By Gina Vivinetto-style contributor
“People thought I got weight loss surgery. I didn’t. I worked my butt off, literally,” Lainey Wilson chuckled in a backstage interview that’s still circling fan pages like wildfire. If you watched the 2023 CMA Awards, you probably had the same reaction as the rest of us: Is that Lainey?
Yes. Yes, it was.
And what happened between her breakout moment and that jaw-dropping red carpet reveal? A whole lot more than green juice and good lighting.
“It Wasn’t About the Scale—At First.”
If you’re looking for some magic detox or overnight fix—sorry, this ain’t it.
“I started focusing on my health back in 2021, not to lose weight, but because I felt tired all the time,” Lainey told a close friend (who later spilled the tea to People). Touring, performing, interviews, and social media pressure had her running on empty. “My body was just screaming for help.”
She didn’t weigh herself in the beginning. “I just wanted to feel better in my skin, not smaller in it.”
But here’s the kicker: within the span of just under 18 months, Lainey Wilson lost a whopping 70 pounds. And she did it the old-school way—clean eating, intentional workouts, and a whole lotta patience.
Lainey Wilson Weight Loss Wasn’t Glamorous—It Was Grit
Forget the lip gloss and rhinestone boots—this journey started in sweatpants and ponytails. Early mornings. Late-night cravings. And, yes, lots of grueling, sweaty gym sessions.
According to sources close to her trainer, Lainey adopted a hybrid routine built around:
-
Strength training three times a week
-
Cardio intervals (mostly incline walking and dance workouts)
-
Pilates for flexibility and core strength
-
Long walks on off-days to keep her body moving gently
And food? Oh, don’t think she skipped that part.
No Keto, No Pills—Just Country Grit
In an era where celebrities are constantly rumored to be using Ozempic, Wegovy, or whatever “magic shot” is trending, Lainey’s journey stands out because it’s refreshingly normal.
She didn’t do keto. She didn’t fast for 20 hours a day. She didn’t take pills. “I love biscuits too much for that,” she joked once during a radio interview.
Instead, her daily meals were simple, southern, and smart:
-
Breakfast: Oatmeal with almond butter and berries
-
Lunch: Grilled chicken salads with olive oil dressing
-
Dinner: Baked fish or lean meats with veggies
-
Snacks: Greek yogurt, almonds, or fruit
Portion control and consistency were the keys. No fad diets, no guilt.
“I Got Called Too Big. Then I Got Called Too Small.”
Let’s talk real for a sec. Lainey Wilson’s weight loss wasn’t met with universal applause. The second her body started changing, so did the internet’s attitude.
“At first it was, ‘She needs to lose weight.’ Then it was, ‘She’s unrecognizable.’ I can’t win, can I?” Lainey said in an interview with Billboard. But what hurt her most? The speculation. “Folks swore I’d gotten surgery. Or that I was sick. I wasn’t. I was just tired of feeling sluggish and puffy.”
She didn’t owe anyone an explanation, but she gave one anyway—to clear the air and inspire others.
And it worked.
Fans Called It “The Greatest Glow-Up in Country Music”
When Lainey strutted onto the 2023 CMA stage in that form-fitting black jumpsuit with sky-high heels, jaws dropped. Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) calling her “a walking billboard for health and hustle.” Others posted side-by-side pics with the caption: “70 pounds down and still rising up.”
But here’s what Lainey says really transformed her: “I didn’t just change my body. I changed my mind.”
That part? That’s not something a scale can measure.
“I Still Eat Mac and Cheese, Y’all.”
Let’s not put her on a pedestal, though. Lainey isn’t here to preach about clean eating perfection.
“I still eat what I love. I still have bad days. But I also drink my water, walk my miles, and don’t punish myself.” Balance over extremes, always.
She also credits her mental health as part of her transformation.
“Therapy, journaling, and unplugging from social media” became part of her routine. Not just burpees and broccoli.
Haters Gonna Hate. But She’s Not Slowing Down.
Despite the noise, Lainey keeps it moving. Her calendar is booked, her voice is stronger than ever, and her energy? Through the roof.
When asked if she’d do anything differently, her answer was classic Lainey: “Nope. I earned every drop of sweat and every size down.”
And fans? They’re more inspired than ever.
FAQ: Lainey Wilson Weight Loss
1. How much weight did Lainey Wilson lose? Lainey Wilson lost approximately 70 pounds through a combination of regular workouts, healthy eating, and improved mental wellness.
2. Did Lainey Wilson use Ozempic or any weight loss medications? No. Lainey’s transformation was all-natural, relying on exercise, diet, and mindset work. She has directly addressed the rumors and denied any use of medication or surgery.
3. What does Lainey Wilson’s workout routine include? Her routine includes strength training, cardio intervals, Pilates, and regular walking. Consistency and variety were key to her success.
4. What does Lainey Wilson eat in a day? Her meals are balanced and protein-rich, often including oatmeal, grilled chicken, vegetables, nuts, and lean meats. She also allows for occasional indulgences like mac and cheese.
5. Why did Lainey Wilson decide to lose weight? It wasn’t about appearance—it was about energy, confidence, and health. She started her journey in 2021 after feeling chronically tired and mentally drained.
Final Word from Lainey
“You don’t have to be a country star to start somewhere. Just love yourself enough to take the first step.”
And if that’s not country wisdom wrapped in modern magic, we don’t know what is.