John Goodman, known for his roles with a larger physique, surprised many when he appeared with a svelte figure at the Los Angeles premiere of Tom Cruise's new film, Digger, on 28/9. How did the 74-year-old actor achieve this? Amidst the current Ozempic craze, speculation arose that weight-loss injections played a role. However, there is no basis to suggest Goodman relied on pharmaceuticals.

Goodman openly shared his traditional weight loss methods after reaching a record 181 kg in 2011. He had struggled with yo-yo dieting for years, consistently losing and then regaining approximately 32 kg.

Goodman before (left) and after losing half his body weight. *The Telegraph*

**Giving up snacking and reducing portion sizes**

In 2016, *The Big Lebowski* star resolved to eliminate his habit of incessant snacking. "I just stopped eating constantly," Goodman told ABC News. "I was just grabbing handfuls of food and stuffing it in my mouth. I was always eating, eating excessively like an alcoholic."

Portion control proved to be a critical factor. "It's basically just portion control and telling myself 'I don't need to eat this'," he stated.

In a 2010 interview, Goodman revealed he had eliminated sugar from his diet and collaborated with health coach Mackie Shilstone to overhaul his nutrition. Shilstone later confirmed he guided Goodman toward a Mediterranean diet, emphasizing abundant green vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and olive oil.

**Walking and boxing**

The actor maintained a consistent exercise regimen, rather than relying solely on strict dieting. "I wanted to take it one step at a time, move and exercise," he explained. "I've reached an age where I can't sit still anymore. Exercise gives me the energy for work, which demands considerable effort."

In a 2023 interview with *Rolling Stone* magazine, he credited dog walking as a factor in achieving his leaner physique. Coach Shilstone instructed Goodman to walk 10,000 to 12,000 steps daily, combined with using full-body exercise machines and treadmills for weight loss.

Earlier, Goodman had taken up boxing but later stopped. "Usually the session lasted about an hour to an hour and a half, including pad work, bag work, and learning footwork. Everything was great," he shared with the American music magazine.

**Giving up alcohol**

Goodman stopped drinking alcohol in 2007, following three decades of addiction. "Things had gone too far," he told *The Guardian* in 2012. "That was 30 years of carrying a disease that destroyed everyone around me; each time I drank, my body deteriorated further. It was the line between life and death. It was time to stop."

Alcohol had been a major contributor to his weight gain. "Before, I would often spend three months losing about 27 to 31 kg, only to 'reward' myself with a six-pack of Budweiser or similar and revert to old habits."

**Finding motivation for change**

Goodman told ABC News that his motivation to change his appearance stemmed from reaching a point of complete self-disgust. "I was really tired and sick of looking at myself," he admitted. "To the point where, when I shaved in front of the mirror, I didn't even want to look at my own reflection anymore."

Binh Minh (According to The Telegraph)