'I was facing diabetes': Kathy Bates reveals she lost 100 pounds in last six years

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kathy Bates has dramatically transformed her health by shedding 100 pounds, a change she credits with revitalizing her stamina and mobility.

In a candid interview, the 76-year-old actress, currently starring as attorney Madeline "Matty" Matlock in the CBS reboot of 'Matlock,' revealed how this significant weight loss has energized her and made managing the demanding filming schedule much easier. 

As she nears the end of her illustrious career, Bates reflects on how this health transformation has been pivotal to her renewed vitality and the ongoing dedication that has defined her extraordinary career.

Kathy Bates opens up about losing weight

In a recent interview with Variety, Kathy Bates discussed how losing weight has helped her cope with the demanding schedule of a lead role on a broadcast TV show. "It’s helped me tremendously that, over the last six or seven years, I’ve lost 100 pounds. I don’t think I’ve been this slim since I was in college," said Bates.

Bates recalled that she reached her heaviest weight in 2011 while starring as Harriet "Harry" Korn in the NBC series 'Harry's Law.' "I had to sit down every moment that I could. It was hard for me to walk. I’m ashamed I let myself get so out of shape, but now I have a tremendous amount of energy." 

In a 2019 interview with Extra, Bates had already discussed losing 60 pounds and her motivation, which was partly driven by her family’s history of diabetes. "This is the best health I've been in in years, and I'm so grateful. It's a miracle. I was facing diabetes — it runs in my family — and I really didn't want to live with that."

Bates also shared advice from her niece about controlling her appetite. "After you eat for 20-30 minutes, you experience an involuntary sigh." Bates explained. "It's communication between stomach and brain telling you you had enough. And what I discovered is if you listen to that sigh and push that plate away for just five minutes, you realize you're satisfied, and you don't have to eat more."

In the same year, Bates revealed to People that her 60-pound weight loss had alleviated symptoms of lymphedema, a condition she developed after cancer treatments. "I’m feeling great," she noted. "I’ve lost a lot of weight, and it’s really helped with my symptoms. I just still have to wear compression sleeves or guard against nicks and bug bites because that can lead to sepsis."

Lymphedema, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, is swelling in the arms and legs due to a blockage in the lymphatic system, often caused by lymph node removal or cancer treatment. Bates, who was diagnosed with Stage 1 ovarian cancer in 2003 and underwent a double mastectomy in 2012, has experienced significant health challenges.

Recently, Kathy Bates hinted at retirement following her role in 'Matlock.' "Everything I’ve prayed for, worked for, clawed my way up for, I am suddenly able to be asked to use all of it," she said. "This is my last dance."

She also mentioned that she had been considering semi-retirement before being cast in 'Matlock,' though she might not fully step away from acting. "My friends say I’ll probably be like Molière and die in my chair on the stage," she said. "Because it really is a life force for me."

Internet cheers Kathey Bates amid her dramatic weight transformation

Following Kathy Bates' revelation about her dramatic weight transformation and how it has revitalized her stamina and mobility, many fans have taken to sharing their reactions, per Fox News.

One user wrote, "Good for her and good advise for anyone, especially seniors. A healthier weight brings many benifets, especially your quality of life. Our older knees and joints fare much better when they bear less weight."

One wished, "You go girl!!!!’  You look amazing!!!!!  Congrats!!!!"

A third deemed, "Ms. Bates is a great actress - good for her health!"

A fourth user added, "Good job Kathy, keep up the fat fight.  It's a life long battle.  Cheat days turn into cheat months and years." 

One user on X (formerly known as Twitter) claimed, "Congrats to her!  challenging accomplishment."

One more added, "Her health is almost guaranteed to be better…good for her. This is exactly why semaglutide class weight loss medications should be accepted by all insurance carriers. The amount of money that would be saved in comparison to the cost of the medication is not even close."

Another added, "Congratulations!  You look AMAZING!!!"

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