Jacob Batalon, known for his role as Ned Leeds in the Spider-Man franchise, has recently shared his inspiring weight loss journey, revealing the lifestyle changes, dedication, and mindset shifts that led to his impressive transformation. His story is not just about shedding pounds; it's about committing to a healthier lifestyle and embracing a new sense of self.
The Turning Point: Recognizing the Need for Change
Batalon's journey began with a realization that his health was impacting his daily life. "I felt like I could barely walk upstairs without being out of breath, and this one day I kind of just saw myself without a shirt on and it was just ridiculous," he told Men's Health. This moment of self-awareness served as a catalyst for change, motivating him to take control of his well-being.
Commitment and Discipline: The Keys to Success
Batalon emphasizes that commitment and discipline were crucial to his weight loss success. "I've learned that I'm definitely able to commit," the 27-year-old told E! News' Francesca Amiker in an exclusive interview, reflecting on how his mentality changed along with his physique. He recognized the need to control unhealthy habits, particularly while on set. "I feel like it's easy to be on set all day, snack and just pass out in your trailer for a few hours. I've really had to control that side of me and be professional and on point with my health, because health is wealth."
Starring in and executive-producing the Syfy series Reginald the Vampire, returning for a second season May 8, has also helped him become more disciplined. Calling the experience "challenging but rewarding," Batalon explained, "You put a lot of responsibility on yourself when you're leading a show."
A Structured Exercise Program
Exercise played a significant role in Batalon's transformation. He worked with a trainer to develop a structured program, dedicating six days a week to workouts. The exercise portion of the program mapped out by his trainer "was so regimented," Batalon described, explaining how he'd do legs one day, then chest-shoulders-triceps, arms and back, full body, abs, then cardio. And on the seventh day… "We had a lot of inside jokes," he noted.
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Diet and Nutrition: Fueling the Body Right
In addition to exercise, Batalon also changed his eating habits. Talking to Men’s Health, Batalon opened up about exactly how he managed to lose 100 pounds. He said he shifted his eating regimen to a plant-based diet.
The Mental Shift: Health is Wealth
Batalon's weight loss journey was not just a physical transformation, but also a mental one. He adopted a new mindset, prioritizing his health and well-being. "I had to put myself in a specific mindset and be stricter and more on a schedule. I think that's helped me not only with my health, but in my life as well."
Finding Light in the Dark
Batalon began 2020 by hiring a personal trainer who put him through grueling 90-minute workouts - an hour of strength and half-hour of cardio - six days per week. “I found a lot of light in the dark in the sense that a lot of people were suffering,” he added.
The Impact of Reginald the Vampire
Starring in and executive-producing the Syfy series Reginald the Vampire has also helped him become more disciplined. “I think we're a lot more comfortable and we also work a bit more efficiently because we know exactly the tone of the show and what we're trying to do,” Batalon told SYFY WIRE about Season 2.
Beyond Weight Loss: A Focus on Longevity
Batalon's goals extend beyond just weight loss. He is focused on longevity in his career and life. But as for what he'd like to do after that, "I don't have a goal, per se," he said. "I'm just in search of longevity with my career, and my life.
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Drawing Inspiration from Others
Jacob Batalon's weight loss journey is a source of inspiration, but he's not alone in Hollywood when it comes to prioritizing health. Many other celebrities have openly discussed their own experiences with weight loss and lifestyle changes, offering further encouragement for those seeking to improve their well-being.
Jelly Roll
"I did this publicly for a reason," Jelly Roll said on his wife Bunnie XO's Dumb Blonde. "What I want the world to know and I want the people to see," he continued, "is that I didn't become successful because of my weight, I became successful in spite of it."
Kelly Clarkson
Informed by doctors she was pre-diabetic, "I dropped weight because I've been listening to my doctor-a couple years I didn't," the singer explained to People. Rather, it's another unnamed medicine, she continued, "Something that aids in helping break down the sugar-obviously my body doesn't do it right."
Oprah Winfrey
While Winfrey hasn't named the weight loss medication she's using, she told People in December, "The fact that there's a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift, and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for," she explained of adding that particular tool to her arsenal.
Post Malone
"I've had a lot of people ask me about my weight loss and i'd suppose, performance on stage," he acknowledged in an April 2023 Instagram post. His inspiration, he continued, was the daughter he welcomed in 2022: "i guess dad life kicked in and i decided to kick soda, and start eating better so i can be around for a long time for this little angel. next up is smokes and brews, but i like to consider myself a patient man."
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Kelly Osbourne
"It became my mission," she told E! News of dropping 85 pounds in that initial postpartum period. "It was a lot of work," she said. "It was miserable. I was hungry all the time, but I'm really happy with the results."
John Goodman
His sensible approach-lots of walking and a Mediterranean diet heavy on fish, vegetables and nuts-has helped him maintain a 200-pound weight loss. “No carbs,” he told Entertainment Tonight of his winning formula that also included a lot of daily cardio. “I don’t drink anything but water,” he said. “No coffee, no tea, no soda.”
Tammy Slaton
"Like being able to buckle a seatbelt and not have to use an extender. It's big for me. Now, continued the reality star, "I'm more or less like giving myself a pat on the back for achieving something and doing it. Getting the weight off and living. That's what I'm doing. I can finally say I'm living life."
Brittany Cartwright
While the Jenny Craig brand ambassador is hoping to see some results now that she's recommitted to the meal plan, "I'm also just trying to maintain and be the best version of myself for my son," she explained to E! News in February. "I just think it's important to show him a healthy routine," said the future star of The Valley. "Working out is so important to me and for my mental health.
Shay Mitchell
After four straight weeks kicking off her mornings with lemon-infused warm water and a 30-minute sweat session ("It included HIIT, it included cardio, it included strength training," she said of the varied full-body routines) and recommitting to healthy meal choices ("If I want pizza, I'll have pizza and dump some spinach on it") she was a convert. "I was like, 'Hoooooly…' you know," she admitted.