Cheryl Burke’s 35-Pound Weight Loss Journey Will Inspire You

Her Story Begins with Self-Acceptance

Cheryl Burke has always been in the spotlight, dazzling millions with her grace and athleticism on Dancing with the Stars. But behind the glitter and camera flashes, Cheryl silently battled her self-image and emotional well-being.

After years of pressure to look a certain way, Cheryl’s recent 35-pound weight loss is making headlines—not for the scale, but for what it represents. Her story isn’t about quick fixes or superficial goals. It’s about real transformation, inside and out.

Why Cheryl Decided to Make a Change

Cheryl didn’t wake up one day and decide she needed to be “skinny.” Instead, she realized she was exhausted from feeling physically and emotionally unwell. She’d spent years listening to outside voices tell her what she should look like, how she should perform, and how much she should weigh.

Now in her early 40s, she was ready to do it differently.

It Wasn’t About Looking Thin

Cheryl has been clear: her journey wasn’t motivated by aesthetics. She didn’t chase a smaller dress size or a number on the scale. Instead, she wanted energy. She wanted to feel mentally sharp, emotionally grounded, and physically strong. For her, wellness had to come from within.

“I didn’t do this for a look—I did it because I wanted to feel like myself again,” she’s shared.

Embracing a New Lifestyle, Not a Diet

Many celebrity weight loss stories focus on gimmicks, extreme programs, or cosmetic procedures. Cheryl’s story breaks that mold.

Intermittent Fasting: A Gentle Reset

One of the most impactful tools she incorporated was intermittent fasting. Rather than eating around the clock, she gave her body structured time to rest and reset. Her go-to method? The 16:8 fast—eating within an 8-hour window and fasting for 16 hours.

This routine gave her digestive system a break, helped balance her hormones, and gave her more control over snacking urges. Best of all, she didn’t feel like she was depriving herself.

Clean Eating Without Obsession

Instead of obsessing over calories, carbs, or macros, Cheryl focused on clean, nourishing meals. She filled her plate with lean protein, colorful vegetables, healthy fats, and complex carbs. She paid attention to how her body responded to certain foods and leaned into intuitive eating.

Gone were the days of emotional eating or late-night binges. Now, food became fuel, not a coping mechanism.

Moving for Joy, Not Punishment

As a professional dancer, Cheryl has always been active. But during difficult seasons in her life, including divorce and mental health struggles, even moving her body felt like a chore.

Her new routine includes consistent but gentle activity. She enjoys long walks with her dog, daily treadmill sessions while listening to music, and dance-inspired workouts. She’s even tried yoga and Pilates for flexibility and mindfulness.

Importantly, she doesn’t move to burn calories—she moves to feel good.

A Battle With Self-Esteem and Past Trauma

Long before her weight loss, Cheryl faced deep-rooted self-esteem issues. Being in a profession that’s so tied to appearance, she often found herself criticized for her looks.

She recalls being body-shamed during her earlier seasons on Dancing with the Stars. Sometimes, it wasn’t even the audience—it was people in the industry, those closest to her. This created a toxic cycle of self-doubt, comparison, and guilt.

Breaking the Cycle

Eventually, Cheryl realized she had to break free from those voices. Therapy, journaling, and emotional healing became major parts of her health journey. She started confronting old patterns—like weighing herself multiple times a day or skipping meals out of fear—and slowly replaced them with habits rooted in kindness.

She worked on forgiving herself, nourishing her spirit, and embracing her reflection without judgment.

Addressing the Rumors: No Quick Fixes Here

As Cheryl’s weight loss became more visible, so did the rumors.

People accused her of taking weight loss drugs or secretly undergoing surgery. But Cheryl stood firm. She shut down those comments, explaining that her transformation was the result of dedication, consistency, and healing—not shortcuts.

“I’ve never had anything done,” she clarified. “No Ozempic, no surgery. Just a healthier way of living.”

Body Shaming Hurts—Even When You’re Successful

It was especially hurtful to Cheryl that much of the criticism came from other women. She’d hoped that sharing her wellness story would uplift others. Instead, she was met with judgment, assumptions, and ridicule.

Still, Cheryl chose to rise above. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come,” she said. “This isn’t about looking a certain way—it’s about reclaiming my power.”

The Emotional Toll of a Public Life

Living in the public eye means your body is always up for discussion. Cheryl knows that all too well.

Even during her dancing prime, when she was winning titles and performing nightly, she was constantly reminded that she didn’t “fit the mold.” Whether it was from tabloids or unsolicited online comments, the message was clear: you’re only valuable if you look a certain way.

Now, she rejects that entirely.

Mental Health Comes First

In the past, she’d smile for cameras while battling depression behind closed doors. Now, mental health is her top priority.

She meditates daily, attends therapy, and has created boundaries around social media. If something—or someone—makes her feel less than, she lets it go. That peace of mind, she says, is more valuable than any number on a scale.

Cheryl’s Advice for Others on Their Journey

Cheryl’s journey is powerful because it’s real. It’s not about overnight results or “before-and-after” photos. It’s about learning to treat your body with love and your mind with compassion.

Here’s what she wants others to know:

1. Start Small, Start Now

You don’t need a Monday. You don’t need a new year. You don’t need a perfect plan. Just start. Take a walk, eat a fresh meal, or write down how you feel. Small changes add up.

2. Don’t Chase Perfection

There will be days when you skip your workout or eat a whole pizza. That’s life. Don’t punish yourself. Don’t give up. Progress is not linear, and perfection isn’t the goal—consistency is.

3. Choose Healing Over Hustle

You can’t hate yourself into a version you love. If your journey is fueled by shame or self-criticism, it won’t last. Choose habits that heal, not harm.

4. Speak Kindly to Yourself

Your inner voice matters. Replace harsh self-talk with encouragement. Remind yourself of what your body can do, not just what it looks like.

The Power of Choosing You

Cheryl Burke’s 35-pound weight loss isn’t just physical. It’s a symbol of her choosing herself—again and again.

It’s a reminder that transformation doesn’t have to be fast or flashy. Sometimes, the most powerful change happens slowly, quietly, and deeply. Cheryl’s story encourages us to listen to our bodies, heal our minds, and embrace the journey—not just the results.

Because in the end, it’s not about being thinner. It’s about being whole.