Gabourey Sidibe, best known for her iconic role in the drama “Precious,” has revealed a stunning weight loss transformation. Fans are in awe, flooding social media with praise like “gorgeous” and “you look so small.”
Gabourey Sidibe attends the AFI Fest screening of “Precious,” on January 11, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
Sidibe’s weight-loss journey was shaped by years of struggles. In her memoir, “This Is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare,” featured in People magazine, the actress revealed that after a decade of unsuccessful attempts to lose weight naturally and being bullied for her looks, she opted for weight-loss surgery in May 2016, taking a significant step toward improving her health.
Gabourey Sidibe attends the New York premiere of “The Lazarus Effect,” 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Even with access to blockbuster obesity drugs, some people don’t lose weight
“My surgeon said they’d cut my stomach in half. This would limit my hunger and capacity to eat. My brain chemistry would change and I’d want to eat healthier. I’ll take it!” Sidibe wrote in her memoir.
Gabourey Sidibe attends the Onestopplus.com Spring fashion show on September 15, 2010, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
She emphasized that the surgery wasn’t an easy fix but a necessary step in transforming her lifelong relationship with food, noting she couldn’t have achieved such results without it.
Gabourey Sidibe attends the Christian Siriano Fall fashion show on February 11, 2012, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Sidibe’s decision to undergo laparoscopic bariatric surgery was driven by a desire to take control of her health after both she and her older brother were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. She admitted that the constant fear of complications, like losing her toes, played a significant role in her choice to prioritize her well-being.
Gabourey Sidibe attends the premiere of “Girls” Season 2 on January 9, 2013, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on her decision in an interview, the “Empire” alum shared that she delayed surgery because she was committed to losing weight naturally, even working with a trainer for years.
Gabourey Sidibe speaks onstage during the Showtime portion of the 2013 Winter TCA Tour on January 12, 2013, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite her efforts, the results fell short, leading her to recognize that surgery wasn’t an easy way out but a necessary choice. After meeting with her doctor, she underwent the procedure just over a month later, acknowledging it was the right time to take this transformative step.
Gabourey Sidibe attends The Cinema Society and Artistry screening of “Warm Bodies” after party on January 25, 2013, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
In another candid moment, Sidibe discussed her inclusion in People magazine’s World’s Most Beautiful list after her breakout role in “Precious.” While the honor was significant, she revealed the difficulty of unlearning years of negative perceptions about her appearance. “My beauty is like my own secret in this way,” she expressed, reflecting on her personal journey toward self-acceptance.
Gabourey Sidibe attends the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 12, 2014, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Sidibe’s journey to self-acceptance was shaped by early struggles with her appearance, depression, and bulimia, which she overcame through therapy. She explained that her decision to have surgery wasn’t about becoming beautiful but about improving her health and comfort. Now, she embraces her body and believes her beauty comes from within, regardless of her size.
Gabourey Sidibe poses for a portrait during the 2014 Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2014, in Park City, Utah. | Source: Getty Images
Building on her journey to self-love, Sidibe shared that confidence is something she actively nurtures. Whether it’s wearing high heels, styling her hair, or embracing her intelligence, she finds strength in the little things that make her feel empowered.
Gabourey Sidibe attends the “”SNL 40th Anniversary Special” on February 15, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Confidence, the New York native explained, isn’t permanent but requires daily reminders of her value, supported by her humor, friendships, and positive affirmations.
Gabourey Sidibe attends the premiere of “Empire,” 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Sidibe attributes her beauty to her heritage and the qualities passed down from her parents. She admires her mother’s intelligence, talent, and self-assured nature, as well as her father’s resilience, wisdom, and creativity.
Gabourey Sidibe attends the world premiere of “Live From New York!” 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Proudly embracing her African-American roots, she views herself as a blend of their strengths and affirms that her beauty is rooted in her identity and heritage, not external validation.
Gabourey Sidibe attends the Golden Globe Awards party on January 10, 2016, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Sidibe expressed frustration with people who comment on her body, assuming they care about her health more than she does. She emphasized that, as someone who has lived in her body her entire life, she cares deeply and has worked to overcome fear and reclaim her confidence, a journey she’s been committed to for years.
Gabourey Sidibe attends the 47th NAACP Image Awards on February 5, 2016, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
Since undergoing the procedure, the “Tower Heist” star admitted that her struggles with obsessing over food, weight, and her body persist, though she has learned to manage them better over time.
Gabourey Sidibe at the Glamour Women Of The Year on November 14, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on her progress, she said, “I still am remembering to have faith over fear because my decision is my decision, and it really only affects me.” Overcoming habits like frequent weighing, she now approaches her journey with greater trust and balance.
Gabourey Sidibe attends the 48th NAACP Image Awards on February 11, 2017, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
Sidibe’s post-surgery routine involves eating five small meals daily, relying on meal plans, and cooking more often. She regularly consults her nutritionist and uses apps to track her food intake.
Gabourey Sidibe poses on the red carpet on September 23, 2017, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
She explained, “I tell her all the things I’m worried about,” emphasizing the importance of staying proactive in managing her health.
Gabourey Sidibe attends the premiere of “She’s Gotta Have It,” 2017 | Source: Getty Images
The celebrity maintains an active lifestyle by working out with a trainer several times a week, swimming laps, and using a tricycle both at home and on set.
She also tracks her activity with an Apple Watch to stay motivated. Reflecting on her progress, she shared, “I’m stronger, and I’m able to move more, and I’m not worried about losing my [expletive] toes anymore. That’s my life now.”
Sidibe approaches her weight and health journey with balance and determination, setting personal goals and tackling them one step at a time.
While the Hollywood star remains mindful of temptations like craft services and her love of cake, she’s learned to manage her choices.
She explained, “The weight I was, the goal weight, the size I wear, all that stuff — it’s got to stay with me because if too many people are involved, I’ll shut down, and I won’t get anything done.”
The public figure’s perspective on her body has shifted dramatically since her surgery and weight loss. Once viewing her body as an enemy, she now feels at peace and regrets not embracing self-love earlier. As she put it, “I wish I’d made the choice to love my body sooner. But I finally have.”
Since embracing her journey to self-love and health, Sidibe has inspired many, as reflected in the enthusiastic comments on a selfie she posted in March 2017. Her Instagram followers flooded the post with praise, expressing their admiration and excitement.
“You have lost so much weight. Good for you, mama!!” one user cheered. Another exclaimed, “Omg you look so small.” Fans continued to shower her with compliments, saying things like, “Yaaaaaas hunny! I really can’t get enough of your weight loss right now,” and “Wow! Gorgeous!!” One commenter even joked about her clothing size, asking for Sidibe to send along her old wardrobe, while another praised, “You look so fantastic, keep [it up].”
Sidibe’s life has taken a joyful turn as she embraces family life. She secretly married talent agent Brandon Frankel in 2021 after his proposal during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sharing their news, Frankel posted, “SURPRISE! I can finally call her my WIFE publicly!” Frankel, who leads the tour marketing and branding division at Tour Agency 33 & West, has been a supportive partner.
In February 2024, the couple announced they were expecting twins, sharing a heartwarming photo of Frankel cradling Sidibe’s baby bump. Later that year, they welcomed their children, Cooper and Maya.
By November 2024, Frankel proudly marked the twins’ first Halloween, sharing photos of them dressed as Cookie Monster and Elmo with the caption, “Cooper & Maya’s first Halloween!”
Later that month, he expressed his love for his family, writing, “The loves of my life. No matter how tough things get, or how crazy the world becomes, the way you all light up when you see me just warms my heart. I love you all the most,” alongside a sweet picture of Sidibe and their kids.
Gabourey Sidibe’s journey highlights her strength, self-discovery, and the importance of embracing change. From overcoming personal challenges to finding joy in family life, she continues to inspire with her courage and authenticity.
