Updated: March 11, 2026
Katie Sturino, the influential founder of Megababe and a passionate advocate for body positivity (or as she prefers, body neutrality), has long been open about her personal life. One chapter that shaped her career and mindset was her high-profile divorce. While it happened years ago, it remains a topic of interest for fans curious about her story of turning pain into empowerment.
In this post, we dive into Katie Sturino’s divorce, its timeline, the lessons she shared, and how it fueled her success.
Table of Contents
Who Is Katie Sturino?
Katie Sturino rose to fame through her blog The 12ish Style, where she championed realistic fashion for sizes beyond the mainstream. She’s the creator of Megababe, a beloved body-care brand tackling real-life issues like chafing and boob sweat with humor and honesty.
Her candid approach to self-image, relationships, and life’s messiness has built a loyal community. Much of that authenticity stems from her experiences, including navigating divorce in the public eye.
The Divorce: Timeline and Key Details
Katie’s marriage ended in late 2016, with public reports surfacing in early 2017. She was previously married to internet personality Josh Ostrovsky (better known as The Fat Jew). The couple tied the knot in 2014 and shared a life in New York, including three dogs—one of whom, the famous pup Toast, made headlines during the split.
- Separation quietly happened in 2016.
- Divorce filings and announcements appeared around December 2016–January 2017.
- No children were involved, but pet custody (especially Toast) drew media buzz—the dogs stayed together without separation.
The split gained attention partly due to Josh’s celebrity status and rumors around his personal life at the time. Katie handled it with grace, focusing inward rather than fueling drama.
Here’s a quick overview table of key information related to Katie Sturino’s divorce:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Ex-Husband | Josh Ostrovsky (The Fat Jew) |
| Marriage Duration | 2014 – 2016 (separated 2016) |
| Divorce Finalized | Around 2017 |
| Public Announcement | Early 2017 media reports |
| Children | None |
| Notable Shared Assets | Three dogs (including Toast) |
| Katie’s Age at Split | Mid-30s |
This chapter wasn’t just an ending—it marked a turning point.
Turning Pain into Power: Weight Gain, Revenge Body Myth, and Business Growth
Post-divorce, Katie gained about 60 pounds amid stress and emotional changes. Society pushed the “revenge body” narrative—get slim to “show him.” But Katie flipped the script.
Instead of shrinking, she embraced her new size (moving to 16 from 12/14) and realized the fashion world wasn’t ready for it. Shopping became frustrating, sparking her mission to demand better options.
- She launched The 12ish Style more boldly, sharing unfiltered outfits.
- Megababe was born from real-body solutions—no shame, just practical products.
- She spoke openly against toxic diet culture and the pressure to “bounce back.”
In interviews and her writing, Katie calls the revenge body idea a “big con.” Her journey led to deeper self-acceptance and a thriving career helping others feel seen.
Life After Divorce: Remarriage, Creativity, and Continued Advocacy
Katie didn’t stay single long. In February 2017, she met John Sturino on Bumble. They married in June 2019 at the Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York, with John taking her last name—a sweet feminist touch she still celebrates.
Today, she’s happily married, a published author (her 2025 novel Sunny Side Up draws from divorce themes with a plus-size rom-com heroine), and a podcast guest sharing wisdom on dating, anxiety, and body peace.
Her Substack posts reflect on “divorcations” (divorce vacations) and starting over, reminding followers that endings can spark freedom.
Conclusion: Inspiration from a Real-Life Reset
Katie Sturino’s divorce wasn’t easy, but it became her catalyst. From heartbreak and body changes to building an empire and finding lasting love, she shows that vulnerability breeds strength.
If you’re facing a tough transition—divorce, weight shifts, or self-doubt—her story offers hope: You don’t need to “fix” yourself for the world. You just need to keep showing up authentically.
Katie continues proving that life after divorce can be fuller, funnier, and more purposeful. What’s your takeaway from her journey? Share in the comments—we’d love to hear.