Matt Damon Reveals Dietary Change for Returning to 'High School' Weight

Actor Matt Damon recently shared how ditching gluten played a pivotal role in achieving a weight he hasn't seen since his teenage years. At 55, this dietary shift was crucial for his preparation in the new film 'The Odyssey'.

A New Role, A New Routine

On an episode of the 'New Heights' podcast, Damon detailed his regimen for his latest movie project, under the direction of Christopher Nolan. Damon explained that he was required to shed pounds while maintaining muscle.

To embody a lean yet powerful look, Damon eliminated gluten from his meals. 'I literally just cut out gluten on my doctor's advice,' he mentioned, noting that he dropped to 167 pounds, a drastic change from his usual weight range of 185 to 200 pounds.

Routine and Commitment

Describing his training, Damon likened it to the intensive preparation athletes undergo. 'You build your entire day around the routine, making it an integral aspect of your profession,' he illustrated.

His commitment to remaining gluten-free is firm. 'I’m completely done with gluten,' he declared, setting a permanent dietary boundary.

Understanding Gluten-Free Diets

Avoiding gluten, a protein present in wheat, barley, and rye, is often pursued for health issues like celiac disease. But experts caution that it isn’t necessary for everyone, as most individuals can safely consume gluten.

Grace Fjeldberg, a dietician from the Mayo Clinic Health System, emphasizes focusing on whole, plant-based foods, including gluten-rich grains, for general well-being. The absence of gluten alone doesn’t assure weight loss or improved health for the general population.

Past Transformations

This isn’t Damon's first physical challenge for a role. Reflecting on the intense preparations for returning to the Bourne series, he has previously described the physical demands as 'brutal'. Recalling his return at age 45 for the franchise, Damon described working hard through strenuous scenes, including a significant one shot on his birthday.