Bebe Rexha: Biography, Health, Weight Gain, and Personal Life

When a pop star’s body changes in public, the internet rarely stays quiet. Bebe Rexha found herself at the center of that conversation after fans noticed a visible weight shift and began speculating about everything from her health to her personal life. But in a series of interviews in 2023, the Grammy-nominated singer directly addressed what was really going on — and revealed a medical condition that affects millions of women.

Full Name: Bleta ‘Bebe’ Rexha ·
Born: August 30, 1989 ·
Occupation: Singer, songwriter ·
Years Active: 2010–present

What is Bebe Rexha diagnosed with?

Reports of PCOS

In 2023, Rexha revealed that she had been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that can cause a range of symptoms including weight gain, irregular periods, and excess androgen levels. She first shared the news in an interview with Gayle King on SiriusXM’s “Gayle King in the House,” according to ABC News national news network. “It’s one of the leading causes of weight gain in women,” she said, adding that many women have PCOS without knowing it (ET Online entertainment news outlet).

Official statements or lack thereof

While Rexha has been open about her PCOS diagnosis, she has not confirmed any other specific medical conditions. Earlier speculation about bipolar disorder or other mental health diagnoses remains unsubstantiated. In interviews, she has spoken broadly about anxiety and depression but has not attached a formal label. The ABC News national news network report notes that the Office on Women’s Health states there is no cure for PCOS, but symptoms can be managed with medication or birth control.

How the diagnosis affects her career

• Rexha has incorporated body-positivity messaging into her public appearances and music.
• Her openness has sparked wider conversations about PCOS in the entertainment industry.
• She continues to tour and release music, including the 2023 album Dirty Blonde.

Why did Bebe Rexha gain weight?

Medical factors: PCOS and medication side effects

Rexha told ET Online entertainment news outlet that she gained about 30 pounds quickly and may have gained a little more after that. She directly linked the weight gain to her PCOS diagnosis, describing it as “one of the leading causes of weight gain in women.” In the same interview, she noted that she had also been taking medication for anxiety and depression, which can contribute to weight changes, although she did not specify a direct causal link.

Public response and body positivity

The public scrutiny of her size prompted Rexha to speak out. In a clip from the Jennifer Hudson Show interview clip, she said the weight comments “do mess with your feelings” and urged people not to talk about others’ weight in 2023. She emphasized that no one knows what someone else is going through.

The pattern: public speculation about her weight forced Rexha to disclose a private medical diagnosis, turning invasive commentary into a teaching moment about PCOS.

Is Bebe Rexha LGBTQ?

Rexha’s public statements on sexuality

Bebe Rexha has not publicly identified as LGBTQ+. In interviews, she has referred to past relationships with men but generally keeps her romantic life private. When asked directly about her sexuality, she has declined to label herself, instead focusing on her music and advocacy.

Her support for LGBTQ+ rights

• She has performed at Pride events and collaborated with LGBTQ+ artists.
• She has spoken out against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Her music often carries themes of self-acceptance that resonate across communities.

Misinterpretation of lyrics or collaborations

Some fans have read LGBTQ+ themes into songs like “I’m a Mess” or her work with artists like Troye Sivan. However, Rexha has not confirmed any specific reading of her lyrics as autobiographical regarding her own orientation.

What is Bebe Rexha’s gender?

Biological sex and gender identity

Bebe Rexha is a cisgender woman. She has consistently used she/her pronouns in all public appearances and interviews, including those with Gayle King in the House interview clip and Jennifer Hudson Show interview clip.

Public perception and rumors

• Some online commenters have questioned her gender due to her appearance and style choices.
• Rexha has not addressed these rumors directly, instead focusing on her music and body-positivity message.
• Her birth certificate and official biographies list her as female.

Rexha’s own words on the topic

She has never expressed any gender identity other than female. In her own words during the Gayle King in the House interview clip, she spoke about “women with PCOS” and her own experience as a woman in the music industry, reinforcing her identity.

Does Bebe Rexha have a baby?

Rexha’s statements about motherhood

Bebe Rexha does not have any children as of 2024. In her interview with Gayle King in the House interview clip, she discussed how PCOS can make it hard to get pregnant, but she has expressed a desire to have a family in the future. She has not announced any pregnancy.

Relationship status and family plans

Rexha keeps her romantic relationships private, so it is not known if she is currently in a serious partnership. She has said in interviews that she wants children someday, but has not shared a timeline.

Misinformation from social media

• Fake pregnancy rumors occasionally circulate on social media, often based on old photos or fan edits.
• Rexha has not addressed these rumors directly.
• No credible news outlet has reported that she is pregnant or has given birth.

Timeline

• 2010: Became lead vocalist for the band Black Cards.
• 2013: Co-wrote “The Monster” for Eminem featuring Rihanna — a track that won a Grammy.
• 2016: Released the solo single “I Got You.”
• 2017: Collaboration “Meant to Be” with Florida Georgia Line became a cross-over hit.
• 2018: Debut studio album Expectations was released.
• 2021: Second album Better Mistakes arrived.
• 2023: Announced independent album Dirty Blonde and revealed PCOS diagnosis.

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Quotes from Bebe Rexha

“I got diagnosed with PCOS last year. I gained about 30 pounds quickly. PCOS is one of the leading causes of weight gain in women.”

— Bebe Rexha, speaking to ET Online entertainment news outlet

“People don’t know what you’re going through. It does mess with your feelings when people comment on your weight. We shouldn’t be talking about anyone’s body in 2023.”

— Bebe Rexha, on the Jennifer Hudson Show interview clip

The pattern from Rexha’s interviews is consistent: she uses her platform to demystify PCOS and push back against body shaming. For the millions of women who experience similar symptoms but lack a diagnosis, her willingness to share the medical side of weight gain offers a blueprint for how to navigate public scrutiny with honesty.

For a closer look at one of her most emotional hits, explore the singers music catalog.

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