Valerie Bertinelli has always been open about her struggles with weight. Whether it was in a book, on TV, or in social media posts, she never hid her ups and downs. On February 15, 2024, she shared a powerful throwback photo on Instagram. In the caption, she explained why she no longer weighs herself—and why she no longer lets the number on the scale define her.
Her story is one of strength, self-love, and learning to be kind to yourself. Let’s take a closer look at Valerie’s full journey—from being a teen star, to dealing with emotional pain, to embracing herself at every size.
Starting Out in the Spotlight
Valerie Bertinelli became a household name in the 1970s when she starred as Barbara Cooper on One Day at a Time. She was young, bubbly, and loved by fans. But behind the scenes, she was already dealing with body image issues.
In her first memoir, Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time, she admitted that she used to compare herself to co-star Mackenzie Phillips. Even though Valerie wasn’t overweight at the time, she felt like she was.
That feeling followed her for years.
The Emotional Eating Years
After One Day at a Time ended, Valerie faced more struggles. She talked openly in interviews about her tendency to overeat. Not because of one favorite food—but because she didn’t have a “stop” button.
She explained to Good Housekeeping in 2010 that food became her way of coping. It was how she handled stress, sadness, or anything hard. Over time, the extra weight piled on.
Then came more pain.
The Divorce from Eddie Van Halen
In 2005, Valerie and her first husband, rock legend Eddie Van Halen, separated after more than 20 years of marriage. The divorce was finalized in 2007. They share one son, Wolfgang.
Many people assumed the divorce caused her weight gain. But Valerie says the truth is more complicated.
She told Today in 2008 that her real heartbreak came from feeling like she didn’t give her son the family life he deserved. She said, “I had a lot of grief about that. That was how I soothed myself.”
Becoming a Jenny Craig Spokeswoman
That same year, in 2007, Valerie decided to take control of her health. She joined the Jenny Craig weight loss program and quickly became their most recognizable face.
In just nine months, she lost over 40 pounds. Her journey inspired thousands of people. She posed in a bright green bikini for the cover of People magazine—a moment that was both proud and painful.
“There’s a lot of pride and a lot of shame associated with that cover,” she told People years later in 2020. “I worked really hard physically. But I wish I had worked just as hard on my mental shape.”
Even though she looked fit on the outside, she still struggled with how she felt on the inside.
Her Second Memoir and a Search for More
In 2009, she released a second book called Finding It: And Satisfying My Hunger for Life Without Opening the Fridge. It was about more than just weight. It was about finding joy, peace, and balance in life.
But even after all her success and weight loss, Valerie never felt completely happy with her body.
In 2022, she released another book, Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today. In it, she opened up even more. She wrote about comparing herself to other women, including her Hot in Cleveland co-stars Wendie Malick and Jane Leeves.
“They were tall, skinny, and gorgeous,” she wrote. “And here I was again—short, round, with an hourglass figure. All my insecurities came out.”
That kind of comparison ate away at her confidence for years.
Her Second Divorce and a Turning Point
In November 2022, Valerie finalized her divorce from second husband Tom Vitale. This was a major turning point for her.
In an Instagram video posted in June 2023, she said something had changed in her. “This all started in November—the month I got free,” she said. “I started really focusing on my emotional and mental health.”
That shift made a huge difference. As her mind began to heal, she started paying more attention to what she put in her body. And slowly, the weight started coming off again. Not because she was trying to fit into a bikini—but because she was finally caring for herself the right way.
No More Scale, No More Shame
Then came the post on February 15, 2024.
She posted a throwback photo of herself at 150 pounds. At 5’4″, that number used to bother her. Now? Not anymore.
“I don’t weigh myself anymore,” she wrote. “This is considered overweight by whose standards? I don’t know. It’s stupid. And I believed them for far too long.”
She added, “I now finally know that I am a kind, considerate, funny, thoughtful woman. Please remember—who you are and what your character is should never be overshadowed by what size you are or how much you weigh. You are enough. Just the way you are.”
That message hit home for thousands of people.
Valerie’s Weight Loss Now Comes from Love, Not Hate
Valerie’s journey is still going. She may have lost weight again, but that’s not the point anymore. She’s not dieting to be thin. She’s not obsessed with jeans or scales.
She’s healing. She’s learning. She’s loving herself more every day.
She’s also reminding all of us that being healthy is not just about food or exercise. It’s about kindness. Especially toward yourself.
What do you think about Valerie’s message? Have you ever let a number on the scale control how you felt about yourself? Let us know in the comments.
