After the pandemic, Will Smith made a startling admission to his millions of followers: “I’m in the worst shape of my life.”
The actor, known for his action-packed roles and larger-than-life persona, decided to make a change. He set a goal to lose 20 pounds in 20 weeks, documenting the experience in his YouTube series, The Best Shape of My Life.
But what began as a weight-loss challenge quickly turned into something far more personal.
Jump to:
A Wake-Up Call After Lockdown
Smith’s weight gain wasn’t just the result of inactivity. Before the pandemic, he had been preparing for his role in King Richard, in which he played the father of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. The role required him to gain weight, but when COVID-19 shut down productions and everyday routines, the extra pounds became more than he expected.
“COVID made the weight more than the role called for,” he admitted in the documentary. Like many, he found himself snacking more and exercising less. By the time he stepped on the scale, the reality hit him—he was heavier than he thought. “I’m embarrassed, okay? We’re gonna keep it real.”
A Plan to Shed the Pounds
Determined to get back in shape, Smith enlisted the help of a personal trainer and nutritionist. His plan included strength training, daily cardio, and a structured diet. The idea was simple: a steady, sustainable approach to weight loss. But from the beginning, the process proved more difficult than he had imagined.
“This is not a simple walk when you’re fat,” he joked, acknowledging how challenging the workouts had become. Despite his usual energy and determination, he found himself struggling both physically and mentally.
More Than Just a Physical Transformation
As the weeks went on, Smith’s journey became about more than fitness. He was also working on his memoir, a deep dive into his life and career. The emotional weight of reliving personal experiences took a toll.
“I thought I was gonna show the world how Will Smith gets in shape,” he said. “I had no idea what I was really about to show the world.”
The pressure to maintain his public persona—always charismatic, always in control—became overwhelming. “What you’ve come to understand as ‘Will Smith,’ the alien-annihilating MC, bigger-than-life movie star, is largely a construction… designed to protect myself.”
His psychologist, Dr. Ramani Durvasula, noted that humor often served as his defense mechanism. “Bringing the cameras in is a double-edged sword. I do sometimes wonder if for Will, they allow him to perform, to be funny, and that deflects from his embarrassment.”
Hitting a Breaking Point
As the weeks progressed, setbacks became unavoidable. In one emotional moment, Smith, exhausted and frustrated, admitted, “I don’t wanna do any of this.” His initial excitement about losing weight faded as he realized the deeper work he needed to do.
Instead of pushing forward just for the sake of the challenge, he began to rethink his approach. His goal shifted from physical results to self-discovery. He focused on the bigger picture—his mental well-being, his relationships, and the expectations he had placed on himself for years.
The Bigger Lesson
By the end of the journey, Smith had transformed, but not in the way he initially expected. The number on the scale was no longer the most important factor. Instead, he had gained a new understanding of himself and the pressures he carried.
“Transforming and cultivating a healthy body and a healthy mind is really similar to the macro-process of cultivating a better world,” he reflected. His experience became less about achieving an aesthetic goal and more about embracing change, both physically and emotionally.
Will Smith’s journey resonated with many who struggled with weight gain and mental health during the pandemic. His openness about his challenges highlighted an important truth—real health isn’t just about losing weight. It’s about self-acceptance, resilience, and learning to navigate the inevitable changes that life brings.
