Selena Gomez has always been under intense public scrutiny. From her early days as a Disney star to her rise as a global pop sensation and entrepreneur, every aspect of her life has been analyzed. In recent years, her weight fluctuations have sparked widespread discussions.
The singer and actress has openly addressed these concerns, revealing that her changing weight is linked to her battle with lupus, an autoimmune disease she was diagnosed with in 2015. Despite being transparent about her health, Gomez continues to face body-shaming and speculation.
Here’s what we know about her weight changes, how she’s handling public criticism, and why this conversation matters for body positivity.
Selena Gomez’s Battle with Lupus
In 2015, Selena Gomez revealed she had been diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to various organs. Over the years, she has spoken openly about the treatments she undergoes to manage the condition, including:
- Chemotherapy – A treatment commonly used for severe cases of lupus.
- Kidney Transplant (2017) – Due to complications from lupus, she received a kidney transplant from her friend Francia Raisa.
- Ongoing Medication – Gomez takes medications that help manage her symptoms but also have side effects, including weight gain and water retention.
How Lupus Medication Affects Her Weight
During a TikTok Live session in February 2023, Gomez explained how her lupus treatment leads to water retention, which causes her weight to fluctuate.
- “When I’m on my medication, I tend to hold a lot of water weight,” she said.
- “When I’m off of it, I lose weight naturally.”
- She emphasized, “I would much rather be healthy and take care of myself.”
Despite her transparency, the public has continued to focus on her appearance rather than her health condition.
Facing Public Scrutiny and Body-Shaming
Despite her efforts to raise awareness about lupus, Selena Gomez has frequently been a target of body-shaming.
Recent Controversy: 2025 SAG Awards Appearance
After her appearance at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, discussions about her weight resurfaced.
- Some social media users praised her for looking slimmer, while others speculated about weight loss procedures.
- Supporters quickly reminded critics that her medication influences her weight fluctuations.
- In past interviews, she has admitted that these comments have affected her mental health.
Selena’s Response to Body-Shaming
In a 2022 interview with “Giving Back Generation,” Gomez admitted how public scrutiny over her body impacted her:
- “I fluctuate. It depends on what’s happening in my life,” she said.
- “And that got to me big time. I think for me, that really messed me up for a bit.”
While she has since learned to embrace her body, the constant criticism highlights the pressure on women in Hollywood to maintain unrealistic beauty standards.
Taylor Lautner and Others Defend Selena Gomez
As discussions about her weight gained media attention again, many of Gomez’s supporters, including her ex-boyfriend Taylor Lautner, came to her defense.
What Taylor Lautner Said
- Lautner, known for his role in Twilight, called out people who shame others based on their physical appearance.
- “You can never please everyone,” Lautner said.
- “People should be a little bit nicer and remember that celebrities are human too.”
Fans Rally in Support of Selena
- Many fans flooded social media with messages of encouragement.
- Supporters praised her for her strength and honesty about her health.
- They reminded critics that weight fluctuations are normal and shouldn’t be criticized.
Selena Gomez’s Message of Self-Love
Rather than let the criticism bring her down, Selena Gomez has used her platform to promote body positivity and self-love.
Her Advice to Fans
- “I just want people to know that you’re beautiful, and you’re wonderful,” she said during her TikTok Live.
- “Yeah, we have days where maybe we feel like crap, but I would much rather be healthy and take care of myself.”
- She urged fans to focus on self-care and happiness rather than public opinion.
Gomez’s perspective is a reminder that weight changes are normal and should not define a person’s worth.
The Bigger Conversation: Body Image in Hollywood
Selena Gomez isn’t the only celebrity who has faced public scrutiny over weight. Many stars, especially women, have spoken out about Hollywood’s unrealistic beauty standards.
Why This Issue Matters
- The entertainment industry has long promoted an idealized body image.
- Many celebrities face pressure to maintain a certain physique.
- Public figures who gain or lose weight often face speculation and criticism.
Changing the Narrative
- More celebrities and influencers are promoting body acceptance.
- Discussions about mental health and body image are becoming more mainstream.
- Gomez’s story highlights the importance of self-love over societal expectations.
Conclusion
Selena Gomez’s weight fluctuations are not the result of diet trends or lifestyle choices—they are a direct effect of her lupus medication and treatments.
- Lupus is a serious autoimmune disease that requires medication, which can cause weight gain.
- Public scrutiny over celebrity bodies is harmful and impacts mental health.
- Gomez prioritizes her health over societal expectations, promoting self-love and confidence.
- Supporters, including Taylor Lautner and fans, have defended her against body-shaming.
Rather than focusing on celebrity appearances, we should be shifting the conversation towards self-acceptance, chronic illness awareness, and mental health advocacy.
Selena Gomez’s journey is a reminder that true beauty is about health, happiness, and self-confidence