John Lennon, the iconic musician and songwriter, was known for his profound impact on music and culture. However, a lesser-known aspect of his life was his struggle with weight and his "obsession" with staying thin, a preoccupation he shared with his wife, Yoko Ono. This article delves into Lennon's weight loss journey, exploring his dieting habits, body image concerns, and unconventional approach to food.
The "Obsession" with Thinness
According to Elliot Mintz, a close friend and confidant of Lennon and Ono, the couple placed a significant emphasis on their weight. In his book "We All Shine On: John, Yoko, & Me," Mintz reveals that Lennon meticulously tracked his weight in a journal, highlighting the singer's deep concern about his physical appearance. Mintz told People that they were "obsessed with staying skinny," adding that "John kept a journal where each day he would write what his weight was."
Fad Diets and Weight-Loss Methods
Lennon's struggle with weight was a lifelong issue. He admitted to trying "every fad diet in the world" and was open to exploring new weight-loss methods. Mintz even recounted an incident where Lennon asked him to procure weight-loss injections, demonstrating his willingness to go to great lengths to achieve his desired physique. Lennon told him, "I'm just looking to appear fit. Can you call around and see if you can get me the injections? Would you do that for me?"
The "Fat Elvis" Period
Lennon was particularly self-conscious about his weight during the filming of The Beatles' movie "Help!" He jokingly referred to this period as his "fat Elvis" phase, indicating his awareness and discomfort with his appearance at the time. He used to joke that back when they filmed ‘Help!' he was in his ‘fat Elvis’ period: he was very self-conscious about that and took it very seriously.
Yoko Ono's Influence
Yoko Ono, Lennon's wife and artistic partner, shared his preoccupation with weight. Mintz claimed that Ono was "equally fixated with her weight" The couple even organized their walk-in closet according to their fluctuating sizes, with clothing carousels numbered by their waist measurements. "They kept their various jeans and pantsuits, whatever it might be, in different categories of waist size, 28 [inches] reaching to 32 or so, depending on how they perceived their weight and how tight the pants fit."
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Unconventional Tastes and Dietary Habits
Lennon and Ono were known for their unconventional tastes and dietary habits. Their refrigerator was often filled with "unidentifiable and unappetizing-looking substances" that Mintz presumed to be health food. "Their refrigerator was like going into this pit of curiosity." Mintz had previously claimed that both Lennon and Ono were withdrawing from methadone and that one of the side effects of that is loss of appetite, but he noted that he later learned that it was "a perennial issue," explaining, "They had unconventional tastes and seldom kept anything that appeared appetizing in their refrigerators."
Therapy and Self-Acceptance
In a 1975 interview, Lennon discussed his therapy with Chanuk, which involved embracing a lack of self-control, including overeating. He admitted to gaining weight and living on chocolate and Dr. Pepper during this period. While he acknowledged that it wasn't ideal for his body, he also expressed a sense of self-acceptance, stating, "I am an artist, not a model, so fuck it."
Body Image and Self-Consciousness
Despite his moments of self-acceptance, Lennon was not immune to body image concerns. He admitted to feeling self-conscious about his appearance, particularly when dressing up or being seen by others. "Sometimes I don’t like dressing up. And I don’t dress up for months, or almost a year. Just wear a T-shirt and jeans. And somedays I just get an urge to get dressed. And then you can’t wear anything - nothing looks good, nothing … you always look like an asshole."
Genetics and Metabolism
Lennon also expressed frustration with his metabolism, contrasting it with those of his bandmates George Harrison and Ringo Starr. He noted that Harrison could "eat like a pig" without gaining weight, while Starr tended to get fat easily. "George is a lucky one. He eats like a pig - and nothing happens. Makes me mad. Ringo gets fat as a pig. I wasn’t a fat kid. I just got fat through greed. Ringo was a fat kid, so he always had problems. I got fat when we got rich and famous."
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