Jennifer Love Hewitt has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for many years, enchanting audiences since she first appeared in I Know What You Did Last Summer. Now at 46, she’s returning to the limelight—not only by reprising her role in the horror franchise but also by embracing the changes in her body with self-assurance.

In 2025, the actress faced a mix of acclaim and unjust critique concerning her weight gain, sparking significant conversations about aging, motherhood, and the pressure of unattainable beauty standards. This is her story of self-acceptance, and it’s evident her fans are wholeheartedly supporting her.

Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Red Carpet Comeback: A Bold Statement

When Hewitt made her appearance on the red carpet for the I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel premiere in July 2025, she radiated confidence in a sleek black beaded dress. Her vivid copper-red hair and glowing smile symbolized a victorious comeback, but the attention also reignited debates about her looks. Some detractors labeled her as “unrecognizable,” while fans embraced her curves, seeing her as “body goals” for women experiencing natural transformations.

“I feel like, at this stage in my career and life, I don’t need to defend myself against that,”

Hewitt stated in response to the body-shaming comments.

“It’s hurtful when people reject you as you are on platforms like Instagram or the internet just because they’re struggling to adjust.”

The Real Reasons Behind Her Weight Gain

Hewitt’s transformation isn’t as mysterious as some might think. After welcoming her third child, Aidan, in 2021, she focused on motherhood instead of strict dieting.

“She’s been busy raising three kids and hasn’t been able to stick to rigid workout routines or meal plans,”

a source revealed. Pregnancy, hormonal changes, and a packed filming schedule for 9-1-1 have all played a role in her natural weight changes a reality many women can relate to.

jennifer love hewitt 1997 / 2025 🖤 #IKnowWhatYouDidLastSummer pic.twitter.com/VOw99p7fco

— renan 🌴 (@gothanya24) July 15, 2025

Unlike some of her peers who turn to quick fixes like Ozempic, Hewitt prefers a balanced approach:

“She doesn’t deprive herself but chooses nutritious foods and stays active through Pilates and strength training,”

shared an insider.

Jennifer Love Hewitt is the moment at the 2025 #IKnowWhatYouDidLastSummer premiere pic.twitter.com/J37OvqmM0C

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 15, 2025

While body-shamers claimed Hewitt had “let herself go,” supporters took to social media to express their admiration:

“Black fans celebrate her curves, while some white men just call her fat. The cultural divide is real.”

“She looks strong, healthy, and far beyond the reach of anyone criticizing her.”

Hewitt’s reaction? She chose silence. Instead, she shared lighthearted Instagram videos, showing she’s unfazed by the negativity.

A History of Body Shaming—And Resilience

This isn’t the first time Hewitt has faced backlash. Back in 2007, tabloids poked fun at her bikini photos with mocking headlines like “I Know What You Ate Last Summer.” She fought back, declaring,

“A size two is not fat! And it never will be.”

By 2008, she managed to shed 18 pounds through dedicated workouts, but she later distanced herself from extreme measures, affirming,

“Skin and weight shouldn’t define beauty.”