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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Scarlett O'Toole

Will Smith reveals he's lost 2 stone after viral 'dad bod' pic as role changed lifestyle

Will Smith has opened up about his two stone weight loss, after he was inspired to start a fitness journey when his 'dad bod' snap went viral.

The 54-year-old actor said he had been in "the worst shape of my life" back in May 2021, but has since dropped the weight for his latest role in Emancipation.

The film, which is based on a true story, follows former slave 'Whipped Peter' as he manages to escape to a Louisiana plantation before making his way to join the Union Army.

Hollywood star Will said the role "absolutely changed" his life and health.

"You guys may remember I posted the out of shape… the 'dad bod' picture.

Will revealed he was preparing to lose weight for a role (Instagram/willsmith)
The actor previously showed off his 'dad bod' (willsmith/Instagram)

"The 'dad bod' picture was my beginning of preparation to lose weight for Peter. I was probably 225-ish [pounds] when I started and at the lowest, on the movie, I got to 195," he said on the latest episode of Red Table Talk.

Sitting down with his three children — Trey, 30, Jaden, 24, and Willow, 22 — Will said he wanted to lose the weight for his own satisfaction.

He also admitted that the dramatic transformation would be good for his Apple TV+ film.

Will looks very different in his new film, Emancipation (willsmith/Instagram)
He said he lost two stone (AFP via Getty Images)

"For me, the physicality is a big part of what makes people go, 'Woah'.

"To be able to transition and manipulate your body as an actor is a big part of the suspension of disbelief for people," Will said.

To lose the weight, Will exercised for two hours a day, five days a week. He also cut back on unhealthy carbs.

The Men In Black star said the harsh filming conditions he faced when filming Emancipation were also a contributing factor to his weight loss.

Will plays 'Whipped Peter' in Emancipation (APPLE TV)

"Actually being out in the swamps, it’s hot, it’s nasty. You’re actually in the swamp, so your hands are dirty so you don’t really want to grab food and eat."

Prior to his healthy eating journey, Will told his Instagram followers that he would spend "countless days grazing thru the pantry".

After deciding to make some changes to his habits, Will started filming his journey for his YouTube Originals miniseries Best Shape of My Life.

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