Bryson DeChambeau, once known for his hulking physique and powerful drives, has undergone a remarkable transformation, surprising fans with his slimmed-down appearance. This change isn't a recent fad but the result of a deliberate and sustained effort to improve his health and well-being. This article delves into the details of DeChambeau's weight loss journey, exploring the reasons behind it, the methods he employed, and the impact it has had on his game and overall health.
The Rise of "Beefy Bryson" and the Quest for Distance
In the world of professional golf, Bryson DeChambeau became synonymous with power and distance. He embarked on a mission to revolutionize the game by adding weight and muscle to maximize his swing speed and drive the ball further. This transformation saw him evolve from a relatively lanky golfer into a figure resembling an NFL linebacker.
DeChambeau's dedication to this approach yielded impressive results. In the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, he led the PGA Tour in average driving distance, boasting an astounding 322.1 yards and 332.7 yards per drive, respectively. His peak came in 2020 when he secured his first major title at the U.S. Open at Winged Foot.
The Cracks Begin to Show: Health Issues and Regrets
However, the pursuit of power took a toll on DeChambeau's body. He consumed upwards of 6,000 calories a day through an ultra-high protein diet consisting of eggs, bacon, steak, and protein smoothies. He gained weight, with some reports suggesting as much as 50 pounds. DeChambeau confessed that most of this weight was fat.
As DeChambeau continued to toil on the LIV circuit, he revealed that he regretted bulking up over the past several years. Injuries soon caught up to DeChambeau, including a broken bone in his hand and a torn labrum in his hip. His performance declined, and he eventually made the move to the LIV Golf league.
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The Turning Point: A Focus on Health and Longevity
Recognizing the detrimental effects of his previous diet and lifestyle, DeChambeau decided to prioritize his health. He spoke about his dietary changes in November 2022, telling the "Five Clubs" podcast that he "started to feel weird" from his former diet that fueled his training regimen.
"I ate improperly for almost a year and a half and I was starting to feel weird,” DeChambeau said. "My gut was all messed up, and so I went completely healthy, went on a Whole30 diet, got a nutritionist, did blood work, measured stuff in my gut biome.
Doctors delivered a sobering message at the start of his weight loss journey, telling him he was super inflamed and that if he wanted to live a longer life, he definitely had to change his diet, because his gut wasn't liking what was going on.
The Whole30 Diet and a Radical Transformation
DeChambeau adopted a Whole30 diet, an elimination diet designed to identify foods that cause digestive issues and reduce inflammation. This involved cutting out sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, dairy, and processed foods.
"I was allergic to corn, wheat, gluten, dairy. Pretty much everything I liked, I couldn’t eat. I took that out. Started taking it out in August (2022) and over the course of time I’ve lost all this inflammation, lost a lot of fat and slimmed down like crazy."
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He reduced his caloric intake from 5,000 calories to around 2,900, working with his chef, Carrie, to ensure he was eating properly and avoiding foods that inflamed his body. The results were remarkable. DeChambeau reported losing 18 pounds in 24 days and 20 pounds in one month.
The Benefits of a Slimmer Physique
DeChambeau has spoken extensively about the positive impact of his weight loss on his overall well-being. He feels "a lot more at ease" and says he looks and feels younger.
"The inflammation has just left my system, and I feel a lot more at ease. I mean, I’m a lot leaner now, I feel better, my face has thinned out finally,” DeChambeau said. “I look like I’m 20 again, not 35.”
Beyond the aesthetic benefits, DeChambeau's weight loss has also contributed to improved energy levels and a reduction in injuries. He missed the PGA Championship in 2022 due to a wrist injury and has also experienced hip problems in recent years. The weight loss and injuries have inevitably forced him to make some changes.
Adapting His Game: Swing Changes and Continued Power
DeChambeau's physical transformation has also influenced his golf swing. He has been working with swing coach Dana Dahlquist to refine his technique, focusing on maintaining his wrist angle and uncocking his left wrist through impact.
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Despite losing weight, DeChambeau has retained his impressive swing speed. He said he doesn’t really have to do much to get to 200 ball speed, and that the fast twitch stuff is still there.
A New Chapter: Health, Happiness, and Continued Success
Bryson DeChambeau's weight loss journey is a testament to his commitment to self-improvement and his willingness to adapt in the face of challenges. He has embraced a healthier lifestyle, rediscovered his passion for the game, and is once again contending at the highest level.
He’s doing just that at the 2025 Masters at Augusta National. Just when everyone thought Rory McIlroy was going to run away with the green jacket, DeChambeau stayed close to him on Saturday and will be playing in the final group in 2024 US Open rematch in which Bryson came out on top.
DeChambeau's transformation serves as an inspiration to golfers and athletes alike, demonstrating the importance of prioritizing health and well-being alongside performance. As he continues his career, he does so with a renewed sense of purpose and a body that is better equipped to withstand the rigors of professional golf.
Lessons Learned and a Word of Caution
DeChambeau's experience offers valuable lessons for those seeking to improve their own health and fitness. It highlights the importance of:
- Listening to your body: DeChambeau's initial bulking phase led to health problems that forced him to re-evaluate his approach.
- Seeking professional guidance: Consulting with nutritionists and doctors helped DeChambeau identify his food sensitivities and develop a sustainable diet plan.
- Prioritizing health over performance: DeChambeau's decision to focus on his health ultimately benefited his game in the long run.
However, DeChambeau himself cautions against blindly following his previous bulking strategy. He advises golfers to get stronger in a healthy way and to avoid the extreme measures he once took.
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