When Selena Gomez made her red carpet appearance at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, it was hard not to notice the transformation. Looking fitter and more radiant than ever, the star showcased a slimmer physique that had fans and critics alike in awe. But this wasn’t just about weight loss — it was about reclaiming control over her body, finding balance, and managing the effects of her lupus.
Gomez, who has always been candid about her health struggles, especially her battle with lupus, has experienced some serious ups and downs in her journey. Over the years, the medications she’s been prescribed for lupus have caused fluctuating weight, but her determination to prioritize her health has brought her to this point of self-love and empowerment. Let’s take a deeper dive into how Selena’s transformation unfolded, especially in light of her recent appearance at Cannes.
Weight Fluctuations and Lupus: The Struggles Behind the Transformation
Selena Gomez has been open about the challenges she’s faced while managing lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects the immune system and causes inflammation in various parts of the body. One of the most frustrating side effects of the condition, as Selena has noted, is its impact on her weight. The medications she takes, particularly corticosteroids, are known to cause significant weight fluctuations.
“I’ve had days when my weight was up, and I’ve had days when it was down,” Selena admitted in a recent interview. “The medications I take for lupus can cause rapid weight gain or loss. It’s been a constant battle, but it’s a reality that I have had to accept.”
For many years, Selena has had to balance her health with public scrutiny, as her weight has fluctuated due to her lupus treatment. She often faced body-shaming comments, which intensified with her visibility as a public figure. But through it all, she’s remained focused on her health, knowing that the most important thing is to feel good in her skin, no matter the number on the scale.
The Shift: Focusing on Health, Not Just Weight Loss
In recent months, Selena made the conscious decision to prioritize her overall well-being over any temporary weight goals. This wasn’t about fitting into a particular size or meeting an external expectation — it was about taking control of her health journey and feeling her best.
“I didn’t want to be focused solely on weight loss,” Selena shared. “I wanted to make sure my body was strong, that I was eating well, and doing things that make me feel good.”
Selena’s approach to health became holistic, focusing on everything from exercise and nutrition to mental health. While she’s not one for extreme diets, Selena made some key changes to her daily habits. She adopted a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats. She cut back on processed foods and focused on anti-inflammatory options to support her body’s recovery and function, especially considering the inflammation caused by lupus.
Exercise and Fitness: Building Strength and Confidence
Selena’s fitness routine has always been a key element of her health journey, but this time, she shifted her focus toward strength-building exercises rather than extreme weight-loss regimens. “Strength training has really changed my body and my mindset,” Selena explained. “I wanted to feel stronger, not just lose weight. It’s about toning and feeling empowered.”
She incorporated a variety of resistance exercises, including weight lifting and bodyweight exercises, to help her build muscle and boost metabolism. Yoga and walking also became part of her daily routine, providing her with the balance between physical strength and mental clarity. This new approach to exercise gave Selena not only the body she desired but also the energy and confidence to take on life’s challenges head-on.
Her focus on overall strength rather than just shedding pounds allowed her to build a more sculpted physique and gave her a sense of accomplishment that went beyond her appearance.
Selena Gomez at Cannes: Embracing the Spotlight
When Selena Gomez attended the Cannes Film Festival, she was met with admiration, not just for her stunning gown but also for her obvious transformation. Wearing a custom Balmain dress, Selena looked radiant, with a toned physique that reflected the hard work she’d put into her fitness and health.
Despite the comments from fans and media about her weight, Selena was quick to take the opportunity to share her perspective on self-love and health. “This is my body, and I’ve learned to love it at every stage,” she shared with reporters on the red carpet. “Weight isn’t my focus — health is.”
Selena’s appearance at Cannes was more than just about showcasing her physical transformation. It was about taking a stand and being authentically herself, free from the weight of criticism or expectations. Her confidence was palpable, and it sent a powerful message to everyone watching — that health and confidence come from within.
The Emotional Aspect: Overcoming Critics and Finding Peace
Selena has been transparent about the emotional toll that the media scrutiny on her body has taken over the years. She’s faced body-shaming criticism since her early days in the spotlight, and the comments on her fluctuating weight have been a consistent source of stress.
In an emotional Instagram post, Selena wrote, “The internet can be cruel, but I am stronger now than I’ve ever been. I’ve learned to stop obsessing over my body. It’s not about perfection — it’s about feeling good in my skin and loving who I am, no matter what anyone says.”
This shift in perspective helped Selena find peace with her body, allowing her to focus more on mental health and self-compassion. She has become a role model for others who struggle with their own body image, especially those facing similar health challenges.
FAQ: Common Questions About Selena Gomez’s Weight Loss Journey at Cannes
1. How much weight did Selena Gomez lose? While Selena has not publicly disclosed exact numbers, her transformation is clear, with fans speculating that she lost about 30 pounds as part of her journey to better health and fitness.
2. Did Selena Gomez use weight loss medications? No, Selena has been open about her struggles with lupus medications, which can cause weight fluctuations, but she has denied using weight loss drugs. Her focus has been on healthy lifestyle changes, including exercise and a balanced diet.
3. What kind of exercise routine does Selena Gomez follow? Selena’s routine includes a mix of strength training, yoga, and walking. She emphasizes building muscle strength and maintaining flexibility rather than focusing purely on weight loss.
4. Why does Selena Gomez’s weight fluctuate? The fluctuation in Selena’s weight is primarily due to the effects of her lupus medication. Corticosteroids, a common treatment for lupus, can cause significant weight changes. Selena has learned to manage this fluctuation through exercise and mindful eating.
5. What did Selena Gomez say about her body at Cannes? Selena shared that her appearance at Cannes was a celebration of her health and confidence. She emphasized that her focus is on being healthy and happy, rather than conforming to societal beauty standards.
Selena Gomez’s weight loss journey is a powerful reminder that health isn’t just about numbers on a scale — it’s about feeling good, staying strong, and loving yourself through every challenge. Her transformation, both physical and emotional, serves as an inspiration to anyone who has struggled with body image or health issues. Whether at Cannes or in her daily life, Selena is living proof that confidence and self-care are the true markers of beauty.