Rosie O'Donnell, 63, Shines After Weight Loss: 'I Can't Believe This Is Me'

Rosie O'Donnell’s Weight Loss Journey and Health Transformation

Rosie O’Donnell, a beloved figure in the entertainment industry known for her work on Broadway and her Emmy-winning talk show The Rosie O’Donnell Show, has recently been in the spotlight for her significant weight loss. While she has always been open about her struggles with weight, her recent transformation has captured the attention of fans and media alike. O’Donnell has shared details about her health journey, including the role of medication, lifestyle changes, and how she now feels more energized and healthier.

Mounjaro: A Key Player in Her Weight Loss

One of the tools that played a major role in O’Donnell’s weight loss is the GLP-1 drug Mounjaro. In a May 23 Instagram post, she shared a photo of herself after losing weight, captioning it with “I can’t believe this is me now” and hashtags like #mounjaro #weightloss #bodydismorphia. This marked a turning point in her journey.

In a TikTok video posted on March 20, O’Donnell discussed how Mounjaro helped her lose weight and what her nutrition looks like while living in Ireland. She mentioned that she had moved to Ireland in January 2025 and that the change in environment has contributed to her progress. “I’ve lost more weight here,” she said. “I am on Mounjaro for my diabetes, and one of the side effects is you lose weight. But it's also because I had a chef for over two years in Los Angeles, and I don't have a chef now. It's me cooking for Clay and me.”

Shopping for New Clothes and a New Perspective

O’Donnell also shared her experience shopping for clothes after her weight loss. In the same TikTok video, she talked about visiting a boutique in Dublin and trying on pants that fit better than before. “I'm one of those people who's always had a weight issue, and now that I'm a size large instead of an XL or a 2XL, I find it… I find it shocking, you know. I really do. I find it completely shocking.”

She expressed surprise when the store employee told her the American equivalent of the size. “I didn’t really believe them. But I’m telling you, I feel healthier.”

A Long-Term Commitment to Health

O’Donnell’s weight loss hasn’t happened overnight. In January 2023, she shared a TikTok video celebrating her progress, noting she had lost 10 pounds since Christmas. When asked how she achieved this, she explained her approach. “So, like two months ago, my doctor put me on, not Ozempic, Mounjaro… and Repatha,” she said. “One I do every other week, and one I do once a week. And that and at Christmas, I stopped drinking anything except water.”

She also cut back on sugary drinks, stating, “All I drink is water now.” Additionally, she reduced her sugar intake and increased physical activity. “I’m not eating sugar as much as I can, and my appetite has decreased significantly. It's probably the meds, and I'm trying to move more.”

Understanding Mounjaro and Other Medications

Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar. According to Dr. Asad Niazi, Medical Advisor at Shed, it also activates the GIP receptor, which enhances its effectiveness in weight loss and metabolic regulation. Another medication O’Donnell uses is Repatha (evolocumab), a PCSK9 inhibitor that lowers LDL cholesterol by blocking a protein that reduces the liver’s ability to clear LDL from the bloodstream.

Past Struggles and Surgical Intervention

O’Donnell has faced numerous health challenges over the years. In 2013, she revealed that she had a heart attack at age 50 and underwent gastric sleeve surgery to lose weight. “When I woke up, they said, ‘You should have died.’ Doctors said, ‘We need you to lose 50 pounds in the next year, but you can't have surgery or anything in the next year because you've had a heart attack.’” After a year of lifestyle changes, she opted for surgery, which helped her drop from 240 pounds to 176 pounds.

Despite fluctuations in her weight, O’Donnell has continued to prioritize her health. Her recent social media posts highlight how combining medical support with healthy habits can lead to lasting improvements in well-being.

Final Thoughts

Rosie O’Donnell’s journey shows that weight loss and health improvement require dedication, patience, and often the support of medical professionals. Her openness about her struggles and successes serves as an inspiration to many. Whether through medication, diet, or lifestyle changes, her story underscores the importance of finding a balanced approach to health that works for each individual.