Wendy Kaufman in the early 2000s (left) and today
Credit: M. Von Holden/FilmMagic;Brad Swonetz
NEED TO KNOW
Wendy Kaufman first rose to fame as the star of Snapple’s popular 1990s commercials, where she answered fan mail for the company
Kaufman later appeared on Celebrity Fit Club as she worked to manage her weight and fight for a healthier life
Kaufman tells PEOPLE about the events of the last few years and how they’ve helped her reach her happiest place ever
Wendy Kaufman has made some major changes for her health in recent years.
“The Snapple Lady,” who rose to fame as the star of the brand’s 1990s commercials, has struggled with her weight throughout her life. In the early 2000s, Kaufman appeared on Celebrity Fit Club in efforts to prioritize her health.
However, the journey took on an increased sense of urgency about five years ago, when she suffered a heart attack. “I needed to lose the weight. It’s a health thing,” she said.
She began by setting a goal to lose weight for an important family gathering.
“One of my nieces was getting married and so I lost about 50 pounds for that. At around the same time, I went to see my breast doctor and she totally recommended getting a breast reduction, because I was so large-chested that it was hard for me to breathe and I was starting to get lower back problems,” Kaufman tells PEOPLE.
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Wendy Kaufman with her Snapple bobblehead
Credit: Brad Swonetz
Kaufman credits Dr. Barbara Edelstein with referring her to plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Levine in New York City, who recently made headlines as the doctor responsible for Kris Jenner‘s flawless facelift, performed last year.
“When Steve met with me, he agreed immediately to the breast reduction, which was one of the greatest things I ever did for myself. He also recommended that I do a tummy tuck because I had so much extra skin hanging,” Kaufman explains.
Kaufman agreed to go ahead with both and found the results to be “miraculous.”
After the surgeries, Kaufman continued her wellness journey.
Wendy Kaufman today
Credit: Brad Swonetz
“I am on Ozempic as part of my heart treatment, and after I started that, I lost about 20 more lbs. I’m down over 100 lbs. now. I walk these days and try not to be lazy and sedentary because moving is so important,” she shares.
“In Las Vegas, I even bought a house with steps so I can walk those too. Luckily for me, I have a guest suite downstairs and my bedroom suite upstairs, so that as I age, I can move downstairs if and when steps become difficult.”
The changes have made all the difference for Kaufman, who today enjoys time with friends and family. “I have never felt healthier, happier or more grateful for all the gifts I have in my life.”
Read the original article on People
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