Cheryl Burke is dancing into a whole new chapter. Not on a ballroom floor this time, but in her life. After spending years under the spotlight, the former Dancing With the Stars pro is finally focusing on her health—not for fame or appearance, but for her own happiness.
She recently shared with People that she has lost around 35 pounds. But the way she talks about it, the number doesn’t even seem like the point anymore. Cheryl isn’t chasing skinny. She’s chasing peace, balance, and strength.
Let’s break down what’s behind her transformation—how she lost the weight, what mindset changes helped her get there, and why her story is about much more than a number on a scale.
No More Living for the Scale
Cheryl has been a dancer her entire life. And with that came a lot of pressure. From a young age, she was told to look a certain way, to stay at a certain weight. That pressure became part of her everyday life.
She admitted that for years, she was “obsessive” about the number on the scale. Even while traveling, she took her scale with her. Imagine carrying that kind of stress around the world. She wasn’t just dancing for scores on TV—she was trying to live up to silent judgments about her body, often from others and sometimes from herself.
Being in front of mirrors all day as a professional dancer only made it worse. Cheryl says her coaches were strict and constantly reminded her how she should look. She tied her worth to the way she appeared. And if she felt even a little off, it affected her entire mood.
The Shift: It Started From Within
Now at 41, Cheryl has flipped the script. In her recent interview, she made it clear that this transformation wasn’t about a goal weight or a number at all. It started from inside.
“For me, it’s all about starting from within first instead of the aesthetic of what I look like from the outside,” she said. That one sentence says a lot. Cheryl didn’t wake up one day and say, “I need to lose 35 pounds.” Instead, she focused on healing emotionally and mentally. The physical change came later, as a side effect of real self-care.
This change in mindset didn’t happen overnight. It began when she left Dancing With the Stars in 2022. After 26 seasons, she was done performing for others and started thinking about what she needed for herself.
She also started accepting that aging is natural. Things like slower metabolism and changes in skin are part of life. Instead of fighting it, she’s learning to grow with it.
Her Approach: Intermittent Fasting and Movement
So how exactly did Cheryl shed the pounds? She didn’t go on a fad diet or hire a celebrity trainer. She made small, manageable changes that fit into her lifestyle.
First, she began following an intermittent fasting plan. She eats during specific hours and fasts the rest of the time. This type of eating pattern can help with weight control and digestion. But for Cheryl, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about doing what feels right for her body.
She also focused on eating clean foods. That means cutting out processed snacks and junk food. She tries to eat meals that are fresh, simple, and natural. Things like vegetables, lean proteins, and fruits now fill her plate.
Exercise-wise, Cheryl keeps it easy and enjoyable. She walks two miles every day with her dog. It’s a simple habit that helps her stay active. Walking is gentle, low-impact, and it gives her time to clear her mind. It’s not about burning a certain number of calories. It’s about moving her body and feeling good doing it.
Mental Health Matters Most
Cheryl’s transformation isn’t just physical. One of the biggest things she’s worked on is her mental health. For years, she put pressure on herself to look perfect. That pressure came with anxiety, sadness, and self-doubt.
Now she’s letting go of that pressure. She’s learning how to be kinder to herself. And she’s speaking out about it.
She says healing is a big part of her journey. She’s been through a lot—divorce, burnout, and emotional pain. She’s also been sober for a few years now. All these changes required her to look inward and do the work.
Healing is not a one-time thing. It’s a daily process. But Cheryl is showing that it’s possible. You don’t have to stay stuck in old stories. You can write a new one.
She’s Done Hiding and Done Explaining
Shortly before her interview about weight loss, Cheryl took to TikTok to clear the air. There were rumors going around that she had surgery on her face or used Ozempic to lose weight.
She didn’t hold back. “I’m not on Ozempic, I’m not sick, I didn’t get a face transplant and no I did not get a brow lift,” she said. It might sound harsh, but she was speaking up for herself—and for others who get judged online.
She called out how people forget that celebrities are human too. “The way some of you guys talk about me, it’s like you think I’m a headline or a filter. Not a person,” she said.
She reminded everyone that she’s been in the spotlight since she was 21. Of course her face and body have changed. Everyone changes. That’s life.
Her message was clear: she doesn’t owe anyone an explanation. She’s been through pain, healing, growth, and joy—and her face shows that story. And she’s proud of it.
Not Just a Weight Loss Story—A Self-Worth Story
The most powerful part of Cheryl’s journey isn’t the weight she lost. It’s the weight she let go of emotionally. She stopped letting other people’s opinions shape how she feels about herself.
She’s building a new life. One where she doesn’t chase perfection, but lives in peace. Where movement is joyful. Food is nourishing. And her worth isn’t tied to a mirror or a number.
Cheryl is showing all of us that real transformation starts with self-love. Not punishment. Not shame. But love.
She’s not hiding anymore. She’s not apologizing for the changes she’s gone through. And she’s not chasing unrealistic beauty standards.
Instead, she’s dancing to her own rhythm. And maybe that’s the most powerful routine of all.
What We Can Learn from Cheryl Burke
Cheryl’s journey teaches us a few big lessons:
- Weight loss should never be about pressure. It should come from a place of care, not criticism.
- It’s okay to age. Your body will change. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re living.
- You can heal. No matter how long you’ve struggled, it’s never too late to be kind to yourself.
- Don’t believe everything online. Celebrities deal with harsh comments, too. But they’re human, just like us.
- Small changes matter. Walking, eating clean, and giving yourself grace every day adds up to big results over time.
Cheryl isn’t just showing us how to get healthy. She’s showing us how to truly care for ourselves. And that’s the kind of transformation that goes way beyond the scale.
Final Thoughts
Cheryl Burke is embracing her real self—and it shows. After years in the spotlight, she’s finally stepping into her own light.
Her journey is full of ups and downs. But what stands out is her honesty. Her strength. And her willingness to grow in front of the world.
She reminds us that health is not just about how we look. It’s how we feel. It’s how we talk to ourselves. It’s how we choose to live every day.
So the next time you look in the mirror and feel down, think of Cheryl. Think of the girl who once carried a scale in her suitcase—and now carries nothing but self-love.
Because real strength isn’t in how much weight you lose. It’s in how much you gain back when you finally accept yourself.
