Comedian Jim Gaffigan Discusses Weight Loss and New Hulu Special

Comedian Jim Gaffigan is adapting to a significant lifestyle change following his weight loss of 50 pounds, dropping two pant sizes. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, published on November 19, 2024, he addressed the transformation and his upcoming stand-up special titled «The Skinny,» set to premiere on Hulu on November 22.

Gaffigan, aged 58, humorously mused about his reluctance to part with his larger-sized clothing, saying, «Maybe I’m a pack rat, but I’m like, ‘I can’t get rid of that.’ And then there is something about the haunting. They’re like, ‘You’re going to wear me again.'»

The comedian, known for self-deprecating humor, mentioned that jokes about his weight have long been a staple of his performances. «People used to always say, ‘If you lost weight, you’d lose your whole act,'» Gaffigan remarked. «It’s so strange because in some ways, we’re not the funny big guy, are we? That’s the role that I’m supposed to play. But also in some ways, that may be the avenue of our warmth.»

Gaffigan attributed part of his weight loss success to using Mounjaro, a medication that reduces appetite and helps the body metabolize sugar and fat more efficiently. This drug is approved for treating Type 2 diabetes and has been noted for assisting with weight loss. Alongside medication, his new regimen includes a low-carb diet, intermittent fasting, and an unexpected interest in gardening.

«Growing vegetables makes you more interested in consuming those vegetables, which makes you healthier, which makes you kind of look at what you’re consuming, which makes fast food look like the crap that it is,» Gaffigan shared.

The comedian further discussed his personal journey with compulsive eating, stating, «Most of our lives we’ve been told, ‘Just control your appetite. Just stop being a f*****g pig.’ The reality is, we can’t. Maybe our brains are a little wonky or whatever. I think that in some ways, the appetite suppressants are this justification for people who have compulsive eating, that they’re not weak—that some of it can be fixed.»

Living in New York City with his wife and children, Gaffigan maintains his activity by walking around the city. Despite his weight loss, he is not actively seeking to lose more pounds and remains uncertain about the duration of his Mounjaro treatment.