Ariel Winter Weight Loss Story (Her Secrets Revealed)

Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT
Published by Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT | Staff Writer
Last updated: December 24, 2023
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Ariel Winter is one of the stars of the hit TV show Modern Family.

And if you've continued following her career, then you've probably noticed that she's gone through quite a weight-loss journey.

That's why our team decided to spend a day researching her interviews and social media posts to find out how she achieved it.

It turns out that there were several surprises about why Ariel struggled with weight and how she overcame those struggles.

Here's what we found.

Quick Summary

  •  Ariel Winter's weight loss was primarily due to changing her medication, which had previously affected her metabolism and led to weight gain.
  • She did not significantly alter her diet but focused on exercise for weight management, incorporating both cardio and strength training.
  • Antidepressant drugs can cause gradual weight gain, a factor that played a significant role in Ariel's initial weight gain.
  • Ariel's journey underscores the importance of considering the side effects of medications on physical health and the need for a holistic approach to weight management.

Body Stats

  • Born: January 28, 1998
  • Height: 5'1"
  • Starting Weight: 164 lbs
  • Total Weight Loss: 30 lbs

How Did Ariel Winter Lose Weight?

Ariel Winter lost weight mainly by changing the type of medication she was taking for mental health reasons.

According to a research article from The BMJ, antidepressant drugs can cause gradual weight gain of a few pounds a month [1].

And that can add up to a lot in the long term.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ARIEL WINTER (@arielwinter)

While it's unclear whether being on Modern Family from the age of 10 may have caused some of those issues, it's great to see that she's now entirely open about it.

When she then went through rapid weight loss, the media descended on rumors of drug addiction and surgery.

In fairness to Ariel, she addressed those comments with humor.

She posted in an Instagram story that it was the antidepressants that caused the weight gain and jokingly said that doctors have now prescribed coke and meth.

It's worth noting that for individuals looking to gain weight or build muscle, the approach will differ from those focused on rapid weight loss. A combination of proper nutrition and a structured strength training program is key to achieving weight gain.

Consuming a calorie surplus with a focus on nutrient-dense foods and incorporating resistance exercises that target major muscle groups can promote muscle growth and overall weight gain.

She is now a big advocate for mental health check-ups and talks openly about the side effects of such issues.

How Did She Change Her Diet?

Ariel didn't change her diet much to lose weight.

Her main issue was that antidepressants were interfering with her metabolism.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ARIEL WINTER (@arielwinter)


She has also mentioned that she still likes eating carbs and sugar and, therefore, has to rely on exercise for weight management.

Ariel Winter opened up about how exactly the medication for her mental health messed up her metabolism and that everything she tried diet-wise always failed.

That was until she changed her medications and started losing weight straight away.

"The change in medication instantly made me drop all the weight I couldn't lose before by just giving me back a metabolism."

- Ariel Winter

What's Her Exercise Routine?

Ariel hasn't spoken much about her exercise routine.

But considering the noticeable weight loss and the fact that she doesn't have a restrictive diet, I would say that she relies on a mix of cardio and strength training.

Cardio is a lot about overall physical health and bringing up your energy levels.

However, many people underestimate the power of weight training for weight loss. One study in the NCBI showed that weight training can help women reduce and increase strength [2].

We also had a careful look at her most recent photos, and it’s definitely evident that she is much more toned.

Has Ariel Winter Maintained Her Weight Loss? 

Yes, Ariel Winter has managed to maintain her weight loss.

To confirm this, we looked through her photoshoots and her social media posts.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ARIEL WINTER (@arielwinter)

And the one thing you have to say is that she is maintaining a very slim and athletic body shape.

And while there are body shamers for overweight, underweight, and perfectly proportioned celebrities, Ariel has dealt with those in the best way possible.

By sticking with her new routine and using humor to ridicule her critics, she’s gained a lot more following as well.

Related Articles:

Ariel's Supplements

Ariel hasn't mentioned anything about taking dietary supplements to help with her weight loss.

However, my dietitian provided some analysis based on what Ariel had said about her diet.

First, he mentioned protein powders, possibly whey protein isolate or plant-based protein, and some collagen peptides.

This is something celebrity women often use for muscle tone and satiety but also for healthy skin, nails, and hair.

Considering that she didn't do much to change what she ate, it would also be a good indication that she took a fat-burning supplement.

These products help boost your metabolic rate, and they can be a great combination with a regular exercise routine to maximize how many calories you burn. 

They can also help suppress hunger cravings so that you can control your food intake much better.

That can especially help with comfort eating and unhealthy snacking.

FAQs

How Did Ariel Winter Gain Weight?

Ariel Winter gained weight because of the combination of medications she was on. Some of the antidepressants she was taking seemed to cause significant issues with her metabolism.

Did Ariel Winter Get Surgery?

Yes, Ariel Winter did get surgery in the past, but not to deal with her weight issues. When she was younger, she had breast reduction surgery, and she has said that she's never regretted that decision.

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About The Author

Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT
Staff Writer
Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT holds a BSc degree in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health and is the owner of Taylor Made Fitness. Her philosophy centers on cutting through the hype and misinformation surrounding dietary supplements, focusing instead on practical, science-backed strategies for health and weight loss.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Christiana Mikesch, CPT
Senior Coach
Christiana Mikesch, CPT is a personal trainer and author with contributions to publications like the Chicago Tribune and Yahoo. She emphasizes a holistic approach to weight loss, combining an energy-fueling diet, goal-oriented workouts, and daily habits. Her approach avoids short-term goals and fosters a lifelong commitment to health and well-being.
Learn more about our editorial policy

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