From Giuliana Rancic to Michelle Obama: 7 Biggest Celeb Health Stories of 2011

By April Hussar,SELF magazine

From Giuliana Rancic's breast cancer diagnosis and planned double mastectomy to Michelle Obama doing jumping jacks on the White House lawn, 2011 has been jam-packed with health news on the celeb front. Here's a look back at the biggest celebrity health news stories of the year...

Related: The Healthiest Cities for Women


1. Giuliana Rancic's Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Last year, we applauded E! News host Giuliana Rancic for opening up about her miscarriage and struggle with infertility, giving a much-needed public voice to issues that so many women face but are often reluctant to talk about. Now, Rancic is going through another incredibly difficult trial, one that also used to be considered taboo to talk about: breast cancer. With her recent announcement that she'll be undergoing a double mastectomy, we wish wish Giuliana a speedy recovery and a happy and healthy 2012.

2. Michelle Obama's Let's Move Campaign

When HealthySELF interviewed the nation's "first" personal trainer, President and Michelle Obama's fitness consultant Cornell McClellan, it was no surprise to hear that the dynamic duo is "always motivated" to work out. From what we can tell, Michelle O never stops moving, whether she's stunning the room in a strapless gown, doing push-ups with Desmond Tutu in South Africa or leading a group of school kids on the White House lawn in an effort to break the Guinness World Record for the most jumping jacks done in a single day.

Related: 21 Good-For-You Snacks

3. Catherine Zeta-Jones Treated for Bipolar Disorder
Her life may seem incredibly glamorous, but Catherine Zeta-Jones shocked the world when she was admitted to a rehabilitation clinic in Connecticut this past April, sharing that she suffers from the mental illness, bipolar II disorder. Zeta-Jones's statement read: "This is a disorder that affects millions of people and I am one of them. If my revelation of having bipolar II has encouraged one person to seek help, then it is worth it. There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help." As SELF contributing editor Catherine Birndorf, M.D., wrote at the time, we admire Zeta-Jones for her bravery -- not just for seeking help, but for helping her fellow sufferers feel less stigmatized.

4. Demi Lovato Overcomes Her Eating Disorder

After being admitted to a rehab facility late last year to cope with her eating disorder, Demi Lovato has been looking better than ever and spreading her positive body image wherever she goes. After she appeared at the MTV Video Music Awards (looking gorgeous in a sparkling mini dress) last August, she took to Twitter to fight back against nasty comments about her weight gain: "Guess what, I'm healthy and happy, and if you're hating on my weight you obviously aren't." Too true! Demi released an album in September, has been on tour since November and this month, she took a turn as an inspirational speaker... "Today I went back to the treatment center I went to last year to speak to the beautiful women fighting their inner demons," Lovato posted to her Twitter account on Dec. 4, adding, "To be able to share my story and let them know that it gets easier. Life is beautiful.... You are worthy of it."

5. Adele's Throat Surgery

After being forced to cancel a number of her tour dates and live appearances this autumn due to her voice troubles, Adele checked into Massachusetts General Hospital, where, according to the hospital's statement, doctors operated on her vocal cords to "stop recurrent vocal cord hemorrhage (bleeding) from a benign polyp." Shortly after, Adele took to her blog to assure her fans she'd be singing again soon. "I'm doing really well," she wrote, "on the mend, super happy, relaxed and very positive with it all." The singer is ending the year with not one but six Grammy nominations -- we'll keep our fingers crossed that she'll be able to perform at the show in February 2012!

See more:12 Ways to Think Yourself Slim

6. Heidi Klum's Inspiring Workout Regimen
This super mom has been spotted all over the place this year -- from running with Brooklyn Decker to taking an outdoor yoga class with Russell Simmons. HealthySELF caught up with Klum's personal trainer, David Kirsch, this summer to talk Heidi's workout philosophy (focused and simple) and those lunges we saw her doing in NYC. He told us that Heidi's goal was to run EVERY DAY. So if you're wondering what the trick is to getting a killer bod like Heidi's, it's to keep yours moving!

7. Kirstie Alley and Ricki Lake's Major Weight Loss

There must be something about Dancing With the Stars! While neither Kirstie Alley (Season 12) nor Ricki Lake (Season 13) took home the grand prize, they were both major winners this year when it came to weight loss. Alley dropped an amazing 100 pounds and even walked the runway at New York Fashion Week. Lake also dropped several dress sizes and more than a few inches during her stint on the show, proving that getting in shape may be hard work, but it can also be tons of fun. We're looking forward to hearing more details about Lake's 2012 wedding -- we bet she and fiance Christian Evans will have one heck of a first dance!

More from SELF:

20 Superfoods for Weight Loss
Yoga Moves for Flat Abs
38 Antiaging Foods
Gwyneth Paltrow's Arm and Ab Workout

Photo Credit: Condé Nast Digital Studio