
Queen Latifah has struggled with losing weight for much of her life, and now she’s launching a new campaign to erase the negative stigma about obesity.
The hip hop and acting icon has partnered with pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk for the “It’s Bigger Than Me” campaign that aims to educate people about obesity as a clinical condition.
“It’s in your DNA,” Latifah tells People. “Maybe your hormones are doing something that you’re not aware of and that’s something for a professional to deal with.”
The Equalizer star, born Dana Elaine Owens, remembers that she was always mocked about being big for her age. At age 18, she experienced what she calls “flashes of self-hate” that she quickly wanted to end.
“I said, ‘Dana, you’re either going to hate yourself, or you’re going love yourself.’ And I decided at that moment I’m going to love myself,” Latifah says. “I don’t want to ever be in a place where I don’t love me.”
When she launched her self-titled talk show in 1999, Latifah confesses that it was “really hard to keep my weight in check.” The Grammy winner found herself judging how she appeared on camera.
“Looking at yourself on TV, which already adds 10 or 15 pounds, I’m like, ‘Oh, man. Look at my chin, look at my hips,’” she notes.
Now she understands that your body size is not an automatic indication of whether you are healthy. “A lot of people, they’ll be half my size, but they’re actually malnourished,” the Queen says. “I’m probably healthier than half those people just because I know where I stand. I know what I’m made of.”
After decades of feeling judged because of her weight, Latifah says she’s “in a good place,” adding, “I’ve learned to manage my body.”
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Related Posts
Music notes: Demi Lovato, Role Model and more
July 9, 2025
Demi Lovato is teasing something. The singer wiped her Instagram clean on Wednesday, posting just…
‘Queer Eye’ to end with upcoming season 10 on Netflix
July 9, 2025
Jenny Anderson/NetflixQueer Eye is coming to an end.Netflix has announced that the series will…
Tori Kelly announces pregnancy
July 9, 2025
Disney/Eric McCandlessTori Kelly will soon be singing lullabies.The 32-year-old singer announced…
Kevin Jonas says he almost lost all his money while Jonas Brothers were on hiatus
July 9, 2025
Disney/Erica HernandezKevin Jonas reveals he almost lost his entire fortune while the Jonas…
Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon star in ‘The Morning Show’ season 4 teaser trailer
July 9, 2025
AppleThe Morning Show season 4 is on it way.Apple TV+ released the official teaser trailer for the…
Addison Rae among new class of Recording Academy members
July 9, 2025
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagicAddison Rae is among the new class of Recording Academy members announced…
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom pose for family photo on vacation
July 9, 2025
Phillip Faraone/VF25/Getty Images for Vanity FairKaty Perry and Orlando Bloom may be ending their…
New cast members join ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’
July 9, 2025
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ImagesNew cast members? For a movie sequel? Groundbreaking. At least that's…