Selena Gomez’s weight gain is primarily linked to lupus and the medications she takes—especially treatments that cause w
Why Selena Gomez Experiences Weight Changes
1. Lupus and Medical Treatment
Selena Gomez was diagnosed with lupus in 2014, later undergoing chemotherapy and a kidney transplant.
She has repeatedly explained that her lupus medication causes water retention, leading to visible weight fluctuations.
“When I’m taking it, I tend to hold a lot of water weight… When I’m off of it, I tend to kind of lose weight.”
2. Side Effects Are Normal and Expected
Water retention and weight gain are common side effects of lupus medications, especially steroids.
Gomez has emphasized that these changes are not a “problem”, but a medical reality she manages as part of staying healthy.
She stated she would “much rather be healthy and take care of myself” than worry about appearance.
Emotional and Mental Health Impact
1. Body-Shaming and Public Scrutiny
Gomez has faced years of body-shaming, which deeply affected her self-esteem.
She described being “stung” by comments calling her “fat,” noting she is “very sensitive” to weight-related criticism.
2. Therapy and Coping Strategies
She uses dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to understand emotional triggers and build resilience.
She described the process as “peeling away layers” to understand why certain comments hurt.
3. Mental Health Conditions
Gomez has publicly discussed her anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder diagnosis (2020).
Learning about her bipolar disorder was “a huge weight lifted off” her shoulders.
How Selena Responds to Body-Shaming
She has defended herself publicly, reminding people she is “not a model” and is “perfect the way I am.”
After comments about her Golden Globes appearance, she said:
“I’m a little bit big right now because I enjoyed myself… But we don’t care.”
Selena Gomez’s weight gain is not a “problem” but a medical side effect of lupus treatment, compounded by the emotional toll of public scrutiny. Her focus remains on health, stability, and self-acceptance, supported by therapy and ongoing medical care.
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