How Adele lost 100 lbs

What would happen if, instead of worrying about getting slimmer, we simply focused on feeling calm and strong? Well, that's exactly what singer Adele, 36, did.

- ALLISON NEMETZ

In two years, the Grammy winner dramatically improved her mood, built Olympian-level stamina and shed about 100 pounds without giving up weekly Big Macs. And she says strength training deserves all the credit. "I got quite addicted to it," she told British Vogue in 2021. The best part: Any of us who follow Adele's lead can "feel better and get healthier immediately, gain muscle, lose fat and live a longer and more energized life," says Forever Strong author Gabrielle Lyon, D.O. This is particularly true if you're over the age of 50 Keep reading for the powerful details.

The muscle attached to your bones and tendons actually releases hormone-like compounds that help regulate things like metabolism and immunity, “making it the largest endocrine organ system in the body,” says Dr. Lyon. “It makes up about 40% of your body weight and is vital for overall wellbeing.” The trouble is, most of us don’t pay much attention to our muscles, not even when age-related hormonal changes start making them shrink.

While working with both seniors and weight-loss patients, Dr. Lyon realized, “Most women are trying to fix a weight problem when what they really have is a muscle problem.” But if you prioritize muscle, magic happens. “Optimizing your muscles will optimize your life.” That was certainly the case for Adele.

Adele's surprise motivation