Selena Gomez shuts down body-shamers amid weight gain side effects from lupus medicine

Selena Gomez has taken a stand against “body-shaming” amid experiencing weight gain as a side effect of her Lupus medication. 

The 30-year-old singer, actor and multi-hyphenate businesswoman has spoken openly about her battle with the autoimmune disease since 2015, and has had to undergo a number of gruelling treatments including chemotherapy and a kidney transplant (with a kidney donated by her best friend, actor Francia Raísa). 

In a TikTok Live, Selena opened up in detail about the “water weight” that she gains while taking medication for her condition – together with delivering a reassuring message for anyone navigating the same medication-related body changes. She is wearing a simple white roll-neck jumper in the broadcast, with minimal makeup and her hair slicked back in a casual style. 

The footage has subsequently been shared on Twitter via a fan account – and has at time of writing accumulated over 2.3 million views. 

She said:  “I tend to hold a lot of water weight and that happens very normally. When I’m off [the medication] I tend to lose weight. I just wanted to say and encourage anyone out there who feels any sort of shame for exactly what they’re going through, and no one knows the real story, that you’re beautiful and you’re wonderful and yeah we have days where maybe we feel like shit but I would much rather be helpful and take care of myself. My medications are important and I believe that’s what helps me. So yeah, not a model, never will be – but then I think they’re awesome mind you – I’m just definitely not that.”

Towards the end of the broadcast (which is filled with positive comments and heart emojis coming up on the screen from supporters), Selena delivered an unequivocal message to trolls that she would not respond to their “shaming”.

She continued: “So that’s it, this is getting a little too much, I just thought I’d tell you I love you guts and thanks for supporting me and understanding me. “If not, then go away because I don’t believe in shaming people for their body.”

This isn’t the first time this year Selena Gomez has publicly defended herself against body-shaming. In the wake of the Golden Globes – where the star stepped out in a velvet Valentino gown – she shared another Instagram Live broadcast, captured in the company of her nine-year-old sister Gracie (who was her date for the ceremony). 

“I’m a little bit big right now because I enjoyed myself during the holidays. But we don’t care,” she said, laughing and looking at her sibling. 

The high-profile star has also had to contend with comments concerning another lupus-related side effect: hand tremors.  “Lol I shake because of my medication,” she wrote in the comments section of a TikTok video (since deleted).