Zendaya’s Weight Loss: Here’s What Ignited Rumors About Anorexia

Find details on Zendaya’s weight loss for her roles, and how the fashion icon, maintains her size-zero physique through a balanced fitness regimen and more.

Sanchari Bhattacharya
Written by Sanchari Bhattacharya , Health & Fitness Expert
Updated on Jul 24, 2024 | 04:38 PM IST | 571.7K
zendaya weight loss
Zendaya’s weight loss (Image Source: Getty Images)

From her Disney days to becoming a style icon and award-winning actress, Zendaya has always exuded confidence and grace. But maintaining her slim and trim figure isn't just about aesthetics — Zendaya’s weight loss is a love letter to herself on keeping a balanced and joyful approach to health and fitness. 

In this article, we'll delve into the secrets behind Zendaya's fitness routine, her diet choices, and how she stays mentally strong amidst the pressures of Hollywood. Discover her favorite workouts, the role of her personal trainers, and her inspiring views on body image and self-acceptance. 

Whether you're a fan looking for inspiration or simply curious about her lifestyle, scroll down to uncover how Zendaya combines fun and dedication to achieve her enviable physique and learn how she handles stress with such poise. 

 

Who Is Zendaya?

zendaya weight loss

( Image Credit: Getty Images)

Zendaya, born Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, is a multi-talented American actress, singer, and producer who has significantly impacted the entertainment industry. She first gained prominence as a Disney Channel star, playing Rocky Blue in the hit series Shake It Up from 2010 to 2013. This role showcased her acting and dancing skills, quickly making her a fan favorite among young audiences.

Her career took a notable turn when she starred in HBO's critically acclaimed series Euphoria as Rue Bennett. This role earned her widespread recognition and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. 

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Around the same time, Zendaya became a household name through her role as MJ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Spider-Man films, where she not only showcased her acting prowess but also formed a real-life relationship with co-star Tom Holland.

Zendaya shines in her latest film, "Challengers," where she plays a tennis prodigy-turned-coach. Her sporty yet fashionable look in the action-packed movie highlights her versatility. From her Disney roots to dramatic roles and blockbusters, Zendaya's journey showcases her talent and growing influence in Hollywood, making her a standout in the industry.

 

How Did Zendaya Lose Weight?

zendaya weight loss

( Image Credit: Getty Images)

Finding the fun in fitness has been a key component of Zendaya's approach to exercise. Our sources reveal that she only sometimes finds traditional workouts enjoyable, so she incorporates activities she loves, like dancing and choreography. Zendaya, the self-confessed dance lover and tennis queen, has captured hearts with her dynamic talents and charismatic presence. 

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From gracing the pages of Justine Magazine to dazzling audiences on screen, she effortlessly blends her love for dance with her passion for tennis. This playful approach helps her stay active and committed. Her passion for dance was evident when she competed on Dancing With The Stars in 2013, finishing in second place.

Zendaya also embraced tennis in preparation for her role in Challengers, which revolves around a dramatic love triangle involving three professional tennis players. She underwent three months of intensive on-court training with former world-ranked tennis player Brad Gilbert. Despite her initial reservations about working out, Zendaya's dedication paid off, with director Luca Guadagnino praising her impressive tennis skills.


To prepare for her role in The Greatest Showman, Zendaya focused on building upper body strength for the trapeze scenes with Zac Efron. She described the training process as rigorous but ultimately rewarding, even though she admits she no longer maintains that level of strength.

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During the pandemic, Zendaya found creative ways to stay motivated for home workouts. She would wear different wigs from her red carpet collection and take on various characters to make her exercise sessions more entertaining. 

This unique method helped her stay engaged and committed to her fitness routine. Zendaya's playful and adaptable approach to fitness demonstrates that finding joy in movement can be a powerful motivator for maintaining an active lifestyle.

 

Read More: Tom Holland’s Workout Routine to Get a Shredded Athletic Body

 

What is Zendaya's Workout Routine?

Zendaya Weight Loss

( Image Credit: Getty Images)

For her role in Challengers, Zendaya underwent a rigorous and comprehensive workout routine. Inspired by watching intense college tennis matches, she became deeply motivated to master the sport for her character. Zendaya had six weeks to train alongside her co-stars, preparing for a film centered around a love triangle and fierce tennis competition.

Her training began with three months of intensive practice with Brad Gilbert in Malibu, California. This was followed by two weeks of virtual training with Bryan before joining her co-stars, Josh and Mike, for nearly eight weeks of rehearsal in Boston. 

The regimen was demanding: five days a week, the actors would leave their hotels at 6 a.m. and be on the tennis courts by 7 a.m. Brad led them through two hours of tennis practice, followed by two hours in the gym with Bryan. Afternoons were dedicated to rehearsing lines and refining their characters.

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Incorporating a variety of exercises, Zendaya’s regimen includes arm raises with TRX straps, bicycle crunches, laps, pushups, leg raises, pop squats, wacky jacks, Russian crosses, wide-leg squats, and lunges. These moves not only reflect her commitment to staying fit for her roles, such as in Challengers, but also highlight her focus on maintaining overall health and strength in her everyday life.

 

What Are Zendaya's Diet And Eating Habits Like?

Zendaya Weight Loss

( Image Credit: Getty Images)

Zendaya’s diet and eating habits reflect her balanced and realistic approach to nutrition. As a vegetarian, she avoids meat but doesn’t label herself as a health nut. She has openly admitted that she doesn’t always eat the healthiest foods, often indulging in her favorite snacks like ice cream, chips, and her beloved ramen noodles. 

Zendaya follows a completely vegetarian diet, making a conscious effort to incorporate fruits and vegetables into her favorite meals. A long-time veggie lover, she often shares her culinary adventures with fans, revealing recipes that are her go-to, especially in summer. For breakfast, she enjoys pancakes with berries and Nutella, as well as eggs with wholegrain bread. 


At lunch, she opts for a sandwich or salad, while dinner usually includes rice salads. Instead of large meals, she prefers to snack throughout the day, finding it easier to manage her energy levels. Her love for experimenting with different cuisines is evident, and she often indulges in her favorite snack, ice cream.

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Despite her busy schedule, she prioritizes drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Zendaya is also known to enjoy cooking at home when she has the time, trying out new recipes and adding her own twist to them. Her approach to food is all about balance, moderation, and enjoying what she eats while maintaining a lifestyle that suits her needs and preferences.
 

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Must-Try Vegan Meal Plan For Athletes 


Zendaya's Candid Response to Criticisms About Her Weight And Anorexia Rumors


Zendaya has faced criticism for various reasons, including her weight. Despite these harsh judgments, Zendaya has shown remarkable resilience and strength, standing up for herself in an epic manner. This article delves into how Zendaya responded to being judged for her body and examines the reaction of the comedian who commented on her weight.

When accusations of anorexia surfaced, Zendaya didn't stay silent. She addressed the criticisms head-on, firmly defending her natural physique. Her honest and straightforward response showcased her confidence and self-assurance. Zendaya made it clear that she wouldn't let others' negative opinions affect her self-image or self-worth.

The comedian who commented on Zendaya's body also reacted to her powerful response. The exchange highlighted the impact of Zendaya's words and the importance of standing up against body-shaming. Her ability to handle such personal attacks with grace and strength

 

Fans Express Concern Over Zendaya's Slim Appearance At the 'Challengers' Movie Premiere:


Fans expressed concern over Zendaya's noticeably slim appearance at the Challengers movie premiere. While she looked stunning, many couldn't help but comment on her thinner-than-usual frame. Through various Instagram posts, fans voiced their worries, questioning if she was okay and if her health might be at risk. 

Some highlighted the apparent gap between her arm and torso, noting it seemed unusual. Long-time followers acknowledged that Zendaya has always been thin but felt that this was unusual and alarming. 

Others hoped that someone was checking in on her well-being and suggested that she might need a break to relax and regroup after the premiere. Their comments reflected genuine care and concern for the beloved actress, underscoring the emotional impact of her recent appearance on her fans.

Though Zendaya maintains a slim and trim figure, she emphasizes a balanced and enjoyable approach to fitness and diet. Her love for dancing, commitment to training for roles, and creative home workouts highlight her dedication to staying active in a way that suits her lifestyle. Zendaya's weight loss journey underscores the importance of finding joy in movement and balance in nutrition, proving that health and fitness can be both effective and fun. 

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FAQ's

Has Zendaya publicly discussed her weight loss?
Zendaya has not publicly focused on weight loss but has shared her fitness and diet routines, emphasizing health and enjoyment rather than specific weight goals.

Has Zendaya ever endorsed any weight loss products or programs?
No, Zendaya has not endorsed any weight loss products or programs. She promotes a balanced lifestyle through healthy eating and enjoyable physical activities.

What are Zendaya's views on body image and weight?
Zendaya advocates for body positivity and self-acceptance, often addressing the importance of loving oneself and rejecting societal pressures regarding body image and weight.

Does Zendaya work with a personal trainer?
Yes, Zendaya works with personal trainers, especially for specific roles, such as her intense tennis training for Challengers with Brad Gilbert and Bryan.

How does Zendaya handle stress and maintain her mental health?
Zendaya handles stress by engaging in activities she loves, like dancing, spending time with family and friends, and focusing on creative projects to maintain her mental health.

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About The Author
Sanchari Bhattacharya
Sanchari Bhattacharya
Health & Fitness Expert

Sanchari, a certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach

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