Chrissy Metz is opening up like never before about her lifelong struggle with body image and self-worth. Growing up in Florida, the “This Is Us” star often felt “less than” her peers, especially the cheerleaders and horseback riders, a feeling that shaped her relationship with herself for years.
Now, in a candid new chat with People, Metz is sharing some deeper truths that shaped her life.
Growing Up Feeling “Less Than” & Turning to Food for Comfort
(Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Alliance for Women in Media)“I was always the chubby girl, and I was also sort of the only one,” she recalled. “We’d go shopping at Wet Seal, and I wanted to wear the cute shorts and outfits, but all I could fit were the accessories. It was really hard.”
Metz said food became her comfort and coping mechanism. “It was my crutch, the love to fill in the holes,” she admitted. “I didn’t turn to alcohol or drugs, but food was always my thing.”
Breaking into Hollywood Against the Odds
(Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for A+E Global Media)When Metz moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, she dreamed of being “the female Jim Carrey.” But she quickly realized that Hollywood had limited roles for plus-size women.
“Every single role was for a tall, skinny blonde,” she said. “Plus-size girls were either the butt of the joke or couldn’t be attractive. One director told me I was ‘too cute’ to play the side chick.”
(Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)Despite the rejection, Metz persisted, eventually landing her breakthrough role as Kate Pearson in “This Is Us” in 2016. The role earned her an Emmy nomination and a devoted fan base who continue to share heartfelt stories about how the show impacted their lives.
Finding Self-Love & Romance
Metz, now living in Nashville, revealed she’s been in a relationship for the past year with an electrical engineer. “He’s so supportive and so kind,” she said. “This relationship makes me feel good about myself? What’s the catch?” she joked.
She keeps his identity private but admits their connection has been a source of joy during her ongoing journey toward health and self-acceptance.
Health Goals & Honest Perspective
Earlier this year, Metz addressed reports of her weight loss, acknowledging, “I have lost a little weight,” but stressing that “skinniness doesn’t equal happiness.”
She spoke about GLP-1 medications, saying they can be vital for diabetics but may pose risks for those with restrictive eating disorders. “It can become a very slippery slope,” she warned.
Her focus now is on longevity and overall health, not chasing a specific body size. “I never said I was the poster child for body positivity. I just want to do what I can to live the longest, healthiest life,” she said, noting her wellness routine includes intuitive eating and strength training.
Metz also reflected on her father’s death from sepsis after gastric bypass surgery, adding, “I’m at a stage in life where I don’t want that to be me.”
For Metz, true health is about gratitude and living fully: “There are plenty of people who are bigger-bodied and perfectly healthy. It’s about how I feel about myself — and I’m grateful. I never thought I’d have all of this.”
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‘This Is Us’ Star Opens Up About Lifelong Health Struggle