Kathy Bates says 100-lb weight loss has been a 'magnificent' experience: 'I can have fun’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kathy Bates has shared how her dramatic weight loss has improved her health and career.

The Academy Award-winning actress reflected on her journey and the positive impact it has had on her work and daily life.

Kathy Bates feels 'ashamed' of not having taken care of herself in past

Speaking at the PaleyFest screening of 'Matlock' in Los Angeles on March 23, the 76-year-old actress discussed how losing weight has made acting a much more enjoyable experience.

Recalling her time on 'Harry’s Law', Kathy Bates admitted that her weight made it difficult to work.

“When I was so heavy in Harry's Law, I had to sit down in between every take, and it was awful,” Bates told People of her 2011 drama series.

“I'm ashamed to have put myself through that, to be honest," she added.

Now, she feels much better physically. “But now that I've been able to get really healthy, I can move, I can breathe, I can have fun, I'm not sore,” Bates said.

“I get tired and realize I'm like an old lady, but even the kids get tired. But it's been a magnificent experience," she continued.

Kathy Bates says she 'never expected to have this' at her age

Kathy Bates has been open about her weight loss journey, revealing she lost 80 pounds over seven years through lifestyle changes and later shed an additional 20 pounds with the help of Ozempic.

Back in October 2024 she told the outlet about the challenge of maintaining her progress.

“It was hard work for me, especially during the pandemic,” she said, adding “It’s very hard to say you’ve had enough.”

The actress also acknowledged how her age made the transformation even more unexpected.

“I never expected to have this at my age, at the end of my career,” she shared.

Kathy Bates credits her health transformation to diabetes diagnosis

Kathy Bates said she became serious about her health after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes around 2017.

She said the condition “scared" her after she saw how it affected her family.

Her weight loss, she noted, aligned perfectly with her role in the CBS 'Matlock' reboot.

“Physically, I’m capable of doing this show,” Bates said.

“I don’t have to sit down. I can stand up all day long and walk and move and breathe and do so many things that I couldn’t before," Bates added.