How Did Kathy Najimi Lose Weight? Her Surgery Comment Inside

Back in 2012, Kathy Najimy made headlines with her massive weight loss story. But what was so special about her losing weight? Read the full exclusive article to get the answer. 

How did Kathy Najimy lose so much weight??

Well, instead of choosing rigorous gym routines, the Hocus Pocus star chose the path of Zumba in 2012, an interval workout that involves high and low-intensity dance moves. She preferred to try it after knowing from somewhere that an individual could shed a couple of pounds after practicing certain dance steps. 

Before trying Zumba, Najimy had been so exhausted by different workout regimes and diet plans that she was pondering about getting surgery.

The year, Najimy's dedication to practicing Zumba also earned the "Zumba Fitness Ambassador Award." She later said in an interview that she had never imagined being the face of Zumba or believed likewise while growing up. She also credits the dancing form for its positive effects on both physical and mental health outcomes.   

"Zumba is a fantastic, pressure-free workout; people of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels are encouraged to give it a try. It is simple to assemble, and once assembled, it will function well. It surely will," she said. 

And some reports have suggested that she switched to light diet plans, preferring vegetables over meat. However, Najimy has never spoken about her weight loss, let alone about having a specific diet plan. 

However, even Zumba regimes indeed need one to follow a diet plan for better results, usually by reducing carbohydrates and balancing food instantly through fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins such as meat.

In that case, we know that Najimy is not a vegan or vegetarian, but she "respects" the cause. 

Zumba: the ultimate Secret to Najimy's weight loss

Najimy admitted to trying out many different health regimes to lose weight before finding the one that worked for her. She tried everything from soup fasts and watermelon diets to spas. 

However, when she was introduced to Zumba, she knew she had found her match. Not only did the fitness program help her to shed some pounds, but it also helped to reduce pain in her knees and lower back.

Kathy Najimy Before and After her Weight loss. (Source: U.S. Weekly)

Thanks to her positive outlook on the fitness program, the American actress was also awarded the 'Zumba Fitness Ambassador Award' in 2012. She kept her humor intact while receiving the award, addressing that some time ago, it would've been unimaginable for a person like her to be looked up to as a fitness advocate.

Who would have ever thought I’d be the face or the body or the person who would advocate any kind of fitness?

Ever since losing 50 pounds and keeping it off with the help of Zumba, Najimy has advocated the benefits of the Latin-inspired dance aerobics workout, focusing mainly on how relaxed it feels compared to other heavy exercise routines. 

Zumba is a great, no-pressure workout...everybody is welcome, all sizes. 

The actor also shared that Zumba didn't just help her physically, but it also helped improve her mental well-being. She said, "I'm not afraid—will I fit into that ride? Will I fit into the seat on the plane?" 

"I have more confidence to say yes to jobs. I don't have to worry about finding a costume that will fit me. That part of it is somewhat relieved," she added.

She is much more than just an actor

Not only is Najimy famous for her professional contributions, but the actor is also known for being an activist for many causes. The Sister Act star has been advocating about issues related to the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community since the young age of 18. 

The comedian, who won the NY lily award for 'Activist of the year' in 2016, is keen on voicing her thoughts about social issues like body positivity, AIDS awareness, animal rights, and women's rights. In an interview with TV Guide, the actor confessed to being a political person. However, she admitted that being an actor only meant more people could hear her voice.

Additionally, she talked about how she did not believe that if you were an activist before you were an actor, your journey should not stop once you got into acting.

A lot of people think that actors should just shut up and act — and I respect that point of view if it is an actor who doesn't have anything to contribute. But if you were a political person before, and you just happened into a movie, to stop being a political person makes no sense.

Najimy is married and has a daughter.

Unlike many people in Hollywood, Najimy has been very lucky, both in love and the professional arena. The Hocus Pocus star "quietly" married comedian and musician Dan Finnerty in 1995, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Together, the pair has a daughter who shares the same first name as her maternal grandmother, Samia.

Like her father, who is the frontman of the comic rock group Damn Band, Samia is also the vocalist for her band and has recently debuted in the music industry with her album Baby. In addition, her Instagram account shows she is just as involved in activism as her mother. 

What ethnicity is Kathy Najimy?

Born on February 6, 1957, to a Lebanese mother, Samia, and a postal worker father, Fred, Najimy is a Lebanese American with mixed ethnicity.