Christina Aguilera has always been a force to be reckoned with, captivating audiences with her powerhouse vocals. But in recent years, the pop icon has turned the spotlight onto something more personal: her journey to self-acceptance, confidence and balanced health. The singer, now 44, has opened up about everything from her struggles with body image to the empowering mindset and healthy habits she’s adopted today. Here’s a look at Christina Aguilera’s weight loss and health journey, plus what you can learn from her experience.
Aguilera struggled with her body image
Entering the entertainment industry as a teenager wasn’t easy for Aguilera, who burst onto the scene with her 1999 hit Genie in a Bottle.
“When you’re a teenager, you have a very different body than when you’re in your 20s,” she told Glamour in 2024. “I started to fill out, and then that was unacceptable because it was like, ‘Oh, she’s getting thicker.’ Then I had industry people telling me, ‘They liked your body and how you were as a skinny teenager.’”
Aguilera revealed that much of her self-esteem at the time was based on how thin she was. “I hated being super skinny. Once I turned 21, I started filling out a little bit, and I was loving my new curves,” she shared in a Health story in 2021, according to People. However, societal and industry expectations made it difficult to celebrate her natural body changes.
How she embraced self-acceptance
In recent years, Aguilera has made peace with her body and shifted her focus from external validation to inner strength. “I have a maturity now where I just don’t give a f— about your opinion,” she told Glamour. “It must be your responsibility to take up your space. Other people’s opinions of me are not my business.”
She recently reflected on her evolving relationship with her body with her fans. “Acceptance comes with accepting yourself first,” she wrote in a December 2024 Instagram post. “I celebrate everyone taking the time to put one step in front of the next every day in order to build the next version of themselves for the better.”
Cultivating self-acceptance is key to a healthier mindset. “Self-love isn’t just about our appearance—it’s about embracing the person we are becoming,” says Jennifer Habashy, NMD, MS, Assistant Medical Director at Claya. For women in midlife, physical changes and weight gain can trigger feelings of negative body image. But Dr. Habashy encourages us to view this period as an opportunity to prioritize our health.
“One way to cultivate self-love is by focusing on what your body can do rather than how it looks,” she adds. Whether by celebrating small wins, like having more energy throughout the day, or starting a gratitude journal, you can set goals that “go beyond the scale.”
Did Christina Aguilera use Ozempic for weight loss?
While her weight has fluctuated throughout the years, Aguilera recently made headlines for a purported 40-lb weight loss. In May 2024, social media buzzed with speculation that Aguilera might be using Ozempic, a medication FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes that’s been used off-label for weight loss. She hasn’t commented on these rumors.
For anyone considering similar treatments, always consult with a healthcare provider first. While these medications may aid weight loss, they’re not a quick fix. Rather, they best work within a comprehensive plan involving diet and exercise.
Christina Aguilera’s balanced approach to diet and weight loss
When it comes to nutrition, Aguilera reportedly tried the 7-Day Color Diet at one point. This eating plan focuses on eating different colors of food each day of the week, along with staples like eggs, chicken, milk and cheese.
“Choosing foods with different colors means both obtaining a variety of important vitamins, antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds as well as having a diet generally rich in vegetables and fruits and the fiber that goes with them,” says Alexander Watson, MD, Founder of Admire Medical. “If one combines the diet with adequate protein, roughly 100 grams per day for women, it can help maximize fat loss and minimize muscle mass loss.”
However, Aguilera’s perspective on food has since shifted to a more intuitive approach.
“I no longer diet,” Christina told L’Officiel in 2020, sharing that she prioritizes whole foods instead. This aligns with intuitive eating, a philosophy that encourages people to listen to their body’s hunger and fullness cues rather than following restrictive diets.
Dr. Habashy advises, “Enjoy colorful, nutrient-rich meals that fuel your health while still allowing yourself to enjoy your favorite indulgences.”
The fitness routine that helped Christina Aguilera lose weight
Fitness has also significantly impacted Aguilera’s health journey and recent weight loss. After giving birth to her son, Max, the singer’s trainer shared insights into her workouts. These included a mix of strength training, intervals and cardio. Aguilera reportedly enjoys lifting heavy weights, jumping rope, stair climbing and even boxing.
“Incorporating adequate physical activity is critical for weight maintenance,” says Dr. Watson. He notes that strength training, in particular, supports healthy aging: “Resistance training is the only way we are able to actually increase bone density after our 30s.”
Having a variety of workouts you enjoy has other benefits. “A varied routine prevents plateaus by keeping your metabolism engaged and promoting steady progress, as the body adapts quickly to repetitive exercises,” says Dr. Habashy. Plus, switching between them keeps your routine exciting, preventing future burnout.
“For women balancing busy lives, workouts don’t need to be complicated,” she adds. “Even a brisk walk paired with light strength training can yield impressive results over time. The key is consistency and making movement a joyful part of your day.”
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
