Jim Gaffigan, the beloved 58-year-old comedian known for his Hot Pockets bits, is serving up a fresh perspective on life after dropping 50 pounds with the help of the weight-loss drug Mounjaro.
The transformation comes as Gaffigan prepares to launch his aptly titled new Hulu special, “The Skinny,” premiering November 22. The comedian, who once weighed 270 pounds, is now openly discussing his journey with the appetite suppressant medication that’s making waves in Hollywood.
“I feel good. I’m just grateful because it’s such a better life,” Gaffigan told People magazine. The comedian’s candid approach to his weight loss breaks new ground in an industry where such topics often remain taboo.
From Skeptic To Believer
Gaffigan’s path to weight loss wasn’t without initial doubts. “I had meager expectations,” he admits, recalling a friend’s less-than-stellar experience with the medication. The comedian, who previously managed his weight by working out twice daily “just to be thin so I could eat,” found himself struggling with age-related challenges, including knee problems and fatigue.
When his doctor suggested weight-loss medication last year, Gaffigan’s response was straightforward: “I don’t care; I’ll try it.” The decision came as he faced increasing knee pain and borderline cholesterol levels.
A New Relationship With Food
The transformation has completely reshaped Gaffigan’s relationship with food. In his new special, he jokes about viewing his former favorite fast-food stops differently: “I now view McDonald’s like some weird crush I had. Like, ‘I can’t believe I was so into you.'”
The comedian, who recently performed alongside Donald Trump at the Al Smith dinner, brings his trademark humor to the serious topic of weight management. “The drug was created to help people with diabetes or something stupid,” he quips in “The Skinny,” while acknowledging the medication’s primary purpose.
Beyond The Scale
Interestingly, despite his success, Gaffigan hasn’t completely let go of his past. “I’ve still got my fat clothes; I’m not a fool,” he reveals in his particular. These clothes now serve as both a reminder and a source of humor, “taunting” him with threats of future use.
The comedian has also discovered unexpected interests during his health journey. Gardening has become a new passion, leading to healthier food choices. “Growing vegetables makes you more interested in consuming those vegetables, which makes you healthier, which makes you kind of look at what you’re consuming,” he explains.
Breaking The Stigma
Gaffigan joins a growing list of celebrities openly discussing their use of weight-loss medications. He’s particularly vocal about reducing the stigma surrounding these treatments. “Oddly, people are resistant to talking about it,” he observes, comparing it to common appearance modifications like hair dyeing.
Gaffigan offers a perspective that combines empathy with insight for those struggling with compulsive eating: “Most of our lives, we’ve been told, ‘Control your appetite. Just stop being a f**king pig.’ The reality is that we can’t. Maybe our brains are a little wonky or whatever.” As of mid-November, Gaffigan reports he’s not actively trying to lose more weight, though he hasn’t decided how long he’ll continue using Mounjaro.
His journey represents a broader shift in the discussion of weight management, combining medical intervention with lifestyle changes and a healthy dose of humor. Fans can catch Gaffigan’s full story and his signature comedic take on this transformation when “The Skinny” debuts on Hulu this November 22.
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