Ree Drummond Weight Loss: How She Shed 55 Pounds at 54, and What You Can Learn in 2024

Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, is a beloved figure in the culinary world. With her down-to-earth charm, delicious recipes, and stunning ranch lifestyle, Ree has built an empire that extends far beyond the kitchen. But recently, her fans have been just as captivated by her personal transformation — her incredible weight loss journey.
In early 2021, Ree embarked on a path to better health, and in the span of just over a year, she shed an impressive 55 pounds. What makes her story even more inspiring is that her weight loss wasn’t a result of quick-fix diets or fad programs. Instead, Ree focused on making sustainable changes to her lifestyle, embracing a combination of exercise, mindful eating, and self-compassion. Let’s take a closer look at how she did it, the lessons she learned, and how she’s maintaining her new health.

Ree Drummond Weight Loss: The Beginning of Her Journey

Ree’s weight loss journey wasn’t about fitting into a particular dress size or reaching a number on the scale. It all started with a realization that she needed to focus on her overall health. As she explained in her blog, The Pioneer Woman, she wasn’t happy with how she was feeling physically. She was facing fatigue and just didn’t feel like herself anymore.
“I definitely needed to lose weight for my own preference,” Ree wrote. But it wasn’t about just shedding pounds; it was about becoming healthier. As a busy mother, wife, and TV personality, Ree had always been juggling a lot. Between her show, her blog, her books, and raising a family, it wasn’t easy to prioritize her own wellness. But by 2021, she knew it was time for a change.
“I wanted to get healthier. And I wanted to feel better. That was my first priority,” Ree said.

Ree Drummond’s Weight Loss Success: 55 Pounds in Just Over a Year

By the time Ree decided to take action, she had reached her highest weight ever, tipping the scales at 220 pounds. In just over a year, she lost 55 pounds and shared the details of her transformation with her followers. The process was gradual but effective, with a focus on small lifestyle changes that eventually led to big results.
Ree has been very open about the fact that she didn’t use weight loss drugs or extreme measures to get where she is today. She has denied using medications like Ozempic (a popular weight-loss injection), emphasizing that her transformation was due to consistent, healthy habits.

Ree Drummond Weight Loss: The Key Changes That Made a Difference

Ree’s weight loss success is a result of many small, consistent changes that worked together to create lasting change. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key strategies that helped her on her journey:

1. The Power of Eating Mindfully

Ree admits that before her weight loss journey, she wasn’t always mindful about what she was eating. She often ate for convenience or out of habit, which meant she wasn’t making the healthiest choices. But once she made the decision to get healthier, she started focusing on portion control and eating more balanced meals.
“I didn’t count calories obsessively, but I definitely started being more conscious about my portions and how often I was eating,” Ree shared. “It’s all about finding balance.”

2. Exercise: Finding What Works for You

Like many people, Ree initially felt overwhelmed by the thought of committing to a rigorous fitness routine. But instead of focusing on the idea of hitting the gym every day, she began by finding forms of exercise that worked for her lifestyle.
Ree found joy in walking, yoga, and even spending time outdoors with her family on the ranch. Over time, she began to add more structured workouts, including weight training, to her routine.
“I’ve learned that if you find a form of exercise you enjoy, it’s easier to stick with it,” she said. “I love being outside, so walking and getting fresh air was a good starting point for me.”

3. Drinking More Water

Ree became more intentional about her hydration, noting that drinking water made her feel better and less bloated. It was a simple yet effective way to support her weight loss efforts.

4. Giving Up Perfectionism

A key lesson Ree learned throughout her weight loss journey is the importance of self-compassion. She acknowledges that there were times when she slipped up, but instead of beating herself up, she focused on getting back on track. Ree emphasized that it wasn’t about achieving perfection, but about making more consistent healthy choices.
“It’s easy to get discouraged if you have a bad day or week,” Ree admitted. “But I’ve learned that it’s okay to slip up sometimes. The important thing is to keep going, keep making the next best choice.”

5. Consistency Over Perfection

Ree didn’t try to lose weight overnight. She set realistic, achievable goals and stuck to them. She didn’t rely on restrictive diets, but instead made sustainable changes that allowed her to live life while still focusing on her health.
“I didn’t do Keto, I didn’t do Paleo, and I didn’t follow some crazy trend,” Ree said. “I just made small adjustments and stayed consistent with them. That’s what worked for me.”

Ree Drummond’s 50-Pound Weight Loss: Maintaining the Transformation

As of 2024, Ree has managed to maintain her 50-pound weight loss for nearly three years. She continues to prioritize her health, but she also recognizes that life is full of ups and downs. Ree often shares updates with her followers, letting them know that maintaining weight loss isn’t always easy, but it’s possible with the right mindset.
“Some days are easier than others, but I’ve learned that staying healthy is a lifelong journey, not a destination,” she said.
Her honest, relatable approach to weight loss and health has inspired many of her fans to take a similar approach to their own wellness.

Lessons From Ree Drummond’s Weight Loss Journey

So, what can we learn from Ree Drummond’s journey? Here are some of the key takeaways:

Start with small changes: It’s not about making drastic changes overnight, but about making small, sustainable adjustments to your routine.
Don’t chase perfection: Life isn’t perfect, and neither is any weight loss journey. Focus on progress, not perfection.
Prioritize health over numbers: Focus on feeling better, not just fitting into a certain size or hitting a specific number on the scale.
Exercise should be enjoyable: Find activities that you enjoy, and it won’t feel like a chore.
Self-compassion is key: Be kind to yourself during the process and remember that it’s about your overall well-being, not just your appearance.

Ree Drummond’s Weight Loss FAQ

Q: How much weight did Ree Drummond lose?
A: Ree lost a total of 55 pounds over the course of a year, focusing on health and overall wellness rather than just weight.
Q: Did Ree use Ozempic or any other weight loss medications?
A: No, Ree has been open about the fact that she did not use medications like Ozempic for weight loss. Her journey was about healthy habits, not quick fixes.
Q: What was Ree’s biggest challenge during her weight loss?
A: Ree has shared that staying consistent was one of her biggest challenges. She had to learn to prioritize her health and make time for herself amidst her busy lifestyle.
Q: What is Ree’s advice for others trying to lose weight?
A: Ree advises others to make small, consistent changes and to focus on balance. She emphasizes that it’s important to be kind to yourself and understand that weight loss is a journey, not a race.