This year, many celebrities had us doing a double take with their shocking physical transformations.
Many of these changes ignited speculation about the use of Ozempic, an injectable medication some physicians prescribe for weight loss but that has not been FDA-approved for that purpose. Stars like Lizzo have publicly shut down such rumors, sharing details on how they achieved their slimmed-down look.
We’ve also seen cases where celebrities ditched their traditional hairstyles, like Amanda Bynes saying goodbye to her signature blonde locks. And who could have predicted Princess Kalina of Bulgaria’s incredibly toned arms making headlines in 2024?
Let’s take a look at some of the stars who sparked conversations about their dramatic transformations this year.
#1
Tammy Slaton
Slaton rose to fame with her sister, Amy, after starring in the popular TLC show 1000-lb Sisters, which is currently in its sixth season.
The show chronicles the Kentucky-born sisters’ daily lives and their efforts to lose weight. In November, Tammy celebrated a major milestone when she stepped on a scale and saw her weight was 281.2 pounds (127 kg).
“I think the last time I weighed 281 [pounds], I was in fourth or fifth grade,” the reality star shared. Slaton underwent bariatric surgery in 2022 and lost around 300 pounds (136 kg) the following year.
#2
Dave Bautista
The former WWE star attended the Toronto International Film Festival in September sporting a trimmed-down look.
“I’m getting super trimmed; this is probably the lightest I’ve been since I was 19,” Dave said during an interview with Chris Van Vliet.
The retired wrestler revealed that he was able to lose 75 lb (34kg) in a year through a plant-based diet. “I eat as clean as possible. I was eating mostly vegan, except for eggs because I couldn’t give them up for breakfast,” he told Men’s Health.
#3
Donatella Versace
The Italian designer, who became Versace’s creative director after the tragic murder of her brother Gianni, attended the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical in early December.
After Donatella shared photos from the London event, netizens focused on her glowing appearance, speculating about the possible use of Photoshop, filters, or cosmetic surgery to explain the 69-year-old’s “new face.”
Speaking at the Vogue Festival in 2013, the businesswoman said: “I’m not like this genetically, I use tons of cream and take care of my hair and skin.”
“I don’t even know what my natural colour is,” she said in 2020. “Natural? What is natural? What is that? I do not believe in totally natural for women. For me, natural has something to do with vegetables.”
#4
Mike Myers
For his first public appearance in over a year, the Emmy winner appeared at Hollywood’s Dolby Theater in a gray buzz cut, a clear contrast with the brushed-down brown hair he sported throughout his career.
The Austin Powers actor attended the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute in April, which honored Nicole Kidman’s career.
During the event, Mike went on stage wearing a mask—a reference to the 1999 Stanley Kubrick film Eyes Wide Shut, in which Nicole stars as Alice Harford alongside Tom Cruise.
#5
Lizzo
Lizzo’s weight loss transformation has become the talk of the web this year. While some have accused the Truth Hurts singer of using Ozempic, she has consistently denied these claims, posting videos of her hard work at the gym on social media.
“When you finally get Ozempic allegations after 5 months of weight training and calorie deficit,” the rapper, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, wrote below a social media video.
Lizzo exercises with celebrity trainer Corey Calliet, who has trained other stars such as Keke Palmer, John Boyega, and Michael B. Jordan.
#6
Christina Aguilera
The Candyman hitmaker looked slim when she sported a black skin-tight bodysuit at Barry’s gym in West Hollywood, California, in September. Christina attended an event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her self-titled debut album and her limited edition Fuel Bar shake.
After facing scrutiny over her body since her teens, the Grammy winner no longer cares what people have to say about it. “I have a maturity now where I just don’t give a f**k about your opinion,” she told Glamour in August. “I’m not going to take it on. It must be your responsibility to take up your space. Other people’s opinions of me are not my business.”
#7
Princess Kalina Of Bulgaria
In June, the athletic Princess Kalina of Bulgaria impressed royal fans when she flaunted her toned, muscular arms during an outing in Sofia, the country’s capital, accompanied by her husband, Antonio José “Kitín” Muñoz, and their son, Simeón Hassan Muñoz.
Kalina is the fifth child and only daughter of Simeon II, the last tsar in Bulgaria, and his wife, Margaret.
She and Muñoz have been training together for 24 years. “I like the fitness philosophy and lifestyle. Staying in shape while seeking balance and harmony. Mens sana in corpore sano. If I don’t work out, I don’t feel well,” explained the princess, who trains four times a week and also enjoys skiing, kitesurfing, and equestrianism.
#8
Barbie Ferreira
The Euphoria actress wowed social media users when she revealed her dramatic weight loss transformation in November. Barbie’s mirror selfie, which showed her defined jawline and slim waist, made fans question whether she had used Ozempic to achieve her results.
“Ozempic got a choke hold on the entire industry,” one user speculated, while another said: “She fine both ways. My lord.”
A source close to the actress claimed that she had lost weight to “revitalize” her career.
“Since she quit Euphoria, the opportunities have been drying up for Barbie….She lost the weight to revitalize her career and better highlight her talents. She has such a strong drive to succeed in the industry and is incredibly talented.”
#9
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay’s appearance at a promotional event for her Christmas film Our Little Secret left fans shocked, with many commenting that she may have gone under the knife to achieve her glowing look.
Some even suggested that she had removed her signature freckles with laser treatment.
The Mean Girls star previously attributed her appearance to skincare. “I used to try more serums and do more hair treatments, but now I keep things very basic. I realized, why use something I can’t use when pregnant? Why would I use that anyway?”
She also told Allure she’s tried skin treatments like Morpheus8, a minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy and microneedling. “I’ve tried Morpheus, IPL, and lasers. I try not to do them too much, but I’m always interested in what else is out there.”
#10
Olivier Martinez
The French actor, known for his roles in Un, deux, trois, soleil, The Horseman on the Roof, Before Night Falls, and Unfaithful, was photographed in September looking unrecognizable with a head of white hair replacing his once dark locks.
Olivier famously dated Halle Berry from 2010 to 2013. The former couple share a 10-year-old son, Maceo, who was at the center of a custody battle in August after Halle requested a court intervene in their co-parenting agreement, alleging Olivier hadn’t been seeing a co-parenting coach as was previously stipulated. Her request was denied.
She is also seeking sole legal custody of Maceo, claiming the actor’s “turbulent and detrimental behavior” has seriously impacted their son.
