Kathy Bates Lost 100 Pounds and Here Are 5 Daily Habits She Uses to Keep It Off After 75
Oscar winner Kathy Bates is known for the iconic roles she's portrayed on the big screen, including Annie Wilkes in "Misery," Dolores Claiborne/Molly Brown in "Titanic," Evelyn Couch in "Fried Green Tomatoes"—and the list goes on. Bates is also an ovarian and breast cancer survivor who has been very open about her journey.
More recently, the actress was in the news for losing 100 pounds after being diagnosed with type-2 diabetes years ago. After losing the majority on her own, her physician suggested she take Ozempic for the remaining 20 pounds.
The popular weight-loss medications like Ozempic have been truly life-changing for many people, but shedding the weight is only half the battle. Maintaining it can be an entirely new challenge.
"I was absolutely determined that I wasn't going to gain the weight back," Bates shared.
The 77-year-old actress has made significant lifestyle changes, and we're here with five daily habits she uses to keep the weight off.
She Listens to Her Body
Post-weight loss, Bates remains in control and committed to her health journey. How so? By listening to her body. By embracing "mindfulness," the star has learned when to move her plate to the side.
"It's communication between stomach and brain telling you you had enough. And what I discovered is if you listen to that sigh and push that plate away for just five minutes, you realize you're satisfied and you don't have to eat more," Bates told Extra.
She Gets Regular Exercise
Bates does not work with a trainer. Instead, she started her own workout regimen that works well for her body and goals.
"I have a treadmill here at the house, and I might try Pilates. People always ask, 'Don't you want a trainer?' No, I really don't. I don't want anybody over my shoulder," the celeb told PEOPLE.
It doesn't matter how or where you work out, it's just important that you do it consistently. According to Harvard Health Publishing, daily exercise is essential for staying healthy. It will put you in a better mood, help control your appetite, and promote a better night's rest. It also lowers your risk of stroke, heart disease, dementia, depression, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer.
She's Self-Aware
Bates replaced "willpower" with "determination" to reclaim her health. Although she does treat herself occasionally to a snack, she remains committed.
The actress told Women's World, "The idea of 'willpower' has become a weapon we use against ourselves—we think we have it or we don't. So I changed that word to 'determination,' which is something I choose to fight for. You have to have a life, so there are moments when I'll overeat. Then I'll realize my costumes are getting a little tight, so I knuckle down and get determined to be healthy again. I'm not doing this to fit into a dress or for a boyfriend. I do it for me."
She's Glad She Stuck Around
Another thing Bates learned? To stay immersed in activities she enjoys, like walking. She loves who she's become and realizes how hard she worked to get where she is.
"I finally feel like I'm who I am. I've fought my way through the rapids. I feel this is the best time of my life. I'm glad I stuck around for it," Bates said.
She Practices Mindful Eating
The celeb revamped her eating habits by considering why she gravitated toward certain foods in the first place. This taught her to eat mindfully.
"I ate because I was afraid, and I ate because it was a FU to my self esteem," Bates told PEOPLE.
Bates stops eating after feeling full, prioritizing nutrition. She traded in her fast-food pleasures like pizza, burgers, and soda for balanced, healthier options like veggies, fruits, lean proteins and grains, and remains determined to keep her old habits at the curb.
She's Determined
Bates knows she's following these wellness habits for herself—not for anyone else, and consistency is key.
The celeb continues tricks like not eating after 8 p.m. But most importantly, she has prioritized her health and wellness for the long-haul, because she wants to keep the momentum going strong—it's not just about fitting into her wardrobe.
To learn more about the celeb's weight-loss journey, check out Here's How Kathy Bates Lost 100 Pounds & Completely Transformed Her Body.
