Why are people so interested in celebrity weight loss? Could it be that the stars become more human when we see them struggle with their weight like most of us do? Or do we try to compare our weight loss progress, or lack thereof, with theirs?

Don’t get me wrong, many average people do have personal trainers and may even have someone to cook for them, but celebrities have some added inspiration. This would be you, the viewing audience of their lives, brought to you by the paparazzi, tabloids, magazines, television and the news. If you have an audience of thousands watching your every move it may persuade you to pick up a piece of fruit or have a salad, instead of that cheeseburger with fries.

But celebrities are human regardless of their audience, and the battle of the bulge is not always won without intervention. Many celebrities opt for weight loss surgery in order to accomplish their weight loss goals. Gastric bypass surgery actually detaches part of your stomach and bypasses a large portion of your small intestine, leaving you with a small pouch about the size of a golf ball. So food consumption is restricted greatly, as well as less absorption of the food you do intake, due to the bypassing of the small intestine. Many people used to ask did Star Jones have gastric bypass surgery and for a long time she denied it. But in July of 2007 she admitted to having the surgery. Others who have had gastric bypass include Al Roker , the famous weatherman, and Randy Jackson, the judge from American Idol.

Some stars choose for the less invasive weight loss surgery the lap band. Lap band surgery is done with a laparoscope, so they just make a few incisions and don’t have to open you up completely. Then a plastic ring is secured around the top portion of the stomach. This simulates the gastric bypass by creating a small pouch, but it is easily adjusted when necessary. Celebrities who have had the lap band include Sharon Osbourne and Ann Wilson.

If you are obese or overweight it is best to lose weight to avoid many health risks. Your options and path should always be discussed with your doctor because every body is different. Don’t let celebrity weight loss choices solely determine your fate.