Ricki Lake: 'I Can't Believe I Was Fat'

Ricki Lake has trimmed 140 lbs. from her all-time top weight of 270 pounds - and says she is holding steady.

"I can't believe I was a fat person for most of my life," the former talk show host, rocking a sexy black Herve Leger dress (size small), told PEOPLE at a recent benefit for the New Space for Women's Health, a New York City birthing center slated to open in 2010.

"I didn't have surgery and I worked hard. There's no secret. I'm active. I watch what I eat," Lake, 40, adds.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[Sparty1]

I can believe it. I saw her back in the day. She looks good now and she was still pretty back then. It must be really hard to try to be in the public eye and have to deal with weight issues. Good for her that she's happy with herself.

[UnstuckInTime]

I can't believe anyone ever watched her show. As with Oprah, American woman have some bizarre desire to listen to large, hideous women babble about nonsense for hours. Repeal the 19th amendment!

[ailbhe]

She must have worked very hard, she is beautiful now.

I hate that people are made to feel low for being overweight, I lived with a girl who ate a fraction of what I did and exercised a lot more yet was double my size. Meanwhile I would always be falsely accused of anorexia! It is terrible for people to be judged on their size as you never know and it is so arrogant to presume.

People have different metabolisms and body masses.

My cousin is also morbidly obese and was mercilessly bullied for it, she has a thyroid problem. She cannot lose weight but works very hard trying not to put it on.

People should think before judging others because you never know what is going on in their lives, or down their throat!

[jalyn]

There are indications that a person's metabolism breaks down fat more than others.....I have a sibling that eats 3 times more than I do, and she is slim. I however, I fight tooth and nail to keep my weight down even though I eat a healthy diet, but have responsibilities looking after people and no time to focus on myself.

It's only natural that those who: have the priviledge of time, money, maids, child care, supportive parents, grandparents are those who will succeed at losing weight. Then, there are those who: don't have the economic advantages, family support, time, and at the end of an exhausted day, no energy to work out. And, what is most hurtful to the weightier folks, is a stereotype out there that thinks the fatter people just sit around the house eating bon bons all day, watching tv. NOT!

Anyway, congratulations to Ricki.

[stayinsouth1981]

If you head out your front door and walk one direction for ten minutes, turn around and head back, you have a nice free workout.

You are worth putting the time and effort into YOURSELF. If you are not healthy, no one else will have the benefit of your presence in their lives. Make a commitment to yourself. Don't worry about food. Give yourself a reward or congratulations for every step you take to a healthy you. No matter what you weigh.

[HC4BO]

I can't believe it's NOT Butter ! ...

[FDRbyGodDemocrat]

"I can't believe people know who I am!" -- Ricki Lake

[avraamjack]

90% of a chick staying good looking is just not getting fat.
.

[Topfeeder]

The same can be said for dudes too!

[avraamjack]

Thank you for balancing my viewpoint.
.

[ChaiKat]

She looks amazing. It's sad how Hollywood's idea of thin is actually skeletal.

[rini]

I'm lucky enough to be genetically thin.

Still, it makes me mad when people like Ricki struggle for years with fasting, dieting and exercise and people still think that fat people just don't care. Remember, not everyone's metabolism and appetite are the same. Maybe for some eating an entire pie is as easy as eating a cookie is for a thin person. Perhaps they control themselves for twenty three and a half hours of the day and still gain wait because they slip up once.

The point is....You don't know.

Congrats, Ricki!!

[ianmcc]

EXACTLY. I am one of those perpetually 20-25 lbs overweight for my entire life types. It is genetic. I do NOT overeat. And the only way I can lose weight is to completely starve myself and be forced to work out over 2 hrs a day. It IS related to my metabolism and I get so sick and tired by the media/celebrity circuit that states either unless you look like you have an eating disorder you JUST DON'T CARE ABOUT HOW YOU LOOK. Well I REFUSE to think badly about myself for a weight that is by and large God given, especially in an America where eating disorders such as purging is now encouraged for those with slow metabolisms so they can be one of the "pretty" people, since of course they can't be seen as pretty by most Americans unless they have less than 2% body fat.

[tantan75]

I used to be too skinny. People were always asking me if I ate. I ate normally, but had a pretty active lifestyle. I took my weight for granted, but then I had kids and it became a constant battle. I am also always a little overweight no matter what I do. The only way for me to lose weight is too get on a diet/exercise regimen that is impossible to maintain. Maybe if I was a celebrity, and had nannies and personal chefs it would be easier. But, for now I just have to console myself with the fact that I'm healthy considering, low cholesterol, etc. My kids make the extra weight worth it.

[brooklyncitizen]

GO vegetarian...you will loose the 20-25 extara lbs easily and still eat what you want when you wnated as long as it isn't flesh and dairy.

[mediamarv]

We believe it.

Congrats on the transition. Could you spend some time in GA, they desperately need some help getting off the obesity train.

[MrsPeel]

Appalachia, too, especially SE Ohio and WV. Lordy!