Valerie Bertinelli Shares Her Experience of Losing a Diet Sponsorship After Weight Gain

Valerie Bertinelli in 2024 and at her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2012.
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Rodin Eckenroth/Getty; Charley Gallay/WireImage

Valerie Bertinelli Reflects on Body Image and Resilience

Valerie Bertinelli opened up about her struggles with body image during a recent episode of The Drew Barrymore Show on January 14. The celebrity chef shared her feelings about her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2012, revealing that despite the celebration, she felt "horrific."

Bertinelli recounted being the spokesperson for a diet program after losing 50 pounds, only to later face challenges in maintaining that weight. "Life started to get the better of me," she explained, acknowledging that neglecting her mental and emotional health contributed to her weight gain.

The conversation was sparked by images of Bertinelli at the ceremony, prompting co-host Ross Matthews to compliment her beauty. In response, she shared, "And I felt so horrified," despite it being "such a joyful day."

Reflecting on her experience, Bertinelli said, “This was the last year I believe that I was with this diet company and they fired me.” She added, “They said, ‘We can’t keep going with you because you’re gaining weight again,’” which left her feeling conflicted about societal expectations of body size.

Now a size 10, Bertinelli emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental and emotional health over societal pressures. “I’m so strong and firm in who I am… it doesn’t matter how much I weigh. What matters is who I am, how I treat people, period,” she declared, receiving applause from the audience.

Bertinelli further addressed the ongoing discussion about health, stating, “Health is not a body size. Health is not the number you see on the scale. Your worth as a human being isn’t dictated by your body.”

The conversation underscores a broader cultural shift towards valuing health and well-being over traditional notions of beauty and weight. As she continues to engage in this dialogue around body positivity, Bertinelli’s journey resonates as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and mental wellness.