"This was hard work"— Kathy Bates says it took her more than using Ozempic to lose weight

Kathy Bates, the award-winning actress known for roles in Misery and Matlock, has opened up about the efforts behind her 100-pound weight loss. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Bates, 76, addressed rumors that the diabetes medication Ozempic was solely responsible for her transformation, emphasizing that the journey involved significant lifestyle changes as well.

"There's been a lot of talk that I just was able to do this because of Ozempic," Bates told the magazine. "But I have to impress upon people out there that this was hard work for me, especially during the pandemic. It's very hard to say you've had enough."

Bates said she lost 80 pounds over the past seven years by altering her diet and lifestyle before turning to Ozempic, which helped her shed an additional 20 pounds.

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Kathy Bates transforms her diet and lifestyle to combat type 2 diabetes

Kathy Bates' weight loss journey began after her diagnosis with type 2 diabetes in 2017. This diagnosis, compounded by her family history with the disease, became a pivotal moment in her life.

"I ate because I was afraid, and I ate because it was a FU to my self-esteem," Bates said.

Kathy Bates revealed that her father's struggles with diabetes, including a leg amputation, and her sister's current battle with the condition pushed her to take action.

"It terrified me. It scared me straight," she shared.

Determined to take control of her health, Bates implemented key lifestyle changes. One of the most significant adjustments came from advice her niece shared, which encouraged her to listen to her body's signals.

"When we're full, we experience an involuntary sigh," Bates explained. "I just pushed the plate away."

This mindful eating strategy, along with cutting out late-night meals, was crucial to her success.

Before committing to her new lifestyle, Bates admitted that her eating habits were far from healthy.

"I used to eat terribly: burgers and Cokes and pizza," she confessed.

In addition to eating more mindfully, she stopped eating after 8 p.m., a practice that helped her stay on track. However, she doesn't completely restrict herself, occasionally indulging in treats.

"We've been having trucks come to the lot over at Paramount to thank the crew, and yesterday we had Pink's Hot Dogs," she said. "Oh, my God, I hadn't had a hot dog in such a long time. Today I'm getting back on my track."

Now that the first season of Matlock has wrapped, Kathy Bates is focusing on maintaining her progress, especially through exercise.

"That's going to be my next thing that I'm worried about because I won't be on set running back and forth," she admitted.

Despite having a treadmill at home and considering Pilates, she is hesitant to hire a personal trainer.

"I don't want anybody over my shoulder," Bates said.

Aside from the visible changes, Kathy Bates' weight loss has also alleviated symptoms of lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling due to fluid buildup. She was diagnosed with lymphedema in 2012 after undergoing a double mastectomy following her breast cancer diagnosis.

"It's been a tremendous benefit for me," Bates revealed.

"I'm lucky that I don't have to wear my compression sleeves every day. It's such a thrill to be able to put my arm into a jacket and it fits," she said of the impact her weight loss has had on her condition.

Through sharing her journey, Bates hopes to inspire others to take control of their health.

"That's what Misery did. It gave me a [recognizable] face and a way to help in the real world," Bates remarked reflecting on the lasting impact of her breakout role.

Kathy Bates is embracing the excitement of her current chapter in life, marked by her successful return to television with Matlock.

"Physically, I'm capable of doing this show," she said, expressing gratitude for her improved stamina and mobility.