Jeff Garlin, the comedian best known for his role as Jeff Greene on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and as the voice of the Captain in the animated film "WALL-E," has publicly shared his lifelong struggle with weight and food addiction. His story is one of comedic self-awareness, personal challenges, and a commitment to healthier living.
Recognizing the Problem: Food Addiction
Garlin openly admits to being a food addict, comparing it to addictions to alcohol or drugs. He describes food addiction as a physical or mental craving for food, often characterized by obsessive or emotional eating. He realized that he was using food to suppress feelings, leading to a cycle of never feeling satisfied. "You're doing it to, to push down feelings. That's really the reason why," Garlin said. "So, you can never get enough, it's just never enough."
The Turning Point: "WALL-E" and Environmental Awareness
While known for his comedic roles, Garlin's involvement in the animated film "WALL-E" played a significant role in his decision to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Inspired by the film's message about saving the planet, Garlin began to examine his own impact on the environment and his personal health. "It's the reason I did this," Garlin says. "I became inspired by the message in the movie. I'm prouder of it than anything I've ever done."
Documenting the Struggle: "My Footprint: Carrying the Weight of the World"
Garlin chronicled his experiences in his memoir, "My Footprint: Carrying the Weight of the World," offering a humorous and poignant account of his 10-month experiment with various weight-loss strategies. He explored exercise regimens, 12-step programs, diets, and even workouts with Richard Simmons. The book reveals the desperate and relentless side of Garlin's struggle, a stark contrast to his on-screen persona as the "jolly fat man."
The Challenges of Being the "Funny Fat Guy"
Garlin acknowledges that his weight has often been a part of his comedic identity. He jokes about being mocked at the gym by young, fit men and old, droopy men alike; he spontaneously burst into French songs, and he poked fun at the soused patrons who had the misfortune to be sitting in the club’s front rows. However, he argues that being fat "has nothing to do with why I'm funny." He believes that his humor and the qualities that people respond to will remain even as he loses weight.
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Some of Garlin's colleagues have noticed his preoccupation with food throughout his career. David, the show’s creator and star, said, “He would talk to me about it all the time, what he ate that day and what new diet he’s on,”
The Health Scare: A Wake-Up Call
In February 2000, Garlin suffered a stroke, which he attributes to previously undetected Type 2 diabetes caused by years of unhealthy eating habits. The stroke occurred before shooting was to begin on Season 1 of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and in those earliest episodes, Garlin said, you can see him talking with slurred speech and moving at reduced speed. This health scare served as a major wake-up call, prompting him to take his health more seriously.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Garlin made significant changes to his diet, eliminating meat, chicken, sugar, and processed foods. He now focuses on eating whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. He admits that giving up sugar was particularly challenging, as he used to indulge in entire tubes of cookie dough in one sitting. "I don't eat salt. I don't eat sugar. I eat whole grains, I eat vegetables, I eat fruit. It's all very boring," he said. "I don't eat chicken. I don't eat turkey. I don't eat red meat. I don't eat ham. I do eat fish still. The only thing that was difficult for me to eliminate -- fast food was a little bit difficult, I haven't had fast food in well over a year -- but sugar was really, really hard."
Garlin also incorporated regular exercise into his routine, including Pilates, weight training, Transcendental Meditation, therapy, Alcoholics and Overeaters Anonymous sessions and regular visits to the Pritikin Longevity Center, a weight-loss resort in Miami.
Progress and Maintaining Control
At his heaviest, Garlin weighed 320 pounds. Through his efforts, he has managed to lose a significant amount of weight, reaching the 260s and aiming to get down to between 220 and 240 pounds. He avoids constantly checking the scale, believing it can be counterproductive.
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The Importance of Addressing Emotional Eating
Garlin emphasizes that overeating is often linked to emotional issues. He believes that food addiction is about pushing down feelings, and that addressing the underlying emotional causes is crucial for long-term success. "Using food to cope with your life is what stops you from losing weight and keeping it off."
A New Perspective on Health and Comedy
Garlin's weight loss journey has not only improved his physical health but has also given him a new perspective on his career and his identity as a comedian. He is determined to maintain his sense of humor and vulnerability, regardless of his weight. "If you're funny and you have a quality that people respond to, it doesn't go away when you lose weight."
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