‘This is what it’s like to be a woman in the music industry’: Meghan Trainor opens up about weight loss drug use and her health journey

Meghan also emphasised that her transformation wasn’t just about appearance but about becoming healthier for herself and her children. She shared, “No, I don’t look like I did 10 years ago. I’ve been on a journey to be the healthiest, strongest version of myself for my kids and for me. I’ve worked with a dietician, made huge lifestyle changes, started exercising with a trainer, and yes, I used science and support (shoutout to Mounjaro!) to help me after my 2nd pregnancy. And I’m so glad I did because I feel great.” 

But, why do women often find their physical appearance prioritised over their professional achievements, and how does this impact self-perception?

Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals, tells indianexpress.com, “Societal expectations have long placed a disproportionate emphasis on women’s physical appearance, often making it a central part of how they are perceived and valued.”

 

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This constant scrutiny can shape self-perception in profound ways, she adds. “Over time, this can contribute to anxiety, diminished self-worth, and even reluctance to take up space in professional or public settings. Shifting the narrative to celebrate achievements, resilience, and personal growth — rather than just physical transformation—can help create a more balanced and empowering self-image,” notes the psychologist.

Meghan talks about her weight loss as part of a broader health journey — how can individuals shift their mindset to focus on overall well-being rather than just aesthetics?

One effective way to shift the focus is to redefine personal success in terms of how one feels rather than how one looks. “Instead of seeing weight or physical appearance as the primary measure of progress, individuals can pay attention to energy levels, strength, mental clarity, and overall well-being,” notes Cadabam. 

It is also helpful to reframe health as a long-term commitment rather than a short-term transformation. This means prioritising sustainable habits like balanced nutrition, movement that feels good rather than punishing, and self-care that includes mental and emotional well-being. Working with professionals, as Meghan Trainor did, can also provide structured support to develop a holistic approach to health that is rooted in self-compassion rather than external validation.

How does the pressure to ‘look like you did 10 years ago’ affect body image and mental health, especially for women who undergo major life changes like pregnancy?

Cadabam informs that the expectation to maintain a youthful, pre-pregnancy body “can create immense psychological stress.” 

“This pressure can lead to body dissatisfaction, self-comparison, and even disordered eating behaviors in an attempt to meet unrealistic beauty standards. The emotional toll is compounded by social media, where highly curated images often reinforce the idea that a woman’s worth is tied to her appearance rather than her well-being or life accomplishments,” stresses Cadabam. 

A more supportive approach is to encourage body acceptance and self-kindness. Recognising that bodies evolve and that each stage of life brings unique strengths can help women move away from unattainable ideals.