JoJo’s Shocking Transformation: How Pressure Led Her to Pills, Injections, and a Starvation Diet!

JoJo’s Shocking Memoir: The Dark Reality of Fame and Body Image Struggles

JoJo Levesque, known simply as JoJo, has revealed the alarming extent to which she compromised her health in pursuit of a slim figure as a young pop star. In her gripping memoir, Over the Influence, she shares her harrowing experiences within the music industry that began when she was just 13 years old.

The Rise to Stardom and Its Aftermath

At only 13, JoJo made history as the youngest solo artist to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with her hit song "Leave (Get Out)." This instant fame brought both success and immense pressure. In Over the Influence*, she exposes the emotional toll and trauma that accompanied her rise to stardom and ultimately led to her journey of reinvention as an adult.

A Troubling Deal with Blackground Records

JoJo’s historic success came with a hefty price tag. Signing with Blackground Records, founded by Barry Hankerson, thrust her into a world where appearance and body image played a critical role in her career. In her memoir, she recalls how this deal was pivotal not just for her career but for her self-esteem. Feeling overwhelmed, she describes being summoned to meetings where the focus wasn’t just on her talent, but on her body.

During her first meeting with Hankerson, anxiety washed over her as she prepared to face a man known for his controversial reputation. To her surprise, he was charming and put her at ease initially. However, it soon became evident that the emphasis on her appearance would dominate their conversations. Hankerson made it clear that looking "visually stunning" was crucial—a burden that weighed heavily on JoJo’s mental health.

The Cost of Conforming: Excruciating Diets and Health Risks

Following Hankerson’s remarks, JoJo felt compelled to comply with the label’s unattainable standards, leading her down a dangerous path. “I began a strict diet of weigh-ins and limited calories—a mere 500 calories a day,” she wrote. This drastic regimen involved injections and supplements designed to suppress her appetite and alter her metabolism..

With only a handful of calories, JoJo faced a stark reality where she felt her worth hinged on her size. “I was a size two, maybe a four on my heaviest day,” she reflected. Yet, she believed she was still falling short of their expectation for perfection. The subsequent obsession with dieting transformed her life into a high-stakes game of self-control and deprivation.

The Impact on Mental Health and Self-Esteem

The pressure to maintain a specific image began to chip away at her well-being. "By the end of the meeting, I felt like a shadow of myself," JoJo shares. Battling with her body image, every bite felt like betrayal, and her mental health spiraled. She recalls stashing snacks in her purse, tightly controlling her intake while trying to preserve some semblance of a social life.

The struggle didn’t end there. JoJo faced years of setbacks, with her label often putting her projects on hold, which exacerbated her feelings of inadequacy. As she fought to reclaim her career and self-identity, the battle became both personal and professional.

Emerging Stronger: The Fight for Independence

Years of turmoil and a legal battle against Blackground Records finally led to a pivotal moment in JoJo’s life. In 2014, she was released from the controlling grasp of her first label, having settled a lawsuit for "irreparable damages" to her career and personal life.

With renewed determination, JoJo began a new chapter under Atlantic Records but faced challenges reclaiming her musical identity. The rights to her early songs were locked away, prompting her to re-record her debut album in 2018—an unprecedented move that echoed the struggles of fellow artists like Taylor Swift fighting for ownership.

A Bright Future Amidst Past Struggles

Despite the trials, JoJo has continually adapted and evolved. Today, she tours, releases fresh music, and even takes on acting roles, including a starring performance in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. In 2021, she wowed audiences on The Masked Singer, showcasing her incredible talent while reminding herself and her fans of her resilience.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale of Fame, Image, and Growth

JoJo’s memoir, Over the Influence, is more than just a retelling of her struggles in the music industry; it’s a raw, candid examination of the pressures of fame and the fight for self-acceptance. By sharing her journey, she hopes to inspire others to look beyond physical appearances and focus on inner strength and authenticity.

This October, as we anticipate the release of Over the Influence, JoJo continues to stand as a testament to perseverance, reminding us that reclaiming one’s identity is powerful—a journey well worth taking.