Former Child Star Opens up About Major Weight Loss and Her Ongoing Struggle

Amanda Bynes is feeling a renewed sense of confidence as she continues her journey toward a healthier lifestyle. On Monday, December 22, the 39-year-old former actress shared a candid update with her social media followers after spotting a new paparazzi photo of herself.

The Hairspray star revealed that she has successfully shed 28 pounds since she began utilizing the GLP-1 medication Ozempic to assist with her weight management. Bynes was open about her starting point, admitting that I usually doesn’t like paparazzi pictures because I was 180 lbs, but expressed a surprising sense of motivation after seeing her progress. While she reached 152 pounds, she noted that while she believes she still has a way to go, the visual evidence of her hard work is really inspiring to her.

This milestone follows a public commitment Bynes made earlier in the summer when she first announced her plans to lose more than 40 pounds. At the time, she weighed 173 pounds and expressed a hope to reach a goal of 130, which she believed would help her feel more comfortable when being photographed in public. She promised her audience that she would be transparent about the process, stating that I will post about my Ozempic journey, of course, to keep them informed.

The path hasn’t always been easy for the Easy A star, who previously shared that her weight had fluctuated due to her mental health struggles. In early 2024, she admitted to gaining significant weight while dealing with depression. However, she remained hopeful, explaining that I’m doing a lot better now and has focused on behavioral techniques like “opposite action” to maintain a regular exercise and nutrition routine even when motivation is low.

Her recent focus on physical health is part of a larger, long-term effort to rebuild her life after retiring from the film industry in 2012. Bynes has been candid in the past about how body insecurities and substance use influenced her decision to walk away from Hollywood at the height of her fame. By being vocal about her recovery and her current goals, she continues to foster a supportive dialogue with fans who have followed her since her days on Nickelodeon.

In January 2026, Amanda was seen enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle in Los Angeles with her boyfriend, Zachary. The couple has been spotted running errands together, with Amanda frequently showcasing her recent style transformations and a collection of new tattoos, including a bold “Trap Star” design on her hand. She remains focused on her creative and professional growth outside of the acting world, having recently experimented with music production by sharing clips of original EDM tracks with her followers.

Professionally, Bynes is continuing her education to secure her manicurist license after returning to school to study theory and perfect her acrylic techniques. She also briefly explored the world of digital broadcasting with a podcast in late 2023, though she ultimately decided to pause the project to prioritize a more consistent career in cosmetology.

Additionally, she recently launched a presence on OnlyFans, where she focuses on direct, non-explicit interactions with her most dedicated supporters to maintain a sense of community.

While she has no immediate plans to return to the big screen, her early work continues to resonate, with films like Sydney White recently finding a new audience on streaming platforms. Bynes has even hinted at potential future collaborations in fashion and art, showing that her “next chapter” is focused on personal fulfillment and living life on her own terms.

Do you think Amanda Bynes’ transparency about using weight loss medication helps normalize the conversation around modern health tools and mental wellness? Share your thoughts in the comments.