Kevin James has been making people laugh for years with his roles in The King of Queens, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, and countless comedy hits. But recently, the conversation around him has shifted. Fans have been talking about something different: his dramatic weight loss. From late-night interviews to recent podcast appearances, Kevin James has opened up about the intense journey he’s been on to drop the pounds. And it hasn’t been easy.
The comedian admits that his approach to weight loss has been far from traditional. While many celebrities follow structured plans with trainers and nutritionists, James took things to an extreme level at times. He lost over 60 pounds for a movie role. But what happened after—and the way he talks about his experience—gives insight into the ups and downs of weight loss in the spotlight.
How Kevin James Lost the Weight
Kevin James hasn’t hidden the fact that weight loss has been a long-term struggle. In a chat on The Joe Rogan Experience, he talked about how he dropped 60 pounds for a horror movie. It wasn’t just clean eating or workouts. He fasted. Seriously fasted.
He told Rogan that he’s capable of dropping serious weight in very little time. “I can fast and lose it,” he said. “I can do it in a month. Less than a month.” But he also admitted that as soon as the movie was done filming, he gained the weight back—and had to lose it again for reshoots.
At one point during the interview, Rogan was visibly shocked when James said he went more than 40 days without food, drinking only water with a bit of salt. That kind of extended fasting is risky, and most experts strongly warn against it. Going without nutrients for that long can lead to muscle loss, weakness, brain fog, and worse.
James said he didn’t plan to fast that long at first. He just took it day by day. “I didn’t say I’m going to do 40 days,” he said. “I just said I’m going to do whatever I can.” He mentioned that while he felt good at times, there were also moments where he hit a wall. “Wow, I feel pretty miserable,” he remembered thinking.
Even with the weight loss, James admitted the method didn’t stick. “I blew back up,” he said. “I’m not saying it’s the way to go for everybody.” It’s clear he knows how extreme it was. But he also knows how much pressure comes with needing to change your body for a role or for public expectations.
Kevin James on Changing His Mindset and Doing It the Right Way
After pushing his body with fasting and fast weight drops, James is now focused on finding a more sustainable path. During his talk with Rogan, he shared that a big shift for him has been mental.
“I’ve got to move my body more, eat better foods—less processed foods—we know it, but yet I can’t do it,” he said. It’s a common struggle. Knowing what to do doesn’t always mean it’s easy to follow through.
But Kevin’s approach is starting to shift. He spoke about working with trainers, eating real, nutrient-dense food, and getting out of the habit of comparing himself to others. “Just recently I’ve stopped comparing myself to other people and trying to just say, ‘get better than yourself yesterday.’ That concept, for me, works.”
He also emphasized the importance of finding simple habits that help you stay active and mentally engaged. “You don’t need a lot of stuff, but you need something to engage yourself every day,” he said. “If you can get into that groove, you do feel better.”
Why Extreme Weight Loss Like This Isn’t the Answer
Even though Kevin James’ weight loss made headlines, experts warn that the methods he used come with serious risks. Extended fasting or extreme calorie cutting can cause more harm than good in the long run.
Fasting for days or weeks without proper nutrition can lead to loss of lean muscle, which your body needs to stay strong and burn calories. It also slows your metabolism, making it harder to keep the weight off once you start eating again. Other risks include fatigue, dizziness, hormone issues, and even a weakened immune system.
Stephen Sheehan, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, says that fasting with only salt water doesn’t support your body’s real needs. “The body needs protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients to function correctly,” he explains. “Consuming only water and salt may lead to extreme fatigue and nutrient deficiencies.”
He also points out that fast weight loss often causes rebound weight gain. “It slows your metabolism and can lead to long-term struggles with weight control,” he says.
Instead of extreme fasting, Sheehan recommends building healthy habits over time. Things like eating balanced meals with lean proteins, fiber-rich carbs, and healthy fats. Drinking more water. Adding daily movement. Even walking 20 to 30 minutes a day can make a big difference if you stay consistent.
What Kevin James’ Story Really Teaches Us
Kevin James’ journey is honest, raw, and relatable. He’s not a fitness influencer or a nutrition expert. He’s a guy who’s faced the same struggles a lot of us have. Trying to lose weight. Gaining it back. Pushing too hard. Then learning to take a step back and find a healthier, more lasting path.
His story reminds us that quick fixes don’t work in the long run. You can lose 50 or 60 pounds in a short time, but if the process is extreme, the results won’t stick. Health is not just about the number on the scale. It’s about how you feel, how you move, and how you live.
More importantly, his story reminds us that mindset matters. When he shifted from comparing himself to others and instead focused on being a little better each day, that’s when the real progress began.
If you’re trying to lose weight, start small. Be patient with your body. Take walks. Eat more real food. Sleep well. Stay consistent. You don’t need to fast for 40 days. You just need to commit to the next one.
