JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL
Tom Hanks’ Weight Loss Saga Is Incredible: Check out His Diet And Workout
Join us as we decode interesting secrets of Tom Hanks’ weight loss and how he left his devoted fanbase speechless with his amazing body transformations.
Whether it is his remarkable performances, acting talent, slender frame, or impressive build, Tom Hanks always impresses his audience. From walking down the Cannes red carpet with a slimmer physique to starring as healthy-wealthy Colonel Tom Parker in the movie Elvis, Hanks is renowned for his incredible body transformations for his crafts. The 68-year-old American actor and filmmaker has been dealing with Type 2 Diabetes, however, his personal struggles never overshadow his on-screen acting talent. Undoubtedly, Tom Hanks’ weight loss journey offers inspiration and valuable lessons for those who wish to shed pounds for the good.
Tom's weight loss success stemmed from his dedication to a strict diet and rigorous workout plan. Through public interviews and interactions with the media, the fine actor and heartthrob of millions revealed some of his transformation secrets and tips, which we decoded for you. So, without further ado, let’s quickly reflect upon his personal life, career, and weight loss journey.
Who Is Tom Hanks?
Thomas Jeffrey Hanks, popularly known as Tom Hanks, is a role model for many. Whether it is a layman or someone from the entertainment industry, his lessons, performances, acting skills, and talent serve as a daily dose of inspiration. Particularly, Tom Hanks’ weight loss diet, workout, and lifestyle are from where one seeks the zest to embark on a similar transformative journey.
Born on July 9, 1956 in the United States, Tom created his own space in the film fraternity. Over the years, he received multiple accolades, including two Academy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, and seven Emmy Awards. In 2002, the actor was also honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award.
Hanks has cemented his stardom by playing leading roles in comedy films, starting from Splash, The Money Pit, Big, and A League of Their Own to excellent performances in rom-coms like A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, News of the World, and Elvis.
For every character, he has contributed his 100% and underwent dramatic physical transformations. Right from the 1980s to the current times, his devoted fanbase has witnessed his career growth and phenomenal body alterations.
Tom Hanks’ Weight Loss And Gain Story
The Saving Private Ryan star has flaunted his slender frame at several movie premiers, red carpets, and events with pride. After shedding the pounds, his gaunt look garnered attention from fans who also questioned his health due to his extremely slim figure.
In one of the interviews, Tom revealed that he has been suffering from Type 2 Diabetes, and high blood pressure levels due to frequent weight loss and gain for varied movie roles. The link between weight and type 2 diabetes is also proven to be very strong (1).
The symptoms of the disease had begun in 1992 when he gained 30 pounds for A League of Their Own. Those suffering from Type 2 Diabetes are also said to be at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (1).
In 2000, Hanks went from 225 to 170 pounds to portray the character of a man stranded on a desert island in Castaway. In the critically-acclaimed drama, Philadelphia, he nearly lost 50 pounds.
When the Oscar-winning actor was in high school, he weighed 96 pounds. However, the frequent weight gain and loss disturbed the equilibrium of his body, leading to Type 2 Diabetes. Hence, in 2013, Tom stated that he wouldn’t lose or gain weight for movie roles while putting his health at stake.
Read More: Paul Wall’s Weight Loss: How He Lost 100 Lbs with Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Decoding Tom Hanks “Cast Away” Transformation
The Forrest Gump actor dealt with a couple of health issues in the past, including his COVID-19 diagnosis and diabetes that resulted in weight loss. The actor looked visibly thinner in Cast Away and it was unveiled that the body transformation required for the role was more like a burden. The movie revolved around the story of Chuck Nolan, a Fed-ex troubleshooter who got stranded on an island after his plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean. Hanks underwent an unrecognizable physical change by depriving himself of calories to lose at least 50 pounds to fit into the character well.
Cutting down on calories and reducing total fat intake is widely used for weight loss. Moreover, adequate protein intake is extremely important in calorie restriction for the maintenance of muscle mass (2).
To serve justice to the role, he gave up on everything except coffee. He also expressed that the psychological and physical toll was massive throughout the year. Tom also grew his beard and did every possible thing to match the role. Truly, Hanks' commitment to health and fitness made the movie an extraordinary one.
The American personality followed a strict diet and incorporated rigorous exercises into his routine to shed the pounds effectively.
Details of Tom Hanks’ Weight Loss Diet Plan
To achieve a leaner physique, Hanks focused on reducing calories as well as maintaining a healthy balance of nutrients. Though caloric intake is of great importance for one’s health, to lose weight one can reduce the intake of calories (3).
Reportedly, during his weight loss journey, Tom committed to healthy dietary choices that consisted of proteins, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and fats. Obtaining one’s daily calories is equivalent to the calories one can get from fruits and vegetables (3).
Hanks’ diet typically consisted of grilled chicken, shrimp, and fish. In addition, carrots, broccoli, green beans, apples, bananas, brown rice, sweet potatoes, nuts, seeds, and avocado helped in promoting weight loss while maintaining muscle mass. Sufficient intake of fruits and vegetables has been associated promotes body weight management (4). Plus, chicken and fish are considered to be primary protein sources as they have beneficial effects on body weight and body composition (5).
Tom’s diet played a crucial role throughout his weight loss journey. He also cut down on processed foods and sugary drinks and began opting for whole foods and plenty of water to stay hydrated. In another interview, he mentioned his initial struggles to adjust to such a diet but eventually got accustomed to it. On the other hand, his workout plan too facilitated his transformation for movie roles.
Read More: Gwen Stefani’s Diet And Workout Plan to Stay Fit And Healthy
Insights Into Tom Hanks’ Workout Plan
To get into the desired physique, especially for Cast Away, Hanks engaged in a rigorous workout routine to build strength, and endurance, and lose weight. As shared by Tom himself, his workout routine was a combination of both cardio and strength exercises. He worked out six days a week for four hours each day. With such an intensive workout plan, Hanks achieved a lean and muscular physique. It is true that physical activity and exercise can reduce stress and anxiety and increase muscle and bone strength (6).
Furthermore, he also incorporated high-intensity interval training and weightlifting into his daily regime. To improve his cardiovascular health and enhance his endurance, Hanks relied upon hiking, running, swimming, and cycling. With the help of his personal trainer, he also focused on full-body exercises like deadlifts, squats, bench presses, and pull-ups.
With a bit of stretching and yoga, he ensured flexibility and prevention of injuries to shoot for varied film roles. Yoga enhances muscular strength and body flexibility and promotes respiratory and cardiovascular function (7). Overall, his diet and workout helped immensely to burn fat and lose weight effectively.
Read More: Carrie Underwood’s Leg Workout Is Mindblowing: Take a Look at Her Regime!
Tom Hanks’ Weight Loss Tips
It is quite clear that in Tom Hanks’ weight loss story, his diet and workout played a major role. For those who wish to embark on their fitness or similar weight loss journey, below are a few of his tips:
- Learn to control your portions.
- Avoid overeating.
- Consume a high-protein diet.
- Stick to a low-fat diet.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and flush out toxins.
- Take multivitamins or diet supplements if necessary to promote weight loss.
- Follow a strict diet plan.
- Keep a check on your calorie intake.
- Maintain your energy levels throughout the day.
- Incorporate nutrient-dense foods.
- Follow an intensive workout routine.
- Stay motivated and focus on your goals.
With such comprehensive guidelines, you can attain your desired physique.
Tom Hanks’ Before And After Weight Loss Images
Before
(Image Source: Getty Images)
After
(Image Source: Getty Images)
Tom Hanks's weight loss is the result of his perseverance and dedication. It shows his love for work and also highlights the importance of maintaining one’s health. While his drastic weight changes for multiple movie roles were critically acclaimed, he has ultimately prioritized his well-being. By emphasizing on healthy and balanced diet and exercise, his saga serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and discipline that can fetch fruitful results.
Sources:
1. The importance of weight management in type 2 diabetes mellitus
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4238418/
2. Optimal Diet Strategies for Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8017325/
3. Calories
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499909/
4. Fruit and Vegetable Intake: Benefits and Progress of Nutrition Education Interventions- Narrative Review Article
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4644575/
5. Poultry Consumption and Human Cardiometabolic Health-Related Outcomes: A Narrative Review
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10459134/
6. Benefits, need and importance of daily exercise
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/306118434_Benefits_need_and_importance_of_daily_exercise
7. Exploring the therapeutic effects of yoga and its ability to increase quality of life
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3193654/
FAQs
