Jay Shetty Lizzo ON The Weight Transformation

What happens when radical self-acceptance meets deep spiritual transformation?

In this On Purpose episode, Jay Shetty is joined by Grammy Award-winning artist, singer, songwriter, and flutist Lizzo, known for her music, unfiltered honesty, and advocacy of body positivity and mental wellness. Lizzo opens up about the past year of personal challenges, spiritual growth, and emotional healing. From sound bowls and astrology to panic attacks, depression, and reclaiming her public identity, Lizzo discusses all aspects of her recovery journey.

When Sound Becomes Salvation

Lizzo shared that she once received a massive sound bowl for Christmas from her mother and sister, one that she could stand in. Skeptical at first, she decided to try it out on a challenging day, standing barefoot inside and hitting it repeatedly until something within her shifted and she felt more grounded.

The artist described herself as a blend of science and "woo woo," being both excited about science and open to spiritual truths. She told Jay Shetty that she became interested in the science of sound healing and the biology of vibration—our hearts beat, blood flows, and bodies, made mostly of water, are in constant motion. To her, sound healing isn't just mystical but physiological.

Lizzo also shared with Jay Shetty stories from the women-only retreats she hosts on an annual basis. There, during a group sound bath, participants experienced similar visions (colors, galaxies, and floating forms), which reinforced her belief in the power of vibrational healing. Jay also noted how music and sound are already deeply embedded in our emotional experiences, as frequencies impact us.

Astrology as a Mirror

Lizzo discussed her passion for astrology and the key moments in her life that shaped her interest in this topic. She praises astrologer Chani Nicholas, who assisted her in broadening her perspective beyond mere zodiac signs. She learned about the house years, which divide life into twelve-year cycles. In 2023, the artist experienced a twelfth-house year. To her, it was a time for introspection, shadow work, and spiritual challenges. Lizzo linked this to her emotional turmoil and found meaning in the pain and difficulties she was facing.

The artist shares with Jay Shetty that she is now in her first house year, a period characterized by renewal and self-discovery. With her Leo rising, she now needs to embrace bold self-expression and build routines that facilitate personal transformation. When approached consciously, astrology can serve as a framework for self-growth. Lizzo doesn't use astrology as an excuse or justification for her actions, but rather as a lens that helps her better understand her own evolution.

The Gap Year Explained

Lizzo opened up about her gap year, which followed a public scandal, as a conscious decision to recharge emotionally and professionally. She explained that artists need time to create, look inside themselves and around, and find inspiration. For her, this pause from the public eye aligned with the conclusion of her album cycle and her personal need for space.

The artist also shared with Jay Shetty that she had one summer during her childhood when she had stopped speaking entirely. It was a time when she felt overwhelmed by emotions, leaving her unable to articulate. Yet her recent absence from the public eye was deliberate; Lizzo chose to use the silence as a form of inner reflection and self-discovery. She discussed her time spent in Japan, walking in nature, and sitting with her thoughts.

For Lizzo, this silence was an active and intentional presence, a profound healing that allowed her to step forward toward her personal growth and self-awareness, although to the public, it may have looked like running away.

Panic, Depression, and the Rise of Love in Real Life

Coming back from Japan, Lizzo experienced her first panic attack. She told Jay Shetty that she felt an enormous emotional pressure to always look happy, which took a toll on her mental health. Putting on a happy face meant muffling and masking her own suffering for the benefit of those around her. The panic attack came with a sensation of tightness in her chest, difficulty breathing, which ended with her suddenly collapsing in distress next to her bed. That was the moment the artist realized something was deeply wrong.

Lizzo told Jay Shetty that the panic attack plunged her into a period of depression marked by fear, self-doubt, and isolation. She felt as if everyone hated her as a result of the public scandals, and so she lost trust in others. The artist took one step at a time to exit this dark phase of her life, embracing soul-soothing activities such as reading, meditating, exercising, and withdrawing from the constant noise of the online world.

The artist considers healing after attending a live concert, where she found herself embraced by strangers who welcomed her with love, giving her back a sense of belonging. This experience inspired the title of her album Love in Real Life. Lizzo told Jay Shetty that she then understood the importance of real-world interactions and emotional bonds in countering the effects of self-isolation.

Shedding the Digital Mask

Lizzo discussed with Jay Shetty the difference between her real life and digital persona. The artist confesses that she once thought love could be found on the internet, through likes and comments. Yet, the isolation she felt during her darkest moments showed her otherwise. She now believes that true love stems from physical interactions, such as eye contact, hugs, and being present with each other.

The artist told Jay Shetty she now delegates her social media management to her team, actively choosing to avoid comment wars or expose herself to online hate. Social media amplifies people's insecurities, and showcasing someone's pain online only continues the cycle. So, Lizzo's aim is now to promote joy and gratitude and spread love rather than pouring more darkness into the world. The artist believes that vulnerability is not weakness but that true authenticity starts where the algorithm ends.

The Art of Letting Go and the Pain of Loyalty

Lizzo also reevaluated relationships during her time of healing. Many connections faded away when she stopped chasing people who consistently hurt her, and the friendships that required her to stretch too thin dissolved naturally. This process left behind a core group of loyal individuals—her lifelong best friend, boyfriend, and a few trusted allies.

The artist admitted to Jay Shetty the mistake of mixing friendship with business. In the past, she would hire close friends to work alongside her, driven by loyalty and generosity. Yet blending personal and professional lines turned into a power imbalance that disrupted both the integrity of the relationships and the efficiency of their work. Learning from her mistakes, Lizzo now separates private and professional life, to reduce confusion.

Turning Sadness into Art

Lizzo let Jay Shetty in on her creative process for her newest album, Love in Real Life. She explained that many of the songs emerged from deep feelings: songs written after sleepless nights, mourning the loss of her dog, or the pain of broken friendships. The artist chose not to shy away from the sadness but to lean into it.

Rather than hiding raw emotions, Lizzo included them in the album. Jay Shetty praises her authenticity because emotional truth in art connects more deeply than flawless execution. The artist compares her approach to fishing—every day, she casts a net and brings up whatever is in the waters. Even if a particular song doesn't become a hit, it still holds significance. The tracks mirror the arc of her personal transformation, including feelings of rage, sorrow, and eventual joy.

Transforming Body Image and Language

Lizzo's change in physical appearance sparked online discussions. She discussed it with Jay Shetty, referring to it as a "weight release" journey rather than weight loss. This distinction is key to her because she feels like she hasn't lost anything; instead, she has released burdens, including toxic systems, outdated beliefs, and unhealthy habits.

Despite her being transparent about her journey, Lizzo told Jay Shetty that some people were still surprised by the changes in her looks because they didn't see the small, gradual changes that occurred. She stresses that she remains body-positive and continues to oppose fatphobia while maintaining a deep love for herself. The artist explains that her current goal is to prioritize well-being over being thin.

Love as a Flow State

Lizzo admitted to Jay Shetty that her understanding of love has evolved; she now views it as a spiritual state that aligns with flow rather than something to chase after. While love can be conditional, she taps into a deeper understanding when she is grounded, empathetic, and self-aware.

Previously addicted to drama and gossip, the artist told Jay Shetty that these activities lowered her vibration. She now prioritizes clarity and peace, believing that self-love can make the world kinder. Now, Lizzo aims to take back the reigns and reclaim her voice as part of her healing. She no longer wants to be defined by her public persona, so she is showing up fully, expressing honestly, and letting love lead the way.

More From Jay Shetty

Listen to the entire On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast episode “LIZZO EXCLUSIVE: “Releasing The Weight Has Affected People” The Real Transformation Story She’s Never Shared Before” now in the iTunes store or on Spotify. For more inspirational stories and messages like this, check out Jay’s website at jayshetty.me.