'No Shame In Gaining Weight': 7 Times Celebs Opened Up About Body Changes

It’s 2026, and the days of obsessively tracking your weight to fit the latest Instagram trend are behind us. Women’s bodies change, and that’s completely normal. From stretch marks to curves, every change tells a story of growth and life. There is no rush, no timeline, and no perfect shape to strive for. Everybody has their own journey, and that journey is beautiful.

Come take a look at what these nine amazing, successful women have to say about their bodies, their weight journeys, and why self-love comes first.

1. Alia Bhatt Celebrates Health Over Numbers

Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt, who welcomed baby Raha in November 2022, is setting the tone for real post-baby conversation. She told Bombay Times, “A lot of women struggle with their new appearance. Everyone wants to lose weight, and I can relate.”

But Alia has shifted the focus from looks to health. “Now, when I work out, I don’t do it to become thin or make my waist smaller. I do it to be healthy. I made a decision to never be hard on myself, even if there’s extra bloating or chubbiness here and there. I am going to celebrate it. I won’t torture myself,” she explained.

She also adds, “Seriously, appreciate your body for keeping you safe. You grew a human! That’s the real magic.” Alia’s message is clear. Health and immunity come first; the rest will follow.

2. Blake Lively Says Pressure Is Absolutely Absurd

Blake Lively knows firsthand the intense expectations after childbirth. After filming The Shallows just months after her first daughter, she told The Sun, “It’s not normal to look like that eight months after having a kid. It’s absolutely absurd!”

Lively believes the focus should be on celebrating what the body accomplished. “A woman’s body after having a baby is pretty amazing. You gave birth to a human being. That should be celebrated,” Blake emphasises that real bodies deserve real respect.

3. Priyanka Jonas Reminds Us Every Body Has Its Own Timeline

Priyanka Jonas has been candid about juggling motherhood, career, and public scrutiny. “The journey is different for everyone, and there is no universal timeline for how your body should look,” she explained. She encourages women to stop comparing themselves and focus on their own growth.

She adds, “Your body’s journey is your own, and that’s what makes it special. Losing weight or fitting into a certain size doesn’t measure your value.”

4. Neha Dhupia Puts Fitness Above Fitting In

Neha Dhupia faced public fat shaming after gaining 23–25 kilos during pregnancy with daughter Mehr. Her response was firm.“I don’t owe anyone an explanation because fat shaming like this doesn’t bother me one bit. Fitness is a priority, not fitting into society’s standards regarding looks,” she posted on Instagram.

Her husband, Angad Bedi, added, “Being happy has nothing to do with body weight. Women like Neha should be celebrated.” Dhupia works out for her health, energy, and well-being, not for anyone else’s approval. 

5. Anne Hathaway Loves Jeans and Thighs

Anne Hathaway embraces the evolving nature of women’s bodies. “There is no shame in gaining weight during pregnancy or ever. There is no shame if it takes longer than you think to lose it, if you even want to lose it at all. Bodies change. Bodies grow. Bodies shrink. It’s all love,” she wrote on Instagram.

She shared a photo of homemade jean shorts when the previous year’s no longer fit. “There is no shame in finally making your own jean shorts because your body changes, and that’s okay. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” 

6. Kate Winslet Keeps It Unapologetic

Kate Winslet has long rejected unrealistic standards. “I have a crumble baby belly, boobs are worse for wear. I don’t look in the mirror and think I’m fantastic. Nobody is perfect,” she told the Daily Mail.

After her third child, she addressed the expectation to “bounce back” quickly. “People keep saying, ‘Look how great she looks three weeks post-baby.’ That’s not right. My little boy is 16 months old now, and honestly, it’s only in the last three or four months that I’ve truly felt completely back to where I was before I had him. That’s the right way round.” 

7. Serena Williams Celebrates Progress Inch by Inch

Serena Williams has documented her post-baby journey with humour. After her second daughter, Adira, she tried to squeeze into a denim skirt bought while pregnant. It didn’t fit. “Can’t say I’m happy about this. It’s getting there. It’s like an inch higher,” she said.

By July 2024, she celebrated progress. “We’ve made a lot of progress! Loving yourself is essential… I love getting to know a new version of my body,” she said. Williams’ openness shows that self-love is key to any weight journey.

Views expressed by the author are their own.