In a candid conversation on the television show Live with Kelly and Mark, host Kelly Ripa reflected on her decision to give up alcohol nearly eight years ago. During a recent episode, guest co-host Andy Cohen mentioned his participation in "Dry January," leading Ripa to share her own experience with sobriety. Surprisingly, she revealed that instead of experiencing weight loss, she gained weight after quitting alcohol. This revelation highlights the unexpected outcomes of lifestyle changes and challenges common assumptions about the effects of giving up certain habits.
On a crisp Wednesday afternoon, January 22nd, Kelly Ripa welcomed Andy Cohen as a guest co-host on Live with Kelly and Mark. The topic turned to sobriety when Cohen, who was participating in "Dry January," shared his observations about not losing weight as expected. Ripa, now 54, seized the opportunity to recount her own journey. She had initially eliminated alcohol from her life in 2017, nearly eight years ago.
Ripa noted that contrary to popular belief, she experienced an increase in weight rather than a decrease. “I gained 12 pounds,” she admitted, explaining that she might have compensated by indulging in sugary foods. Alcohol, she realized, contains a lot of hidden sugars, which can easily go unnoticed due to its often bitter taste. Ripa’s revelation offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between alcohol consumption and weight management.
In a previous interview in March 2020, Ripa explained that her decision to stop drinking was not a difficult one. After completing a sober month with friends, she felt remarkably better both physically and mentally. “It wasn’t even really a choice,” she said. “I just didn’t feel the need or desire to go back to it.” For Ripa, the transition was seamless, unlike her earlier struggle to quit smoking in the early '90s, which required more conscious effort.
From a journalist's viewpoint, Ripa’s story underscores the unpredictable nature of lifestyle changes. While many assume that cutting out alcohol will lead to immediate health benefits, including weight loss, Ripa’s experience serves as a reminder that individual responses can vary widely. Her openness about gaining weight after quitting alcohol challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to health and wellness.
Moreover, Ripa’s ease in maintaining sobriety suggests that sometimes, the most significant transformations occur without much fanfare. Her journey encourages others to listen to their bodies and make choices that genuinely improve their well-being, regardless of societal expectations. In the end, Ripa’s story is a testament to the power of personal insight and self-awareness in shaping healthier lifestyles.