Kathy Bates' Dramatic Weight Loss Transformation Is A Sight To See

If you've seen Kathy Bates in the new "Matlock" reboot — or any of her previous work, for that matter — then you know what a talented actress she is. You have probably also noticed that the star has made a stunning weight loss transformation in recent years.

In an interview with Variety (via Today), she revealed just how her 100-pound weight loss, in conjunction with the success of her show, had affected her, saying, "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!"

In the same interview, Bates shared her feelings about being able to wear a sample-size gown to the 2025 Emmy Awards, where she was nominated for best lead actress in a drama series for her role in "Matlock." "She had a beautiful dress for me to try. I looked at it on the hanger, and I thought, 'That's not gonna fit.' I put it on, and it fit, and I just melted down," she said.

However, Bates has said that it wasn't a desire to fit into designer clothes that initially drove her to pursue weight loss.

Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2017 is what spurred the Academy Award-winning actress to make changes to her lifestyle. "[Diabetes] runs in my family," she explained, "and I'd seen what my father had gone through. He had had a leg amputation" (via People)

Bates further discussed with People how her weight loss had improved the swelling in her arms. After two bouts with cancer — first ovarian and then breast — Bates had developed symptoms of lymphedema. "It's a souvenir you definitely don't want," she told the magazine. "I really felt that life was over for me. I probably wouldn't work again, and I was angry for a long time." Following her weight loss, however, the swelling had improved. "It's such a thrill to be able to put my arm into a jacket and it fits," she told People.

Speaking out about how she lost weight, Bates was quick to correct any misconception that she did it all with a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic. "I just want to lay that to rest here," she told People (via YouTube). "I lost about 80 pounds and the last 15 or 20 is always the hardest. And so when Ozempic came out ... I went to my doctor, and she said 'Let's give this a go.'" Bates additionally stressed that it took "hard work" to achieve her goal.

Jessica Ball, MS, RD, senior nutrition editor at Eating Well, said that it's "a common misconception" that using medications is an "easy" way out. "These medications are meant to be taken in conjunction with diet and lifestyle interventions," she said, "and that's when they are most effective." 

Ball further praised the intuitive approach that Bates took, listening to her body and not following what Bates called "some crazy diet." While intuitive eating is not a weight loss method per se, it does help people get in touch with what they are eating and why, which can be conducive to a healthier relationship with food.