The storyline of Chrissy Metz's character, Kate Pearson, on NBC's This Is Us reflects her weight loss journey in real life.
American actress Chrissy Metz is known for her role as Kate Pearson in This is Us, which premiered in 2016. Her portrayal in the hit NBC series garnered positive reviews from viewers, given that her storyline tackles family issues, relationships, as well as body image.
But, perhaps, the main story arc of Kate Pearson revolves around weight loss, something that the 41-year-old actress is dealing with in real life. In fact, she was excited when she was chosen to become one of the cast members of This Is Us.
“Here was this woman who was actually dealing with weight. Not like, ‘Oh my God, I gained a pound,'” the actress told The Hollywood Reporter. “She was a real woman who was really struggling, and all I could think was, ‘Oh my God, I’m Kate.'”
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Chrissy has been very open about her struggle with weight loss — similar to what Kate has been dealing with in the series. She shared that she’s very self-conscious about her weight, and her parents didn’t understand how to help her as a child.
“I remember going to Weight Watchers when I was like 11,” she revealed to The Hollywood Reporter. “I was the youngest person in the damned room, and it was awkward. My mom was trying to figure it out, but it’s a process.”
In the past, the actress admitted to opting for a crash diet, a weight loss process that aims to get a rapid result. But she now encourages her fans who want to lose weight to go on the healthier and safer method, as going on short-cuts won’t lead you anywhere.
The actress managed to lose 100 pounds before she moved to Los Angeles, at the recommendation of her manager. Despite that, she hasn’t booked any gigs, and it took a toll on her mental health. It led her to binge eat and then gain 100 pounds.
Chrissy Metz's Weight Loss Tricks
The main keys to Chrissy’s successful weight loss:
- Decided to lose weight after landing a role on NBC’s “This Is Us”
- 2,000-calorie diet plan
- Walks 20 minutes a day
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Chrissy Metz revealed her contract in This Is Us required her to lose weight - and she didn't mind at all.
Speaking in an interview with TV Line, she revealed that her contract in the NBC series specified that she has to lose weight as Kate does to reflect on the storyline. Many were shocked by this, and some urged her not to do it, but the actress didn’t mind the clause.
“That was a win-win for me,” she said. “Because it’s one thing to try to do it on your own. But as human beings, it’s an ego thing: we’re more likely to do something for someone else.”
For Chrissy, it was her choice to lose weight, and it motivated her in a different way. Appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in December 2016, she explained that she wasn’t mandated or demanded that she should do this or that.
“But if this is the storyline, naturally you would lose weight. So, I’m excited if that should happen,” the actress added.
Chrissy Metz shares what she went through in her weight loss journey.
In a 2017 interview with PEOPLE, the actress said she loves her body but is still working to live healthier. She wanted to lose weight for her own benefit and not for anyone else. She noted, “I want to have a fit, healthy body and not have to be put in a box. I don’t want to be limited by anything.”
Throughout the run of This Is Us, viewers witnessed Metz’s weight loss journey. She appeared in interviews and press conferences looking healthy, happy, and more confident. So, many were wondering what she did do to achieve it.
During the first season of the NBC show, there was a scene where Kate was considering getting a gastric bypass surgery. It led to speculations that the actress had undergone a weight loss surgery or tried weight loss pill manage her weight. However, she immediately shut down the rumor.
“The question I wish people would stop asking me is, ‘Are you having weight loss surgery? Are you gonna be doing a gastric bypass?’… I’m good, boo,” Chrissy told Today.
The actress began her weight loss journey in 2010, when she woke up having severe palpitations in the middle of the night. The doctor concluded that she had experienced a panic attack, and her weight likely played a role in it. The doctor also told her, “You can’t continue on this path.”
Chrissy Metz goes on 2000 calorie diet plan.
Chrissy decided to change after her panic attack, losing 100 pounds after five months. But while she lost a significant amount of weight, she learned from her mistakes and didn’t go on a crash diet or deprive herself of calories. Instead, she “eats a 2000 calorie diet and walks 20 minutes a day.”
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans notes that a “2000 calorie diet meets the daily requirement of a healthy lifestyle.” Women are required to have 1600-2400 calories, while men are required to have 2000-3000 calories per day. It should be noted that it still depends on physical activity and age.
In the 2000 calorie diet plan, you only eat six wholesome meals and do light exercises. The meal plan restricts your calorie intake to 2000 calories per day. It is recommended to stick with this food plan for a week if you start with your weight loss before going on a new plan with lower calories.
The method expends the calories consumed, boosts metabolism, and aids weight loss. Meanwhile, those living with unhealthy lifestyle while consuming 2000 calories could lead to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity and heart disease.
Aside from managing weight loss and overall physical health, Chrissy Metz also prioritized her mental health.
After her panic attack episode, the actress also focused more on her spirituality and made efforts to maintain her healthy lifestyle. She said that her breakthrough was when she finally understood and realized that she was “good enough” no matter what she looked like.
Chrissy said she would continue with her weight loss journey. She further explained that she is doing this purely for her health. She made it clear that she was not doing this “not because I think that plus size, curvy, voluptuous, big bodies aren’t attractive-because I think they’re awesome and sexy.”
Chrissy Metz landed a role in American Horror Story, and her character was another "eye-opener" for her.
In 2014, the actress played the role of a big girl, where she had to wear a fat suit, on FX’s anthology series, American Horror Story. For Chrissy, her character was another “eye-opener” and a “sobering moment” for her.
She began to wonder what it would be like if she got heavier to the point that she could not walk or got stuck through the doorway. The actress thought she didn’t want that for her, so she worked hard to lose weight and get more projects.
But, even after her stint in American Horror Story, she hasn’t been receiving calls and offers. She even considered moving back home for good, but she still continued auditioning. Until one day, she finally got her role and became one of the main cast members of This Is Us.