Brittany Cartwright is looking different these days. If you've been scrolling through Instagram or catching up on The Valley, you’ve probably noticed the shift. It isn't just about a number on a scale, though that’s what everyone usually clicks on. People want a magic number—like the 27 pounds she lost with Jenny Craig or the "revenge body" headlines that took over the internet in late 2024.
Honestly, the real story is much messier than a before-and-after photo.
It involves a public divorce, a "Mommy Makeover" that required her to be literally carried up the stairs, and a long battle with health issues that have been public knowledge since her early days on Vanderpump Rules. Weight is just the visible part. The rest is about regaining a sense of self after years of being "Jax and Brittany."
The "Revenge Body" and AirSculpt
In mid-2024, right before she filed for divorce from Jax Taylor, Brittany went through a procedure called AirSculpt. She was super open about it. She didn't want a full tummy tuck at the time because it’s a massive surgery with a brutal recovery. Instead, she chose this "one and done" session to target her lower stomach.
Why? Because after having her son, Cruz, in 2021, she felt like her body just wouldn't snap back. She had that "shelf" many moms talk about.
"I wanted to get my sparkle back," she told reporters.
It’s a sentiment a lot of women feel, especially when their personal life is imploding. She did the procedure over Memorial Day weekend and was out at dinner that same night. But don't let the "easy" marketing fool you. It was a choice made during a time of immense emotional stress, and while it helped her contour, it wasn't the end of her physical transformation.
That 2025 "Mommy Makeover" Was No Joke
Fast forward to October 2025. Brittany decided to go all in. She underwent a massive surgery with Dr. John Layke and Dr. Payman Danielpour. This wasn't just a little nip and tuck.
What she actually had done:
- Abdominal reconstruction: This was to fix diastasis recti (where your abs separate during pregnancy).
- A full Tummy Tuck: To remove the excess skin and the "shelf" she’d been insecure about for years.
- Liposuction: To further refine the contours of her waist and back.
- Breast Lift and Implant Swap: She went for smaller implants this time, looking for a more natural, manageable silhouette.
The recovery was intense. In November 2025, she admitted she had to be lifted up the stairs of her home because she couldn't move on her own. Imagine that. You’re a reality star, a mom, and you’re navigating a divorce, all while physically unable to climb to your own bedroom. It shows a level of determination—or perhaps a desperate need for a fresh start—that most people don't see in a 15-second TikTok clip.
The Health Issues Nobody Talks About
We can't talk about Brittany Cartwright's weight without mentioning her stomach health. For years, fans have watched her struggle with gastritis and ulcers.
It’s been a point of contention on the shows. Doctors told her repeatedly to stop drinking alcohol to let her stomach lining heal. When your gut is inflamed, your weight fluctuates wildly. Bloating, water retention, and the inability to process certain nutrients make "traditional" weight loss almost impossible.
She also had her gallbladder removed years ago. If you don't have a gallbladder, your body processes fats differently. You can’t just go on a keto diet or eat high-fat "healthy" meals without getting sick. This is the nuance that people miss when they scream "Ozempic" in her Instagram comments. Is she on semaglutide? She says no. She credits the iPhone's .5 zoom lens for some of those "too thin" photos, but the reality is her body has been through a surgical and medical ringer.
Intermittent Fasting and the Jenny Craig Era
Before the surgeries, there was the disciplined work. In 2022, Brittany became the face of Jenny Craig, losing about 27 to 30 pounds.
She wasn't just eating the pre-packaged meals. She was doing intermittent fasting, which is basically just restricting your eating to a specific window of time. It works for some. For others, it’s a nightmare. She also hit the gym hard, even when Jax was sitting on the couch eating McDonald's (though to be fair, she said he was supportive and didn't tempt her with the fries).
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The problem with celebrity weight loss is the "yo-yo" effect. When your job is to be on camera, the pressure to be thin is suffocating. You see her lose 20, gain 10, then undergo surgery to "reset." It’s a cycle that’s common in Hollywood but rarely discussed with this much transparency.
Moving Forward: The 2026 Reality
By January 2026, Brittany seems to have found a balance. She’s living in her "modern farmhouse" in LA, raising Cruz, and focusing on her "girly gym" she built in her house.
She’s no longer trying to fit into the box of being Jax’s wife. That change in mental health usually reflects in physical health. Stress produces cortisol. Cortisol makes you hold onto belly fat. By removing the primary source of her stress (the marriage), her body finally had a chance to actually respond to the workouts and the diet.
She’s also dealing with her son’s recent autism diagnosis, which has shifted her priorities. When you're busy with therapy appointments and sensory room setups, the scale matters a lot less.
Actionable Takeaways from Brittany's Journey
- Address the Foundation: If you have underlying issues like gastritis or diastasis recti, no amount of "dieting" will give you the results you want. See a specialist first.
- Surgery isn't a Shortcut: Brittany’s "Mommy Makeover" recovery was grueling. It’s a tool for contouring, but it requires weeks of being unable to function normally.
- Mental Health is Physical Health: Notice how her most dramatic "glow up" happened after she prioritized her own peace and left an unhealthy situation.
- Be Skeptical of "Instant" Results: Even "one and done" procedures like AirSculpt usually require months for the swelling to go down and the skin to tighten.
Brittany Cartwright's weight journey isn't a straight line. It’s a jagged, messy, and very human path. She’s been open about the Botox, the breast implants, and the surgeries. In a world of filtered perfection, that honesty is probably the most "healthy" thing about her.
Next Steps for You
If you're looking to start a similar journey, focus on your gut health first. Consult a nutritionist to see if inflammation (like Brittany's gastritis) is holding you back. If you're considering "mommy makeover" surgeries, ensure you have a support system in place for at least three weeks of restricted mobility.