The '90s still have a reputation for prioritising thinness above all else, whether that meant extreme dieting prior to sitcom fame or models restricting their diet for the catwalk. But several stars showed audiences what a 'normal' body could look like, while others were actively combatting fat phobia at the time. Now, these celebs have decided to make a lifestyle change on their own terms.
Keep reading to see these '90s stars dramatic weight loss transformations...
© Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images,WireImage via Getty ImagesCamryn Manheim is a prominent voice against fat shaming
Camryn Manheim
Camryn Manheim was one of Hollywood's first body-positivity activists. She rose to fame in the '90s as Ellenor Frutt in The Practice, earning an Emmy and a Golden Globe. When accepting the former, she famously declared, "This is for all the fat girls!".
While attending Rosie O'Donnell's one-woman show, the Law & Order alum look noticeably slimmed down, debuting a new look with blue jeans and a bohemian top, showcasing her slimmed down figure.
© WireImage via Getty Images,Getty Images for DailyWire+Roseanne Barr has been transparent about her weight loss efforts
Roseanne Barr
Roseanne Barr is a beloved American comic with several star roles throughout the '90s. Her self-titled sitcom Roseanne ran from 1988 to 1997, and then revived for a tenth season in 2018. She also fronted her own talk show as host of The Roseanne Show and joined the cast of classic comedy Look Who's Talking Too.
Roseanne has been open about her weight loss surgeries, including a gastric bypass in 1998, which helped her lose 80 pounds at the time. Speaking to WebMD, she said: "Nips and tucks are okay if people feel they want to do that. It comes from feeling insecure, though, it's like a walking ad for 'insecure.'"
© Getty Images for Escape To Margaritaville,Getty ImagesEthan Suplee has been frank about the drawbacks of life before his weight loss
Ethan Suplee
Boy Meets World star Ethan Suplee weighed 550lbs at his heaviest and has spoken openly about the experience, explaining: "It was really uncomfortable for me. I was in hell. I was miserable. I was not comfortable. There was never a moment of any day where I was physically comfortable."
Over the years, Ethan has lost around 250 pounds, and, In 2021, Ethan modelled for a topless spread in Men's Health, with just 9% body fat, saying: "I'm at my absolute pinnacle. I spent 35, 40 years without taking my shirt off in public. The shadows haven't been enhanced. There's loose skin. There are scars. This is who I am."
© Getty ImagesJohn Goodman
John Goodman
John Goodman starred alongside Roseanne Barr in hit '90s sitcom Roseanne, following up his regular role with animated classics The Emperor’s New Groove and Monsters, Inc.
He's since undertaken an impressive weight loss journey which started in 2007, losing 200lbs. By around 2016, his routine reportedly involved 10,000 steps a day, workouts almost 7 days a week and a “Mediterranean-style eating plan".
© Getty Images,CBS via Getty ImagesDrew Carey lost 80lbs in 2010
Drew Carey
Drew Carey has done it all: US marine, stand-up comic and sitcom star. He hosted The Drew Carey Show between 1995 and 2004 and has worked on The Price is Right since 2007.
After a doctor diagnosed Drew with Type 2 diabetes he made the decision to completely transform his lifestyle, dropping 80lbs and going from a size 44 to a size 33 in 2010.
© NBCUniversal via Getty Images,Getty ImagesRosie O'Donnell has lost over 60lbs
Rosie O’Donnell
A League of Their Own star Rosie O'Donnell has been honest about her weight loss. The actress was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2022, 10 years after suffering a heart attack. In 2013, she had a gastric sleeve procedure that dropped her from 240 to 176 pounds.
The '90s icon has praised Mounjaro, a GLP-1 medication which suppresses appetite, as a "miracle drug". After losing over 60lbs, Rosie got a facelift in early 2026 as her weight loss had resulted in sagging skin.
