'America’s Next Top Model': Tyra Banks loses weight, wins bet with staff

Tyra Banks is shedding more than her fake hair these days, she’s also shedding pounds.

This week on CNN's "Larry King Live," the "America's Next Top Model" host and exec producer described how she created a weight loss challenge with a group of friends, including "ANTM" staffers.

"We were sitting around a table and kind of trash talking,” Banks said. "And decided to do this challenge because we all love food. I trash talked so much where I had to win – and I did."

Banks' appearance since she quit modeling full time has been scrutinized in the media. Two years ago, she fought back in the pages of People after tabloids printed unflattering pictures of her in a bathing suit. She told King that she didn’t quite see her weight gain then. "When I told the world to kiss my fat ass, I didn't look at myself, even on television, and think that I was too big or, I don't know, it didn't connect."

Even slimmed down, Banks told King that it's not her body she has the problem with. "I always feel great when I don't have clothes on. But sometimes certain clothes, when I put them on and they don't fit the way that I would like them to, that's when I tend to get self-conscious."

I think the changes are noticeable. I’m not sure if she lost the weight before Cycle 13’s premiere or in the midst of shooting it, but I did note she was looking really healthy during the premiere.

What do you think? Is the new Tyra, with her natural hair and recent weight loss, looking fab or what?
 
— Jethro Nededog

Photo: Tyra Banks at the Daytime Emmy Awards last month. Credit: EPA

Comments

[Gisela]

I think this is a wonderful article and, what with Wendy Williams touting lace front wigs as if it's a must-have accessory, it was time for Tyra to move on and distinguish herself from that type of frivolity. As far as the weight gain and subsequent loss, I think she looked beautiful either way, but I'm guessing she is a lot healthier now.

[Hilary Strong]

If Tyra slimmed down through healthy eating and exercise, then I think its fantastic. I hope she didn't do any "fad" dieting that will only continue weight fluctuation.