Cheryl Burke’s Transformative Healing Journey: Beyond the Mirrorball and Weight Loss

Former Dancing with the Stars pro Cheryl Burke has opened up about her recent 30-35 lb weight loss, emphasizing that her transformation is a result of a profound internal healing journey, not merely an aesthetic pursuit, as she navigates significant life changes and addresses online criticism.

For fans of Cheryl Burke, known for her captivating performances and two Mirrorball Trophies on Dancing with the Stars, her recent candid discussions about health and body image offer a deeper look into the life of a beloved star. Since her emotional departure from the show in 2022, Burke has embraced a path of “healing” that has significantly impacted her physical and mental well-being, leading to a notable body transformation.

In May 2025, Burke revealed to People that she had lost approximately 30 to 35 lbs. This significant change was not driven by superficial goals but by a desire for a healthier lifestyle and internal peace, especially as she entered her 40s. Her journey reflects a deeper commitment to self-acceptance, moving beyond the external pressures that once defined her relationship with her body.

A Shift in Focus: From Aesthetic to Well-being

Burke’s professional dancing career on Dancing with the Stars, which began in 2006 and spanned 26 seasons, deeply ingrained a focus on physical appearance. As a dancer, she faced constant scrutiny regarding her weight, a challenge that contributed to her struggle with body dysmorphia. “As a dancer, we were stuck in front of mirrors constantly; it was important to stay at a certain weight, and my dance coaches were really strict,” she shared with People in May 2025. This intense environment led to an “obsessive” relationship with the scale, even traveling with one to monitor her weight.

Now, her approach is markedly different. Burke emphasizes starting “from within first instead of the aesthetic of what I look like from the outside.” Her goal was never a specific number on the scale but rather a feeling of health and energy, which she now possesses in abundance.

Battling Body Dysmorphia and Embracing Patience

In October 2024, Burke candidly addressed her ongoing battle with body dysmorphia on Instagram. She revealed that despite progress, a part of her mind still fixates on perceived flaws, making true self-confidence a daily challenge. Her public sharing underscored the importance of “patience” and “compassion” in navigating this internal struggle, advocating for a shift in focus toward self-acceptance rather than external validation.

The Pillars of Her New Lifestyle

Burke’s transformation is built upon several key adjustments to her daily life:

• Active Lifestyle: While no longer competing on DWTS, Burke remains committed to movement. She regularly takes 2-mile walks with her dog and uses a treadmill at home, often combining it with work. She also leverages the Fitbit app for workout and mindfulness classes, emphasizing her desire to “continue to move my body and be active.”
• Clean Eating and Intermittent Fasting: A significant component of her weight loss has been intermittent fasting and a strict adherence to clean foods, facilitated by a fresh food delivery service. She successfully overcame previous habits of skipping breakfast and late-night eating, which she identified as a “weakness.”

These lifestyle changes have not only resulted in weight loss but have also provided her with “so much more energy than I ever have,” according to her interview with People.

Addressing the Online Criticism

Despite her positive personal journey, Burke has faced a torrent of online criticism regarding her changed appearance. Comments ranging from accusations of Ozempic use to suggestions of plastic surgery have filled her social media. What she finds most disheartening is the prevalence of “women attacking women.”

Burke has vehemently denied these rumors, stating, “I just want people to know that I’m not sick and have never gone under the knife for anything. I didn’t get a brow lift, I didn’t get a face transplant. This is my body and this is how I feel best in it today,” as reported by People. She acknowledges that her weight can “fluctuate” but stresses the importance of prioritizing her mental health above all. Her focus is on “working on myself, being able to just love myself honestly and then grow a relationship with whatever I saw in the mirror.”

“That Cheryl Doesn’t Exist Anymore”: The Power of Healing

In a powerful May 2025 TikTok video, Burke directly addressed those who yearn for her “old” self, referencing her younger days on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody or during Dancing with the Stars season 2 when she was 21. She also spoke about her appearance three years prior, amidst her divorce from Matthew Lawrence. “I hate to break it to you, but that Cheryl doesn’t exist anymore,” she asserted.

Her body and face have changed because she has changed internally. “I’ve experienced so much trauma, divorce, and this is by no means a pity party. Sobriety, burnout, reinvention, I’ve healed, I’ve lost, I’ve grieved like anybody else,” Burke explained. She concludes with a firm message to her audience: “I don’t owe you an explanation for my healing or for my anything quite frankly. Let this be the last time I have to say it.” This powerful statement underscores her commitment to her well-being and boundaries.

Cheryl Burke’s journey is a testament to prioritizing internal health and healing over external pressures and expectations. Her candidness offers a valuable perspective on body image, mental wellness, and the courage to embrace personal evolution in the public eye.