Valerie Bertinelli, 63, Shows Pics of Her ‘Overweight’ Body in a Swimsuit, Sparking an Online Stir

Valerie Bertinelli, at 63, shared a throwback photo of herself in a swimsuit from 2014 on social media, accompanied by the caption stating, “This is a 150lb body on a 5’4 frame. […] This is considered overweight.” This post has ignited a flurry of support and admiration online.

One follower stated: “Aging strong not skinny is where it’s at!” Bertinelli’s openness about her body image, even looking back, has elicited responses ranging from “you’re so real” to exclamations of surprise and appreciation: “Oh my goodness,” “I am beyond speechless,” and “You look better than a model.”

Reflecting on her journey, Bertinelli recounted a pivotal moment years ago. As she contemplated her perennial goal to lose “the same 10 lbs. I had been trying to lose for the past forty years,” she experienced a profound shift in perspective. One morning, as she stepped onto her scale, she knew she could no longer keep the habit.

This introspection led Bertinelli, a renowned star and Food Network host, to a significant realization about self-worth and the futility of tying it to the scale. The passing of her ex-husband, Eddie Van Halen, in October 2020 further catalyzed her reflection on what truly matters in life — a narrative she explores in her memoir, “Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today.”

Bertinelli’s transformation is not just about rejecting the scale; it’s about embracing life’s joys and finding contentment beyond physical appearance. “The goal is to live in the moment,” she emphasizes, advocating for a life appreciated for its beauty and simplicity rather than constrained by weight.

In her candid reflections, Bertinelli touches on the challenges of overcoming decades of societal conditioning. She recalled her mother being badly treated by her father for her weight, sharing the painful memories of being judged on her appearance from a young age. Yet, her message remains hopeful and empowering, as she is learning that one’s body is not what makes one lovable.

Bertinelli is now learning that she doesn’t have to wait until she’s lost weight to treat herself and others with kindness. The TV personality shared that she now understands it doesn’t...