Entertainment

52-Year-Old Christina Applegate’s Drastic Weight Loss: How Did She Lose 30 Lbs?

Christina Applegate has recently lost some weight, but her reasons for doing so are not fitness-related. In fact, there is a much darker reason behind the actress’s weight loss. She recently shared the truth about her weight loss and the health challenges she has been facing.

Jean Smart and Christina Applegate at Variety's TV FYC Fest on June 07, 2023 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

Jean Smart and Christina Applegate at Variety’s TV FYC Fest on June 07, 2023 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

Christina Applegate, the beloved 52-year-old actress, has opened up about her drastic weight loss, shedding light on the severe health challenges she’s facing rather than a dieting success story. Applegate has courageously shared that her weight loss journey is a direct result of her battle with multiple sclerosis (MS), a diagnosis that she describes as “devastating.”

Christina Applegate at her Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony at the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 14, 2022 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

Christina Applegate at her Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony at the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 14, 2022 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

Applegate recently recounted her numerous hospitalizations due to the mysterious and intense pain accompanied by vomiting. “They don’t know what’s wrong, but we’re pretty sure my stomach and my intestines are not very good friends. It causes me intense pain and vomiting. I gained 45 lbs. when I was diagnosed, from steroids and lack of mobility. It’s just a body that doesn’t feel right. And I’ve lost 30-something. People are like, ‘What have you been doing?’ And I’m like, ‘Vomiting.’ Not Ozempic. Barfing,” Applegate disclosed.

Christina Applegate at the 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards in California, on February 26, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Christina Applegate at the 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards in California, on February 26, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Christina Applegate at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on January 15, 2024 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

Christina Applegate at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on January 15, 2024 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

Addressing her coping mechanisms in the face of MS, Applegate shared, “My symptoms are worse in the morning, like crazy-town bad. The pain and the numbness and the balance. It’s horrible.” This leads to Applegate being most heartbroken by her diagnosis in the morning. However, she knows that she won’t always suffer this badly because her friend and fellow MS sufferer Jamie-Lynn Sigler is doing better.

Christina Applegate before the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on January 15, 2024 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

Christina Applegate before the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on January 15, 2024 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

Applegate is hopeful that she will have a long and happy life in which she will be able to experience the milestones in her daughter’s life. The actress feels like she needs to be here for all ger daughter’s milestones and therefore is determined to fight the disease and become healthier.

The actress further revealed her strong support system, including Sigler. Their mutual support was highlighted in a March 2024 interview, where Applegate expressed gratitude for the love and support from fans and the difficulty she faces being out due to her symptoms. Despite the challenges, Applegate has maintained a good-humored approach to her diagnosis. She humorously addressed her condition during an award presentation at the Emmys, earning a standing ovation and quipping about the audience’s gesture given her difficulty standing.

Christina Applegate at the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

Christina Applegate at the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards on January 15, 2023 in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images

Reflecting on the early signs of her condition, Applegate recalled instances during the filming of the first two seasons of “Dead to Me” where she experienced sudden leg weakness but attributed it to fatigue or dehydration. It wasn’t until the symptoms intensified that she was forced to confront the reality of her illness, suspecting she had MS for about six or seven years prior to her diagnosis.

As previously reported on January 15, 2024:

Christina Applegate, known for her dynamic roles and vibrant screen presence, has faced her MS diagnosis with a degree of privacy, keeping her public appearances to a minimum. Therefore, her presence at the 2024 Emmys held significant weight, symbolizing a poignant moment in her journey with this challenging condition.

Applegate took to the stage assisted by a cane. Dressed in a striking red gown, she presented an award and received a standing ovation. In good humor, Applegate joked about the audience standing up, playfully chiding them for highlighting her difficulty in doing the same due to her “disability.”

Christina Applegate and her daughter before the 75th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on January 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Christina Applegate and her daughter before the 75th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on January 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

The news of Applegate’s MS diagnosis first came to light in 2021 when she shared it on X. Expressing the surreal nature of her situation, she acknowledged the support she received from others with MS while requesting privacy as she adapted to her new reality.

In a candid interview in May of the previous year, Applegate revealed the extent of the challenges posed by MS. Everyday activities, once taken for granted, like descending stairs, holding objects, or even showering, had become arduous tasks for her.

Christina Applegate at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Christina Applegate at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Despite needing considerable assistance, Applegate preferred minimal help due to her compromised immune system. She mentioned having a friend stay over during the week and a caretaker for the weekends. She also admitted that while she appreciates the intentions behind visits from friends, they can be physically draining for her.