Selena Gomez Opens Up About Body Shaming, Weight Struggles, and Mental Health Journey

Selena Gomez has never shied away from discussing her personal struggles, but in a recent interview she opened up more deeply about her weight issues, the lasting impact of body shaming, and the importance of therapy in her journey toward self-acceptance. At just 33 years old, the Only Murders in the Building star has lived most of her life under public scrutiny. This means every change in her appearance has often become a headline—something that has taken a toll on her mental and emotional health.

Selena Gomez Opens Up About Body Shaming

In a new cover story published on September 9, Gomez revealed the painful effects of public comments about her body.

“I got stung by a person saying I was fat. Why is that [emotion] coming up?” she shared. Her words highlight just how deeply hurtful negative remarks can be, even to someone who has been in the spotlight for decades.

Gomez admitted, “I’ve dealt with a lot of weight issues in my life, and that’s something I’m very sensitive to.”

For years, the actress and singer has been subjected to online criticism whenever her body fluctuated. Despite her resilience, these remarks created insecurities that lingered. Her honesty about this experience resonates with fans who have faced similar struggles in their own lives.

The Role of Dialectical Behavior Therapy

To address these insecurities, Gomez turned to dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a form of talk therapy designed to help people who experience emotions intensely. DBT encourages individuals to unpack their feelings, identify triggers, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Describing her experience with the therapy, Gomez explained, “Oh, now I understand, that’s stemming from that one time when I was going through some medical stuff and I had gained weight.”

She compared the process to “peeling away layers” and connecting the dots between past experiences and present feelings. Gomez also mentioned using tools provided by therapists, such as cards with guiding questions, to better navigate emotions when they arise.

Her candor about therapy shows that even global celebrities need professional support to process pain and heal from trauma, particularly when it comes to sensitive issues like body image.

Living With Lupus and Its Impact on Weight

One of the biggest factors behind Selena Gomez’s weight fluctuations is her long battle with lupus. She was diagnosed in 2014 and has since undergone chemotherapy and even a life-saving kidney transplant.

In a TikTok Live session in 2023, Gomez addressed the speculation surrounding her body changes. She explained that the medication required to manage her lupus often causes her to retain water weight.

“When I’m taking it, I tend to hold a lot of water weight, and that happens very normally. When I’m off of it, I tend to kind of lose weight,” she said.

This statement was important because it offered clarity for fans who wondered about the changes in her appearance while also highlighting a crucial reality: health should always take priority over appearance. “I would much rather be healthy and take care of myself. My medications are important, and I believe that they’re what helps me,” Gomez emphasized.

Finding Confidence and Refusing to Apologize

Despite the years of criticism, Gomez has reached a place where she feels more comfortable in her own skin. She told Allure, “I finally feel like I’m in a place where I don’t need to be apologetic for every single thing that I do.”

This statement reflects a powerful shift in her mindset. Rather than internalizing negative remarks, she is focusing on her health, happiness, and personal growth. For someone who has faced relentless body shaming in the public eye, embracing confidence is a significant achievement.

Mental Health Struggles Beyond Body Image

Selena Gomez has also been open about her ongoing battles with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. In 2020, she revealed her bipolar diagnosis during a conversation with Miley Cyrus on Instagram Live.

“Recently, I went to one [of the] best mental hospitals in the world … and I discussed that, after years of going through a lot of different things, I realized that I was bipolar,” she explained.

Instead of letting the diagnosis overwhelm her, Gomez said the knowledge gave her a sense of empowerment. “When I have more information, it actually helps me, it doesn’t scare me once I know it. … When I finally said what I was going to say, I wanted to know everything about it and it took the fear away.”

Education as a Form of Empowerment

In her interview, Gomez also shared a personal story from her childhood that influenced how she approaches fear and uncertainty today.

“When I was younger, I was scared of thunderstorms, and my mom bought me all these books on thunderstorms and she was like, ‘The more you educate yourself on this, the more that you’re not going to be afraid.’ It completely worked.”

She applied the same mindset to her mental health journey. By educating herself on bipolar disorder and other conditions she faces, Gomez reduced the stigma and fear that often accompany such diagnoses. This approach not only helped her personally but also encouraged her fans to seek knowledge and resources when dealing with mental health challenges.

A “Weight Lifted Off” Her Shoulders

In a 2021 interview with Elle, Gomez reflected on the moment she received her bipolar diagnosis, saying it felt like a “huge weight lifted off” her shoulders.

“I could take a deep breath and go, ‘OK, that explains so much,’” she shared. The diagnosis helped her connect the dots between her emotions, behaviors, and health challenges, ultimately leading to a greater sense of clarity and peace.

Selena Gomez as an Advocate for Mental Health

Over the years, Gomez has used her platform not only to discuss her personal struggles but also to advocate for broader conversations around mental health and body positivity. By speaking openly about her own experiences, she reduces the stigma that prevents many people from seeking help.

Her willingness to address difficult topics like body shaming, weight fluctuations due to lupus medication, and mental health diagnoses makes her a relatable figure for millions of fans around the world. Gomez’s honesty provides comfort to those experiencing similar struggles, proving that vulnerability can be a form of strength.

Lessons From Selena Gomez’s Journey

Selena Gomez’s story provides important lessons for anyone facing body image challenges or emotional struggles:

1. Health Comes First – Physical appearance should never outweigh the importance of taking care of one’s health. Gomez prioritizes her treatment for lupus, regardless of how it affects her body.

2. Therapy is Valuable – Seeking professional help, like dialectical behavior therapy, can provide practical tools for managing emotions and healing past wounds.

3. Confidence Takes Practice – Building self-acceptance is a journey. Gomez demonstrates that confidence grows when you stop apologizing for who you are.

4. Education Reduces Fear – Learning about mental health conditions or personal challenges can lessen the stigma and empower individuals to take control of their well-being.

5. Sharing Helps Others – By speaking openly about her struggles, Gomez inspires others to be honest with themselves and seek the help they need.

Conclusion

Selena Gomez’s openness about her weight issues, body shaming experiences, and mental health journey reveals the strength of a woman who continues to thrive despite public pressure. From managing lupus and its impact on her body to embracing therapy for emotional healing, she has transformed her struggles into lessons of resilience and empowerment.

At 33, Gomez is not only a successful actress and singer but also an advocate for self-acceptance and mental health awareness. Her message is clear: no one should feel ashamed of their body or their emotions. With therapy, education, and confidence, it is possible to overcome insecurities and live authentically.

By detailing her story so candidly, Selena Gomez reminds fans worldwide that even under the brightest spotlight, it’s okay to be human—and it’s more than okay to prioritize your health and happiness over the unrealistic expectations of others.