Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 30, 2025 · Entertainment

From Ridicule to Radiance: How RHONJ Star Lauren Manzo Overcame Weight Struggles with Mounjaro

Lauren Manzo , the daughter of RHONJ star Caroline Manzo, got real about her weight loss struggles in a new interview

RHONJ Star Lauren Manzo Spills Tea on the Cruel Weight Shaming She Endured on National TV

In a shocking revelation, Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ) alum Lauren Manzo has come forward about the cruel weight shaming she endured while appearing on national television. The 37-year-old reality star, who joined her famous family on RHONJ in 2012 and later starred in the spin-off Manzo'd with Children, has opened up to People magazine about the devastating effects of body criticism.

"I was a young girl, just 21 years old, and I thought I was perfect," Lauren said, reflecting on her time on reality TV. "But what people saw on TV was not the real me." She recalled being bombarded with cruel comments about her weight, which took a toll on her mental health.

The star has shed a remarkable amount of weight in recent years with the help of weight loss medication Mounjaro

Lauren's journey to self-acceptance began years ago, but it wasn't until recently that she found a solution. After trying various diets and even undergoing lap band surgery, she finally discovered a medication that would change her life: Mounjaro. The revolutionary weight loss treatment not only helped Lauren shed an impressive amount of weight, but also freed her from the cycle of disordered eating.

The mother-of-one has been open about her struggles with food and body image on social media, sharing stunning before-and-after photos that showcase her incredible transformation. But despite her newfound confidence, Lauren faced backlash from trolls who criticized her decision to use medication for weight loss.

"I'm not going to sugarcoat it – I've had my fair share of hate mail," Lauren admitted in a recording obtained by The Scholarly Note. "But what really gets me is when people say I look 'sad' or that I've become unrecognizable." She fired back at her critics, explaining that she's finally reached a healthy weight and feels amazing.

Lauren and her mother Carolina were on RHONJ and then got their own spin-off, Manzo'd with Children

Lauren's journey to wellness has been nothing short of remarkable. After years of struggling with food issues and feeling the pressure of maintaining an unrealistic beauty standard, she discovered Mounjaro and credits it with saving her life.

"I really believed [Mounjaro] saved my life," Lauren exclaimed. "What they say about food noise – I had never heard that term." She went on to describe the medication as a game-changer, saying it's helped her develop a healthier relationship with food and her body.

But Lauren's story is not just about weight loss; it's also about her journey towards self-love and acceptance. As she navigates life as a single mother, Lauren has been open about her struggles and triumphs on social media.

Lauren with her Bravo star mother in 2010

In a recent post, she shared a jaw-dropping before-and-after photo, showcasing her incredible transformation. "From surgery, functional medicine (which changed my life) giving up gluten & dairy (sob emoji). I still miss it but it's been worth it!" she wrote, thanking fans for their support and kind words.

Lauren's mom, RHONJ star Caroline Manzo, has also weighed in on her daughter's weight struggles. "She was working out like an animal [and] eating right" but "she just could not lose weight," Caroline confessed to The Scholarly Note. "I couldn't understand why she had weight on her."

Lauren's divorce from ex-husband Vita Scalia, with whom she shares eight-year-old daughter Marchesa 'Markie' Scalia, has also been a major life transition for the reality star.

Lauren with Melissa Gorga and Jacqueline Laurita on The Real Housewives of New Jersey back in 2011

As Lauren continues to navigate her new chapter as a single woman, she remains committed to spreading body positivity and self-acceptance. Her story is a powerful reminder that true beauty comes from within, and that every person's journey towards wellness is unique and deserving of respect.

TheScholarlyNote.com Exclusive: Stay tuned for more updates on Lauren Manzo's incredible journey, including an upcoming video where she'll share the details of her weight loss transformation with Mounjaro.

She has now found a health routine that works for her

Lauren is mother to eight-year-old Marchesa 'Markie' Scalia, whom she shares with her ex Vita Scalia

She displayed her bikini body in a recent TikTok video