Already have an account?
Get back to the

Work It Out!Paula Deen Reveals She Joined ‘Dancing with the Stars’ to Lose Weight and Get Fit

Though she’s already lost 35 pounds over the last two years, Paula Deen is hoping Dancing with the Stars will really help her get in shape!

“I want to get a better body,” the 68-year-old TV chef said of her decision to join the reality competition during a new interview with Good Morning America.

paula deen weight loss

Paula in October 2005 (left) and September 2015 (right).

The former Food Network star further revealed she had wanted to appear on the show in the past, but feared she was too out-of-shape to do so. “I’ll tell ya, this is the first time in a few years where I felt like my weight would allow me to participate,” she said.

RELATED: Is Paula Deen Headed for Divorce from Husband Michael Groover?

“I’ve been very busy with my new cookbook Paula Deen Cuts The Fat and I’ve been eating that way for two years,” Paula continued. “And that’s kinda gotten me ready. And what I hope I can get out of this [experience] is a bunch of new friends… and maybe lose some weight!”

Click through the gallery below to see the rest of the DWTS Season 21 cast!