Melissa McCarthy shows off 45-pound weight loss

Melissa McCarthy turned heads when she stepped out for an event in Santa Monica looking noticeably thinner.

The actress has reportedly lost 45 pounds thanks to a healthy diet low in carbs and high in protein.

But this isn't a typical "diet." The 44-year-old made it clear earlier this year that she is happy with her curves and doesn't mind the extra weight.

An inside source told Star Magazine, "Melissa knows that fans love her big and beautiful, and she's not obsessed with dieting. She's just looking for a happy medium."

But this new lifestyle isn't for her. McCarthy says she's been focusing on her health for her children and husband, Ben Falcone.

A friend said, "Melissa realized she wasn't being as healthy as she could be. She wants to set a good example for her kids and she wants to be around to become a grandmother too."

We've seen other stars who have been motivated to lose weight for more than just a role or the cameras.

When Rosie O'Donnell returned to 'The View' after a seven-year absence, she not only had a new-found excitement for the show, she was also fifty pounds thinner.

The 52-year-old comedian had a procedure known as a vertical gastric sleeve, in which generally more than half of the stomach is removed, leaving a thin vertical sleeve.

O'Donnell credits her heart attack in 2012 and her marriage to Michelle Rounds for prompting her to take action. She said, "When we decided to get married, [my wife] said, 'But I want 40 more years and I don't want you to die on me, so you need to do something for your health.'"

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