Kate Beckinsale addresses body-shaming and MCAS diagnosis

Actress Kate Beckinsale has addressed social media criticism regarding her physical appearance and recent weight loss. After deleting her Instagram posts, the 53-year-old used her Instagram Stories to respond to users accusing her of using weight-loss drugs and making derogatory comments about her body.

Beckinsale explained that her weight loss is attributed to two primary factors: her diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and the physical toll of bereavement following the recent deaths of her mother, Judy Loe, and her stepfather, Roy Battersby. She noted that "weight loss is one of the very first physical signs of bereavement."

In her response to commenters, Beckinsale described the nature of MCAS, an autoimmune condition where mast cells release excessive substances causing allergy-like symptoms. She encouraged followers experiencing similar disparate symptoms—such as hives, migraines, or gastrointestinal issues—to research the condition and consult medical professionals.