Jia Ling, the popular Chinese actress and director, has acknowledged that her significant physical transformation has caused her to lose some fans. Despite this, she remains optimistic and believes that audiences need time to adjust to her new look.
At 42, Jia gained widespread attention earlier this year with the release of You Only Live Once (YOLO), which became the highest-grossing film in China for 2024, earning 3.4 billion yuan (approximately US$465 million) at the box office.
Known for her bubbly and plump persona, Jia underwent a dramatic weight loss of about 50 kilograms (110 pounds) to fit her role in YOLO. She weighed 58 kilograms when the film was released, a stark contrast to her previous weight of 110 kilograms. In an interview with Xinhua News Agency, Jia shared her thoughts on the public’s mixed reactions to her new appearance.
“Some viewers have said that I don’t seem as cute or easygoing as before,” Jia remarked. “Some find my new look strange, while others feel like they’re seeing only ‘half of Jia Ling.'”
She acknowledged the shift in how audiences perceive her, admitting that not all fans are as supportive as they once were. “It’s clear to me that some people don’t like me as much now,” she said. “But that’s okay. I believe I can gradually win back their affection.”
Jia explained that her weight loss was a deliberate choice for the role she played in YOLO, where she portrayed a woman who steps out of her comfort zone to become a boxer. “When I was filming the movie, my body fat percentage was too low. That kind of physique is not sustainable,” she said, adding that she has gained some weight back in recent months.
Despite this, Jia remains committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. “If making this film didn’t change me, would it have been considered a failure?” she said. She continues to work out regularly and stay fit, even though her body may no longer reflect the extreme transformation required for the film.
Jia’s career, which began in crosstalk and comedy, has taken her to new heights. She is now the highest-grossing female director in the world. Her debut film, Hi, Mom, grossed an impressive five billion yuan (US$685 million).
Looking ahead, Jia is already working on her next project, a film about pyramid schemes, set to be released in 2025.
Meanwhile, Jia’s weight loss has sparked intense discussion on social media in China, with 140 million views on a popular platform. Supporters have expressed their admiration for her, with one user commenting, “Just be yourself. We still love you, Sister.” However, others have noted a change in her demeanor, with one user writing, “She doesn’t seem as relaxed and humorous as before.”
Despite the mixed reactions, Jia remains focused on her career and personal growth, confident that time will help her fans adjust to her new image.
