'Come get a plate from my house': Fans react to Jenna Ortega's weight loss as actor opens up about wellbeing

Jenna Ortega. Pic via Instagram

Jenna Ortega's latest appearance has sparked an intense conversation online, with fans expressing concern over what they believe is a noticeable change in the actor's appearance. The Wednesday star recently appeared in Esquire's How I Got Here, reflecting on her journey from child actor to one of Hollywood's most recognisable young stars.

Jenna Ortega opens up on Hollywood journey

During the interview, Ortega looked back at her early years in the industry and admitted that she did not always prioritise her own wellbeing while working. She also once revealed that she almost quit acting before landing her breakthrough role in You. Recalling her childhood acting days, she said she could go entire days without asking for food or water because she did not want to worry anyone around her.

"I really had it going for me as a child 'cause I can't think of one mistake I made," Ortega said, adding that she was grateful and excited to be working. However, she acknowledged that her determination may have come at a cost. "Maybe that was my mistake; I was not actually looking after myself," she reflected.

Following the interview's release, several viewers took to social media to comment on Ortega's appearance, with some questioning whether she was doing okay. One user wrote, "I just got the chills; this is so sad. We are more than our weight!!! So sad for all of us living in a society that aligns worth with image and weight." Some posts focused on what they perceived as weight loss, while others criticised the entertainment industry's continuing fixation on celebrity bodies.

The discussion also saw comparisons with Ariana Grande, with one user saying, "Got the Ariana Grande special." Another said, "She can come get a plate from my house."

Fans debate beauty standards

While some fans expressed genuine concern for Ortega, others pointed out the dangers of speculating about a celebrity's health based solely on photographs or video footage.

Importantly, Ortega has not publicly confirmed any health issue or explained a change in her appearance. There has also been no statement from her representatives regarding the online discussion. As such, her appearance alone cannot establish whether there has been any medical, dietary or lifestyle change.

The debate has nevertheless reignited a larger conversation about Hollywood beauty standards and the pressure placed on actors to maintain particular body types.

Ortega, who rose to global fame with Netflix's Wednesday, has several projects lined up. She is set to return for Wednesday Season 3 and will also feature in films including Taika Waititi's Klara and the Sun and J.J. Abrams' The Great Beyond. She is also part of The Gallerist alongside Natalie Portman.

For now, the online speculation remains just that speculation, with no confirmation from Ortega herself.