Actor John Goodman, 74, has shed over 14 stone through a combination of stomach surgery and abstaining from alcohol, detailing a challenging journey where he had to "force himself" to exercise.
Goodman revealed that his relationship with food had become "dangerous," likening his eating habits to alcoholism. "I was eating alcoholically," he stated in an interview with The Sunday Times Culture Magazine. "It was just something to up the ante. It was dangerous. My joints were shot from the weight I was carrying."
He has since undergone two knee replacements and finds himself needing external motivation to maintain his fitness routine. "I mean, I have to force myself in there. If it was just me, I'd skip it," Goodman admitted.
Goodman entered rehab in 2007 to address a three-decade battle with alcohol, a period during which he would drink even while on set. His significant weight loss began after this rehabilitation, and by 2023, he had lost more than 14 stone.
Reflecting on modern medical advancements, Goodman suggested that weight-loss injections would have been beneficial during his own slimming process. "No, because it's got to be co-ordinated with other things. But it would have been a godsend," he said of the jabs. "They cut down on the addiction part and I understand it works for drinking as well."
While not currently using these medications, Goodman acknowledged their potential to curb addictive behaviors. He noted that his heaviest weight was 28.5 stone, a figure he reached during his iconic role as Dan Conner in the sitcom Roseanne.
His weight-loss efforts prior to 2007 included cutting out sugar and working out six days a week with trainer Mackie Shilstone. Shilstone implemented a "Mediterranean-style eating plan" and encouraged daily step counts of 10,000 to 12,000 steps. Goodman attributed his success to "portion control" and a departure from his previous habit of "just shoving everything into my mouth."
He expressed concern about potential weight regain, joking about reverting to unhealthy eating habits. However, he has successfully maintained his substantial weight loss. By 2023, he announced his achievement of shedding 14 stone.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Goodman's previous boxing regimen lapsed, and he admitted to having "just let everything go" due to a lack of energy. He stated his intention to resume a fitness routine, mentioning his current projects have impacted his energy levels.
Goodman's upcoming projects include the podcast drama Hindsight: The Day Before, the film The Hollywood Hitman, and the horror movie Skeletons.