Jim Gaffigan has always incorporated his weight and love for food into his comedy, famously dubbing himself in his 2013 memoir, Dad Is Fat. However, the 58-year-old comedian recently shared that he has successfully shed a substantial amount of weight with the aid of the anti-diabetic medication Mounjaro. In a candid discussion with Us Weekly ahead of the release of his Hulu special The Skinny, Gaffigan talked about his personal journey towards weight loss.
He candidly spoke about the societal judgment faced by overweight individuals, noting the contrasting levels of empathy for those fighting other addictions compared to those who struggle with overeating. Gaffigan stated, “I was so paranoid that I was going to be nauseous… but then it kind of worked.” Through his journey, he acknowledged how societal perceptions often label those who overeat as lacking self-control.
“I would eat when I was hungry, and I would eat when I was happy, and eat when I was sad, and I would just eat. It was my reward,” he reflected. Despite losing a significant amount of weight, which he hinted was from weighing around 270 pounds at one point, he recognizes he may never be perceived as very thin due to his Midwestern roots.
Although he refrains from disclosing the exact weight he has lost, he promises to share more in his upcoming comedy special set to be released on November 22. In a teaser, he jokes about transforming from a ‘fat guy’ to someone who now feels ‘arrogant’ after losing weight. Gaffigan highlighted a curious sentiment shared by onlookers regarding his weight loss: people often express more concern than praise, suggesting it’s more likely he’s ill rather than demonstrating self-discipline.
Furthermore, Gaffigan emphasized the broader issue of the obesity epidemic in America and expressed gratitude for the available appetite suppressants that can aid those struggling with weight management. He concluded that his new special will explore societal attitudes towards these weight-loss methods.
Source: Men’s Journal
