Jennifer Love Hewitt has been a Hollywood fixture for years, capturing audiences from her first appearance in I Know What You Did Last Summer. Now at 46, she’s back in the limelight—not only for returning to the horror franchise but also for confidently embracing her changing body.

In 2025, the actress faced a mix of praise and unwarranted criticism about her weight gain, igniting important discussions on aging, motherhood, and the unrealistic beauty standards society imposes. This is her journey of self-acceptance, with unwavering support from her fans.

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

When Hewitt graced the red carpet at the I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel premiere in July 2025, she radiated confidence in a sleek black beaded dress. Her vibrant copper-red hair and bright smile symbolized a triumphant comeback, sparking renewed discussions about her looks. While some labeled her “unrecognizable,” fans celebrated her curves, regarding her as “body goals” for women undergoing natural changes.

“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.”