Selena Gomez on Being Mocked for Her Weight Gain Years after She ‘Almost Died’: ‘Not a Model. Never Will Be’

• Selena Gomez has been slammed for her weight gain online.
• She opened up about her health struggles and how this resulted to her fluctuating weight.
• Gomez has Lupus and nearly lost her life.

Selena Gomez has endured some health issues over the years. Moreover, she has had to deal with online bullying because of her weight, and she has learned to cope and rise above it.

Gomez is an actress and singer born in July 1992 in Grand Prairie, Texas. She became a household name after starring in Disney's television show, "Wizards of Waverly Place," between 2007 and 2012 and as a pop star.

She grew up in suburban Dallas and was named after the famous Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez. Gomez went for the role on the PBS children's TV program "Barney & Friends" and became a staple when she turned regular on the show, having appeared from 2002 to 2004.

The brunette beauty made her big screen debut in the family film "Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over" in 2003. She later auditioned for the Disney Channel and became a guest star on the TV show, "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody."

In 2007, Gomez was cast as Alex Russo on the hit sitcom, "Wizards of Waverly Place." The series became an instant success for preteen viewers, and she earned recognition for her work, like the channel's leading star, Miley Cyrus, at the time.

However, in the midst of her worldwide fame, Gomez has received her fair share of criticism from fans, especially online trolls, about her appearance. She has been body-shamed.

Gomez Claps Back at Online Users Criticizing Her Body

In February 2023, Gomez went live on TikTok to address her followers who left negative comments about her body, revealing that she is on medication that makes her gain weight.

The TV star reminded those who feel ashamed about how they look that they are "beautiful and wonderful," adding that when it comes to her, she would rather be healthy and take care of herself.

Gomez expressed love for her fans and thanked them for supporting her and for being understanding. And to those who were less supportive, she advised them to "go away" because she does "not believe in shaming people." The 31-year-old also stated:

"Not a model. Never will be. And I think they're awesome, mind you, I'm definitely not that."

Gomez previously addressed the body-shaming comments on TikTok, saying she does not care about her weight because people talk about how big or how small she is either way, adding:

"I'm perfect the way I am."

The post came after being off the internet for four years, and she decided to make a comeback by spreading awareness on subjects such as body image and mental health.

In April 2022, Gomez clapped back at online body shamers, saying being "skinny" is not worth missing out on her favorite food because people still talk about her weight regardless.

The "Monte Carlo" star revealed in her Apple TV + docuseries in March 2023 that she would often post that she was not bothered by criticism, but in fact, she was. She just did not want others going through body-shaming to experience it, too. "I just think it's so unfair. I don't think anybody deserves to feel less than," said the businesswoman.

When asked how being away from the internet made a difference, Gomez divulged, "It has changed my life completely. I am happier. I am more present. I connect more with people. It makes me feel normal."

At the beginning of 2023, the producer announced on Instagram that she was back on social media. In the following months, she posted makeup-free photos and captioned one post, "Me."

Gomez Has Lupus & Underwent Emergency Surgery

Gomez has Lupus, and her medication to treat the disease makes her pick up weight. In March 2018, her best friend, actress Francia Raísa, spoke candidly about how the singer's condition worsened when they were roommates.

Raísa, who starred in "Grown-ish," revealed Gomez had gone to get her test results one day when she came home and had a breakdown. She asked her what was wrong, and Gomez said, "I need a new kidney. I don't know what I'm going to do, the waitlist is seven to 10 years."

Raísa revealed that she offered to get tested in an instant. She contacted Gomez's assistant without her knowing to get more information. And when she learned she was a match, she underwent a procedure to donate her kidney to her friend.

It was a three-hour operation for both of them. Raísa said she struggled to eat or drink anything during recovery, while Gomez also faced a complication. She broke an artery and was taken to emergency surgery. "She could've died," Raísa admitted.

She and Gomez kept the news under wraps for a few weeks because they were depressed during that time, as the recovery process was not easy for them both. The two only told close family and friends and later appeared on the "Today" show to share their story.

In September 2017, Gomez finally posted about the operation on Instagram, sharing a photo of her and Raísa holding hands while lying on hospital beds. She also posted pictures of the scars from the surgery and wrote a lengthy caption about her medical condition.

The "Only Murders in the Building" star thanked her family and medical professionals for their efforts during the ordeal and also gave a shout-out to Raísa, saying there were no words to describe what she had done for her. The Hollywood star penned:

"She gave me the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney to me. I am incredibly blessed. I love you so much, sis."

That same month of September 2017, sources close to Gomez revealed she got through her harrowing experience of kidney failure and Lupus because of her faith in God. She has become a believer and reportedly prayed a lot for a better outcome.

Gomez further expressed her gratitude for Raísa's selfless act in March 2023, stating that she is indebted to her. She explained that she was overwhelmed because her fellow star did not hesitate to help her out by donating one of her organs to her.