Valerie Bertinelli: Weight Doesn't Define My Worth
Valerie Bertinelli, a familiar face in television and culinary circles, is openly sharing her evolving perspective on body image and the pressures of diet culture. The 65-year-old actress recently appeared on "The Drew Barrymore Show" to discuss her journey toward self-acceptance, revealing a significant shift in how she views weight and her worth.
During a segment that revisited a photograph from her 2012 Hollywood Walk of Fame induction, Bertinelli expressed a surprising feeling of distress. At the time, she was a spokesperson for a weight-loss company, having previously shed 50 pounds. However, she admitted that life's challenges began to take a toll on her mental and emotional well-being, leading to weight regain.
Although she didn't explicitly name the company, it's understood she was referring to her endorsement deal with Jenny Craig, which began in 2007 and involved her appearing in numerous advertisements. Bertinelli pointed out that at her Walk of Fame ceremony, she was wearing a size 12 dress, a stark contrast to the size 4 she had achieved during the diet program.
The experience with the diet company ended abruptly and painfully. Bertinelli shared that the company terminated her contract, citing her weight gain as the reason. This professional rejection, while difficult, ultimately served as a catalyst for a profound personal transformation.
Bertinelli emphasized that she has since learned to prioritize her mental and emotional health above all else. She acknowledged that her weight has fluctuated throughout her life, and while she is now a size 10, she would have once found that number unacceptable while adhering to a diet program. The realization of this shift brought her to tears on the show, highlighting the emotional depth of her journey.
She articulated a newfound strength and self-assurance, stating, "My mental and emotional health, even though I'm getting teary-eyed, is so strong right now. I'm so strong and firm in who I am and, no matter what people throw at me, I know who I am, and I know what kind of person I am, and it doesn't matter how much I weigh. What matters is who I am, how I treat people. Period!"
In a prior conversation with USA TODAY in 2024, Bertinelli described herself as a "poster child" for experiencing food and weight shaming. She reflected on how the message that she was only "lovable" when she lost weight on a program like Jenny Craig deeply impacted her, causing her to internalize diet culture's tenets.
The Emmy-winning host of "Valerie's Home Cooking," which aired from 2015 to 2023, found solace and nourishment in her kitchen once more. She discussed how the act of enjoying food, often labeled as "cheating," is actually essential for well-being. Bertinelli advocates for embracing the pleasures of life, recognizing food's significant role in her personal happiness.
