Rosie O’Donnell is celebrating a major health milestone after shedding 50 pounds, dropping to a size 12, and embracing a healthier lifestyle. The 63-year-old actress, comedian, and talk show host says the weight loss drug Mounjaro, along with lifestyle changes like cutting out Diet Coke and cooking her own meals, has been a “life saver.”
A Surprising Size 12 Moment
O’Donnell shared her excitement with fans on Instagram, revealing that she was shocked to see her new clothing size while shopping for a lounge outfit ahead of a long flight to Australia. She admitted she still struggles to picture herself in her slimmer body after years of wearing larger sizes. Her friends captured a dressing room photo that left her stunned. “I am shocked I’m a 12,” she wrote, adding the hashtag “#mounjaro is a lifesaver.”
Fans Celebrate Her Transformation
The post quickly drew a wave of supportive comments from fans who applauded her transformation. Many called her “inspiring” and “fabulous,” with some sharing their own weight loss stories and others expressing interest in Mounjaro. The warm response reflected how O’Donnell’s openness about her journey has connected with people facing similar challenges.
How Mounjaro Played a Role
O’Donnell first revealed her use of Mounjaro in January 2023, explaining that she was prescribed it for diabetes management. One of the drug’s side effects is weight loss, which she says helped her shed pounds more effectively. However, she credits her results to a combination of the medication and lifestyle adjustments, noting that she has taken a more active role in preparing her meals since moving to Ireland.
Without her former personal chef, she now cooks for herself and her son Clay, which has led to healthier, home-cooked meals and fewer processed foods. She says this shift in her eating habits, combined with Mounjaro, made a significant difference in her health and appearance.
Lifestyle Changes That Made the Difference
Alongside the medication, O’Donnell made deliberate changes to her daily habits. She gave up drinking Diet Coke entirely, replacing it with water as her main beverage. She also reduced her sugar intake and became more mindful about the foods she consumes. This combination has not only contributed to her weight loss but has also improved her overall well-being.
O’Donnell has also embraced health trends like TikTok’s “Tiffany plate,” a creative way of preparing a balanced selection of healthy foods to snack on throughout the day. Her first attempt at the platter included reduced-fat cheese, eggs, sausage, olives, mushrooms, chicken breast, fruits, and vegetables. She described it as a fun and satisfying approach to eating well without feeling deprived.
From XL to Large – A New Wardrobe Challenge
For someone who has battled weight issues most of her life, O’Donnell admits adjusting to her slimmer size has been a surprising challenge. She has worn elastic-waist pants for years and says buying fitted clothes now feels unusual. Transitioning from an XL or 2XL to a large has been a confidence boost, but she’s still adapting to the changes in how she sees herself.
Speaking Out Beyond Health
While celebrating her weight loss, O’Donnell has also remained outspoken on political and social issues. Recently, she hit back at former President Donald Trump after he threatened to revoke her U.S. citizenship. In a bold Instagram post, she criticized Trump’s leadership and values, calling herself “everything you fear” and referring to herself as a loud, queer mother who speaks the truth. She ended the post with a sharp reference to “Game of Thrones,” mocking Trump with the nickname “King Joffrey with a tangerine spray tan.”
Why Her Transformation Matters
O’Donnell’s openness about her health journey offers a candid look at the intersection of medication, lifestyle, and long-term wellness. Her experience highlights the importance of combining medical tools like Mounjaro with personal habits such as better nutrition and daily activity. She has not positioned her weight loss as a quick fix, but rather as part of a broader shift in how she approaches her health and self-care.
Looking Ahead
As she continues her career and advocacy, O’Donnell’s transformation reflects both personal resilience and a willingness to adapt. Fans have responded to her transparency with appreciation, seeing her as a relatable figure navigating the same health challenges many face.
From her early days as a stand-up comedian to her success as a talk show host and actress, Rosie O’Donnell has always brought authenticity to her public life. Now, her health journey is adding a new chapter to that legacy — one that blends personal victory with inspiration for others seeking to improve their own well-being.