Missy Elliott Shows Off Her Dramatic Weight Loss

After some time out of the spotlight, Missy Elliott showed off her svelte frame during a performance at Alexander Wang's launch party, but her reported 70-pound weight loss wasn't for the number on the scale — it was for her health. In 2008, Missy was diagnosed with Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid and causes your body's metabolism to go into overdrive.

Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, when your body makes too much thyroid hormone, which is responsible for regulating mood, weight, and energy levels. Symptoms of Grave's disease include fatigue, weight loss, irregular periods, loss of muscle control, mood swings, and hair loss. Doctors aren't sure what causes Grave's disease, but they believe it's a combination of genes and environmental factors. It is most common in women under the age of 40.

When Missy was diagnosed, her situation was so severe she was forced to turn to radiation treatment and medication for relief. In 2011, however, Missy told People that under her doctor's supervision she was off medication and "completely managing the condition through diet and exercise." While her unfortunate diagnosis was a major reason Missy committed to a healthier lifestyle, we're thrilled to that see she's doing so well. Now, we're just hoping for a new album . . .