Dancing With the Stars alum Cheryl Burke has undergone a significant weight loss transformation over the past few months, but contrary to popular belief, neither surgery nor medication are to blame. For the very first time, Burke is spilling all the tea when it comes to her transformation, dishing to PEOPLE how she managed to shed 35 pounds naturally.
The two-time Mirrorball Trophy winner — who is now 41 years old — made a major change to her health and fitness when she entered her 40s, experiencing some questionable symptoms that prompted her to start prioritizing her physical well-being more than ever before.
“I’ve noticed not only my skin changing into mature skin, but also just my metabolism has changed quite a lot… I’ve noticed my feet cramping randomly if I’m not moving often. Obviously, I’m not as active as I was when I was on the show, but it’s just been a whole change for me,” she spilled.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 17: Cheryl Burke attends the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 17, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
When she decided that she wanted to start prioritizing her health and fitness, Burke admitted that she wanted to do it differently than she did on Dancing With the Stars. According to the California native, being “stuck in front of mirrors constantly” on the show led to struggles with body dysmorphia, as well as becoming “obsessive” over the number on the scale.
“It would really affect my mood on a daily basis if I didn’t feel like I was skinny enough,” she elaborated. “Just being consistently chastised about my weight, it wasn’t fun. I even used to travel with a scale. That’s how obsessive I was, so it’s just not healthy.”
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 29: Cheryl Burke attends 2023 Variety’s Women Of Reality TV at Spago on November 29, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
With her recent weight loss journey, Burke admitted that her goal “wasn’t to lose a certain amount of weight,” but instead to eat clean foods, partake in intermittent fasting, take two-mile walks with her dog and more.
Aside from simply losing a significant amount of weight, Burke also shared, “I have so much more energy than I ever have” — looking great and feeling great is truly the best of both worlds!
For updates regarding Cheryl Burke — as well as her continuing health and fitness journey — fans can connect with the Dancing With the Stars alum via Instagram: @cherylburke.
