Renowned actor John Goodman has captivated fans with his astonishing weight loss journey, shedding an impressive amount of weight over a decade ago and continuing to maintain his slimmed-down physique. The 70-year-old star, recognized for his memorable roles in movies such as “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “The Big Lebowski,” recently appeared at the Monte Carlo TV Festival, sporting a noticeably transformed appearance that left attendees and media outlets astounded.
Having once reached a reported weight of approximately 400 pounds, Goodman has reportedly shed an incredible 200 pounds, a remarkable achievement that has sparked widespread admiration and curiosity about his weight loss secret. In a 2016 interview with ABC News, the actor revealed his approach to shedding the excess weight, stating that he simply stopped constantly eating, acknowledging that he had been consuming food compulsively, almost addictively.
Goodman has been candid about his struggles with alcoholism, having battled the addiction for 30 years before achieving sobriety in 2007. Reflecting on his previous attempts at weight loss, he admitted to a pattern of losing significant weight and then reverting to unhealthy habits as a reward. This time, however, he adopted a different strategy, focusing on a gradual, sustainable transformation by incorporating movement and exercise into his routine, recognizing that his age necessitated a more active lifestyle to maintain energy and well-being.
The acclaimed actor spoke about his motivation for change, expressing a deep sense of dissatisfaction with his appearance and the negative impact it had on his self-image. Goodman emphasized the importance of seeking fulfillment through spiritual or purpose-driven means, rather than attempting to fill a void with vices like alcohol, drugs, or excessive eating. By acknowledging the presence of this void and accepting that it cannot be filled, he found the strength to pursue a healthier lifestyle.
“I think you’re trying to fill a hole that can’t be filled unless it’s filled with goodness, some kind of spirituality, not saying religion,” he continued. “But just a belief in something higher than yourself, a purpose. But instead of filling it with booze or cocaine or food, you just acknowledge that it’s there. You can’t fill it. And you go on and live with it.”
In 2010, Goodman revealed that he had enlisted the services of health coach Mackie Shilstone, known for working with esteemed athletes like Serena Williams. Under Shilstone’s guidance, Goodman removed sugar from his diet and embraced a disciplined exercise regimen, engaging in six workouts per week. He emphasized the significance of these changes, explaining that it took considerable effort to break free from the sedentary patterns of his previous lifestyle and make healthier choices.
According to the outlet, Goodman hired Mackie Shilstone, a health coach who worked with athletes like Serena Williams. They cut sugar from his diet, and added 6 workouts a week to help Goodman get in shape and slim down. The actor said, “I’m breaking a sweat, but I’m not going nuts.”
