Matty Matheson is no stranger to the public eye. Known for his larger-than-life personality, infectious energy, and role as Neil Fak on The Bear, Matty’s journey from chef to TV star has been nothing short of captivating. But the most compelling story of all might be the one he’s been telling behind the scenes: his incredible weight loss transformation. Dropping from 337 pounds to 278 pounds in a year, Matty has shed 59 pounds, but it’s the story of emotional resilience, physical endurance, and self-discovery that truly makes his transformation remarkable.
“I never thought I’d be in this place,” Matty admits when we chat about his weight loss journey, his voice carrying both pride and vulnerability. “It’s been a wild ride, but I’m here. And I’m doing better than ever.”
A Chef Who’s Always In the Spotlight
It’s easy to imagine Matty in the kitchen, a whirlwind of energy and excitement. His larger-than-life presence on Vice’s Matty’s Time to Eat and Dead Set on Life was matched only by his love of food—and the fast-paced lifestyle that came with it. As a chef, indulging in rich, fatty foods and working long hours was part of the job. But, as Matty admits, it came with its toll. “I was working non-stop, eating everything in sight, and it caught up with me,” he recalls.
For years, he was in a cycle of overindulgence. Between the heavy food and the non-stop grind of restaurant life, Matty’s health started to suffer. His weight steadily increased, and as he neared his 30s, he found himself facing a reality he wasn’t quite ready for. “It wasn’t just the weight. It was how I felt every day. I was tired all the time. My body ached. I wasn’t able to do the things I used to do, and I knew I had to make a change,” he shares.
The Heart Attack That Changed Everything
But it wasn’t just fatigue and discomfort that led Matty to change. It was a life-altering health scare that pushed him to reevaluate his relationship with food and his body. At the age of 29, Matty suffered a heart attack—a wake-up call he would never forget. The heart attack was the culmination of years of poor eating habits, lack of physical activity, and substance abuse, a combination that caught up with him in a way he never expected.
“I’ve been through a lot. I had a heart attack, man. That was the moment I realized things had to change. If I didn’t take control of my health, I wasn’t going to make it,” he reflects, his voice softening with the weight of that realization.
The Journey to Weight Loss: One Step at a Time
That heart attack marked the start of Matty’s journey toward weight loss, but it wasn’t an overnight transformation. It took time, effort, and, most importantly, a shift in mindset. “It wasn’t just about losing weight,” he explains. “It was about changing everything. My lifestyle, my approach to food, how I viewed myself.”
The first step for Matty was to tackle his eating habits. “I wasn’t someone who could just eat salads all day. That wasn’t going to work for me,” he admits, chuckling at the thought. “But I had to be real with myself. I couldn’t keep eating the way I used to. I started cutting back on the heavier stuff and focusing on whole foods—lean proteins, veggies, things that would fuel my body instead of weigh it down.”
Matty’s meals became simpler but more balanced, focusing on the nutrients his body needed rather than the indulgence his job had once called for. But the biggest change came when he stopped focusing solely on what he couldn’t eat and instead focused on what he could—food that nourished him and allowed him to thrive, not just survive.
“Once I started making these changes, it was like a switch went off in my brain. I wasn’t restricting myself—I was just making better choices,” he explains.
Exercise: The Missing Piece
But diet alone wasn’t enough to help Matty transform his body. He had to address the other half of the equation: exercise. “I hated the gym at first,” Matty confesses. “I wasn’t a gym guy, but I knew I had to make it a priority if I wanted to see results.”
At first, Matty’s workouts were sporadic—sometimes just once a week. But over time, he began to build a routine. “I didn’t do crazy intense workouts at first. I started small, just moving my body. Walking, stretching, getting active. And then, as my body got stronger, I pushed myself harder.”
Slowly, but surely, Matty found his rhythm. He added strength training, cardio, and even some high-intensity workouts into the mix. “I didn’t start with anything fancy. I just did what I could, and it worked.”
He soon realized that consistency was the key—not perfection. “There were days when I didn’t feel like working out. But I always came back to it. Even if it was just a 10-minute walk, I kept showing up for myself.”
The Results: 59 Pounds Down and Counting
The results speak for themselves. In the span of 12 months, Matty has dropped 59 pounds, going from 337 pounds to 278 pounds. But, as he readily admits, the number on the scale is just part of the story.
“I feel so much better now, not just physically but mentally,” Matty shares with a grin. “I’ve got more energy. I can move without pain. I feel like myself again. And that’s what matters most.”
But even with his impressive weight loss, Matty knows that the journey doesn’t end here. “This is just the beginning. I’m not done yet. I’m going to keep going. I want to see where I can take this,” he says, his eyes gleaming with determination.
Mental Health and Sobriety: A Holistic Approach to Transformation
A key factor in Matty’s transformation has been his mental health and sobriety. Over the years, Matty has faced many personal demons, from addiction to self-doubt. But in addition to focusing on his physical health, Matty has worked tirelessly to address his mental and emotional well-being.
“I’ve been sober for 11 years now. And that’s been a huge part of my journey,” Matty says, a sense of peace in his voice. “When you’re sober, you start to realize how much of your life is about choices—and it’s all about making the right ones, day after day.”
His journey toward sobriety and better mental health has been just as challenging as his physical transformation, but it has been equally rewarding. Matty now encourages others to take a similar approach: focus on the whole person, not just the physical aspects of health. “If you’re going to make a change, do it for the right reasons. Do it for yourself. And make sure you’re taking care of your mind, too.”
Advice for Those on Their Own Weight Loss Journey
So, what advice does Matty have for those looking to lose weight or improve their health? “Don’t try to do everything all at once. It’s about taking small steps. Start where you are. Do what you can. And then, keep going.”
He also stresses the importance of self-compassion. “There will be setbacks. There will be days when you don’t feel like working out or when you indulge a little too much. But that’s okay. What matters is that you keep showing up for yourself.”
Lastly, he reminds everyone to focus on progress, not perfection. “It’s not about looking a certain way. It’s about feeling better, being healthier, and taking care of yourself. And that’s what I’m doing, one day at a time.”
The Bigger Picture: Transformation Beyond the Scale
Matty Matheson’s weight loss journey is more than just a story about shedding pounds. It’s a story about perseverance, strength, and the power of change. It’s about taking control of your life, your health, and your future.
“It’s not about where I started,” Matty says, his voice filled with confidence. “It’s about where I’m going. And I’m excited for what’s next.”
FAQ about Matty Matheson’s Weight Loss Journey
Q1: How much weight did Matty Matheson lose? A1: Matty Matheson lost 59 pounds, going from 337 pounds to 278 pounds in a year.
Q2: What changes did Matty make to lose weight? A2: Matty made changes to his diet, focusing on whole foods and cutting back on heavy, fatty foods. He also incorporated regular exercise, including walking, strength training, and cardio.
Q3: How long did it take for Matty to lose 59 pounds? A3: Matty lost 59 pounds over the course of 12 months.
Q4: What is Matty’s approach to weight loss? A4: Matty’s approach involves consistency, focusing on whole foods, exercise, and taking care of his mental health and sobriety. He emphasizes small, sustainable changes over time.
Q5: What advice does Matty have for others trying to lose weight? A5: Matty advises starting small, being consistent, and focusing on progress rather than perfection. He also encourages people to take care of their mental health and be kind to themselves during the process.