5 Celebrities You Forgot Were Diet Spokespeople
We all know that Oprah Winfrey is one of Weight Watchers' biggest fans; that Valerie Bertinelli helped put Jenny Craig on the map; and that Marie Osmond reached a healthy weight with the help of Nutrisystem. But dozens of celebrities of all shapes, sizes, and levels of fame have partnered up with diet systems to encourage others to gain a healthy lifestyle (and make a healthy chunk of change).
It may be hard to remember a time when Jennifer Hudson or Queen Latifah were known more for their size than their talents. But reach back into your memory for these five classic diet spokespeople:
Charles Barkley
Weight-loss companies notoriously cater to women, but in 2012, former NBA star and current sports announcer Charles Barkley joined Weight Watchers to encourage other men to join the program. Thanks to his participation in the "Lose Like a Man" campaign, Barkley shed more than 40 pounds.
Jason Alexander
Inspired by friend Valerie Bertinelli, one of Jenny Craig's more famous alumni, the Seinfeld star also turned to a weight-loss system to shed a few pounds in 2010. He lost 30 pounds in 28 weeks and showed off his new slimmer body in a "mankini" commercial.
Jennifer Hudson
It may be hard to remember, but in her American Idol days, singer Jennifer Hudson was quite a bit heavier. After gaining more weight during her first pregnancy, the Oscar-winning actress joined Weight Watchers in 2010. She's one of the company's more successful celebrity spokeswomen. She lost 80 pounds in four years and has maintained her loss since.
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey's weight has always fluctuated a bit, but in 2011, after giving birth to twins, the legendary singer had gained more than 70 pounds. With the help of Jenny Craig, she shed that weight, resulting in one of the most bizarre weight loss commercials we've ever seen. Carey has maintained that weight loss (more or less) over the years, and now she jokes that she keeps her figure slim by eating nothing but salmon and capers.
Queen Latifah
If you think all the way back to her rapping days, you may remember that Queen Latifah was a bit huskier. Looking to improve her health, Queen Latifah shed roughly 10 percent of her body weight with the help of Jenny Craig.