John Goodman's weight loss journey transformed his life; sobriety, exercise, and healthy eating helped shed 200 pounds.
John Goodman has maintained a remarkable weight loss for nearly two decades after starting a healthier lifestyle in the early 2000s. Despite a recent hip injury sustained in the U.K. earlier this year, the 73-year-old actor known for his role on The Conners appeared slim and fit during the Los Angeles premiere of the latest Smurfs film on July 13, showcasing his sustained transformation on the John Goodman weight loss journey.
How Sobriety Sparked a New Beginning in Goodman’s Health
John Goodman first noticeably shed weight after making a pivotal change: quitting drinking. Throughout his career, he had been recognized for both his comedic talent and larger physique. He openly discussed his choice to stop drinking in 2007 as a turning point for his health.
During a 2012 interview with The Guardian, Goodman explained the severity of his struggle with alcohol:
“It was getting to be too much, It was 30 years of a disease that was taking its toll on everyone around me and it had got to the point where, every time I did it, it was becoming more and more debilitating. It was life or death. It was time to stop.”
—John Goodman
He revisited this topic in a 2018 interview with TODAY’s Willie Geist, describing how drinking often impaired his speech during filming. Goodman credits rehabilitation programs with supporting his path to sobriety, which also laid the foundation for his ongoing efforts towards better health.
The First Major Milestone: Losing 100 Pounds
By 2010, Goodman celebrated losing 100 pounds by adopting a steady and straightforward regimen. In an interview with People magazine, he highlighted his mindset during this phase:
Image of: John Goodman
“It takes a lot of creative energy to sit on your ass and figure out what you’re going to eat next … I wanted to live life better,”
he revealed.
Physical activity became a key component of his strategy. Goodman worked out six days a week under the guidance of personal trainer Mackie Shilstone, who noted his client’s surprising agility and strong commitment. Goodman described the exercise intensity this way:
“I’m breaking a sweat but I’m not going nuts,”
demonstrating a balanced approach to fitness.
Shilstone remarked on Goodman’s motivation by noting:
“He remembers what it feels like to be extremely heavy and it’s something he doesn’t want again,”
underscoring the actor’s determination. Along with exercise, Goodman also made changes to his diet, including cutting out sugar to support healthier eating habits.
Maintaining Progress Through Consistent, Measured Changes
Goodman views healthy living as a lifelong commitment rather than a quick fix. His personal trainer emphasized this in a 2015 New York Post interview, saying:
“This didn’t happen overnight — it’s been an ongoing process,”
reflecting the gradual nature of Goodman’s transformation.
The diet that worked well for him follows a Mediterranean-style plan that focuses on fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil, according to Shilstone. In terms of fitness, Goodman established daily movement goals, typically aiming for 10,000 to 12,000 steps, supplemented by workouts on the treadmill and elliptical. His trainer added,
“There needs to be strategic planning, This time, he really wanted to do it.”
Goodman acknowledges that weight loss is seldom straightforward. In a 2018 AARP interview, he candidly addressed the risk of regaining weight with humor and honesty:
“I don’t want to be an example to anybody when the weight comes thundering back — when I start eating Crisco out of the can with a spoon and a side of confectioner’s sugar,”
he joked.
He attributes much of his sustained success to careful portion control and making better food choices, summarizing:
“It was basically just portion control, and ‘I don’t need it,’
he said. Before adopting this mindset, Goodman admitted,
”
I was just shoving everything into my mouth.”
Reaching a Transformative 200-Pound Weight Loss in 2023
More recently, in a 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, Goodman revealed that his total weight loss had reached 200 pounds. He credited simple, consistent activities such as walking his dogs for helping him maintain this progress.
Boxing was also an important part of his fitness routine for a long time, although Goodman confessed to taking a break from intense training during the COVID-19 pandemic. He admitted:
“I was boxing up until then and I haven’t been able to do that since Covid because I’m lazy. I haven’t been exercising, but I’m going to start a routine again this summer where I can get some stuff done. I’ve just let everything go just because I haven’t had the energy because of the jobs,”
showing a reflective attitude toward his exercise habits.
When boxing, Goodman focused mostly on mitt work rather than sparring. He explained:
“I never got good enough where I would trust myself to spar because once I get whacked in the face, I don’t know if I wouldn’t lose it,”
highlighting a cautious approach to the sport.
Looking forward, Goodman expressed a desire to refine his boxing skills by spending time on footwork and hitting bags, calling the workouts rewarding:
“But it’s usually just an hour, hour and a half of hitting the mitts, hitting the bags, learning footwork. It’s great,”
he said.
The Lasting Impact and Future Steps in Goodman’s Health Journey
John Goodman’s story is a testament to the power of gradual, consistent lifestyle changes combined with determination and self-awareness. His weight loss journey, encompassing sobriety, physical activity, mindful eating, and persistence, illustrates how long-term commitment can yield significant health improvements.
Despite the physical setback from a hip injury, Goodman’s continued focus on fitness and moderation suggests he plans to maintain his health gains. His openness around struggles and successes also provides inspiration for others facing similar challenges, demonstrating that persistence and strategic planning are key for lasting change.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are John Goodman and Bruce Willis still friends?
A. John Goodman and Bruce Willis became friends in 1979. However, they didn’t collaborate on a project until the release of the action-comedy “Once Upon a Time in Venice.” This film is available in theaters and on video-on-demand starting Friday, June 16.
Q. How did John Goodman lose weight? Goodman lost 200 pounds by focusing on regular exercise, mindful eating, and eliminating unhealthy habits like alcohol. He also worked with health coach Mackie Shilstone to develop a sustainable fitness and diet plan.
A. How did John Goodman manage to drop so much weight?
John Goodman started to lose weight by changing his eating habits and exercising regularly. He cut down on sugar and alcohol, which helped him shed pounds. Goodman also took up walking and other forms of physical activity to stay fit. By sticking to a healthier lifestyle, he was able to successfully lose weight.
Q. Is John Goodman a drinker?
A. One of the most admirable traits of John Goodman is his openness about his alcoholism. He acknowledges it as part of him, but he’s ready to let it go.
Q. How did John Goodman lose weight?
A. The actor teamed up with health coach Mackie Shilstone, who introduced a Mediterranean-style diet, according to the New York Post. Goodman shared with PEOPLE in August 2010 that he removed sugar from his meals and worked out six days a week.
