John Goodman Reflects on Weight Loss Journey, Wishes Weight-Loss Jabs Existed Sooner
The veteran actor shared that he had to 'force himself' to exercise and manage his relationship with food after battling addiction.
Actor John Goodman, 74, has revealed the significant weight loss he achieved through surgery, abstinence from alcohol, and a rigorous fitness regimen. Goodman lost over 14 stone after undergoing stomach surgery and ceasing alcohol consumption, which he battled for three decades.
In a recent interview, Goodman expressed that weight-loss injections, if they had been available earlier, would have been a 'godsend.' He noted that such medications could have aided him in curbing his 'addiction' to food, which he described as having become 'dangerous.' "I was eating alcoholically. It was just something to up the ante. It was dangerous. My joints were shot from the weight I was carrying," Goodman stated.
Goodman, who has since undergone two knee replacements, now spends a considerable amount of time at the gym, though he admits it requires self-compulsion. "I mean, I have to force myself in there. If it was just me, I'd skip it," he said.
Following his entry into rehab in 2007 to address alcoholism, Goodman embarked on a sustained weight-loss effort. By 2023, he had shed more than 14 stone. This journey marked the end of decades of struggle with alcohol, during which he admitted to drinking even while on set. He previously revealed that at his heaviest, he weighed 28.5 stone.
Goodman's career includes his renowned role as Dan Conner in the sitcom 'Roseanne,' where his character's weight was often a subject of humor and plot points. He noted that his past relationship with food was so consuming that 'it takes a lot of creative energy to sit on your a** and figure out what you're going to eat next.'
His trainer, Mackie Shilstone, implemented a 'Mediterranean-style eating plan' and a daily exercise routine of 10,000 to 12,000 steps, utilizing a treadmill and elliptical trainer. Goodman attributed his trimmer physique to 'portion control,' a significant shift from his previous habits.
Despite his past successes, Goodman has experienced periods where his fitness routine has lapsed, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He mentioned a shift away from boxing due to 'laziness' and a lack of energy, though he expressed intentions to re-establish a routine. Goodman also has several upcoming projects, including roles in the podcast drama 'Hindsight: The Day Before,' the film 'The Hollywood Hitman,' and the horror movie 'Skeletons.'