. As the years went on, he wanted to change his look from slim yet muscular to big and bulky.
Drake — 2019
In the past few years, Drake and his trainer have been working on bulking him up by eating more and lifting heavier weights. Drake used to want to look slim in suits, but now he is all about the super muscular look. He definitely looks much bigger in recent pictures, and he has way more muscles.
Drake cut down on things like alcohol and pasta, started playing more basketball, and added burpees to his routine. He has also let his beard grow out, and his style is less clean-cut. Drake will always be a heartthrob in our eyes.
Sam Smith — 2013
Sam Smith is one of the most popular British singers in the world. When they first burst onto the scene in 2012 with their feature on Disclosure's song "Latch," people knew he would be a star. Throughout Smith's life, he has struggled with body image issues and stress-eating.
He said that when things in life weren't great or music wasn't going well, Smith would eat and eat. He was more offended when people would say mean things about his weight rather than rude slurs about his sexuality. Quite frankly, we're infuriated that he had to put up with either.
Sam Smith — 2017
In 2015, Sam Smith was making headlines for, not music, but for a noticeable weight loss. He started working with a nutritionist and the weight was coming off rapidly. Smith said it wasn't about losing weight, but about being happy and healthy after years of over-eating.
Some of the main changes Sam made were cutting out gluten, dairy, and refined sugars. He eventually started adding in exercise, and people couldn't stop talking about the dramatic before and after photos. Smith looked unrecognizable and was left very happy with the changes.
Rebel Wilson — 2017
Rebel Wilson rose to fame after she appeared in Pitch Perfect. With her Australian accent and purely comedic demeanor, everyone instantly fell in love with her. However, people couldn't help but comment on her fuller figure despite how amazing of an actress she was regardless of her size.
Wilson didn't really care what people thought of her, but we are sure the negative comments on Instagram eventually got under her skin. She says she looks good at all sizes, and she has always been quite confident in her skin. However, she wanted to change for health reasons.
Rebel Wilson — 2021
At the end of 2019, Rebel Wilson declared that 2020 would be her year of health. She started exercising and working with a nutritionist to improve her health throughout the year. People soon started to notice her looking more and more slender.
Wilson ended up dropping 60 pounds, and she noticed that people treated her differently. She said people were opening doors for her, carrying her groceries, and being generally nicer. Wilson also said she is even more confident than she already was.
Jessica Simpson — 2018
Jessica Simpson has always been a curvier girl. Throughout her career, tabloids had commented on her weight, especially when she wore the high-waisted jeans with a thick leopard belt. Throughout the years, her weight fluctuated, but she has always been gorgeous.
However, Simpson noticed the biggest weight gain after having her last child. She said she felt much slower and wasn't feeling like herself. Simpson wanted to get back to her pre-baby body, and she was more than determined.
Jessica Simpson — 2019
Jessica Simpson lost about 100 pounds after her last child. She started making small lifestyle changes, such as walking 14,000 steps each day and eating healthier meals. Everything started small, and she worked her way up to more challenging workouts.
Simpson has credited stepping to help her mental health and weight loss. She eats a lot of protein throughout the day and makes sure to get a good night's sleep, which is something most people overlook. She looks fantastic, and we are happy that she feels so confident now.