13 kg weight loss in 40 days: How Arnold Schwarzenegger's son Christopher dropped fat by cutting out bread

Economic Times

12-05-2025

Christopher Schwarzenegger, son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, recently opened up about his weight loss journey during a health summit in Los Angeles. He revealed that his transformation began in 2019 and was driven by years of trial and error. The turning point came when he gave up bread for Lent, a decision that led to a 30-pound weight loss in just 40 days. Despite the progress, Christopher said he still views his journey as ongoing and doesn't yet consider himself a finished success story.
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Years of Struggle and Trial-and-Error
Cutting Out Bread Made a Big Difference
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Still a Work in Progress
Christopher Schwarzenegger, the youngest son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, has spoken publicly for the first time about his significant weight loss journey. During a panel discussion at the inaugural Beacher Vitality Happy & Healthy Summit in Los Angeles, the 27-year-old opened up about the steps he took to drop 30 pounds (13.6 kg), emphasizing that it was a gradual process that began in 2019 while he was living in Australia.As per People magazine, reflecting on the early stages of his journey, Christopher said his weight had become a barrier to participating in daily activities during his trip. One moment that stood out was when he realized he couldn't go skydiving due to weight restrictions. That experience served as a wake-up call and pushed him to seriously evaluate his health and lifestyle.Christopher revealed that his struggle with weight began much earlier, dating back to his high school years. At the summit, he shared how he had experimented with different diets over the years, including meal delivery plans. He recalled feeling out of place bringing unusual lunches to school, illustrating the social and emotional challenges that accompanied his efforts.Despite these long-standing attempts, Christopher made it clear that his transformation didn't happen overnight. He described the entire process as involving extensive trial and error, noting that even today, he doesn't view himself as someone who has reached the final stage of his fitness journey.The most significant breakthrough in his recent progress came earlier this year when Christopher decided to give up bread for Lent. The decision, rooted in his Catholic faith, became a pivotal moment. He explained that once he committed to the religious observance, he was determined not to break it. This single dietary change — eliminating bread — led him to lose 30 pounds in just 40 days.He described the shift as unexpected, saying he initially chose to give up bread as part of a religious tradition but found it surprisingly effective. Holding onto that one rule gave him the consistency he needed to stay disciplined and see results.While Christopher's physical transformation has drawn public attention — including during recent family appearances around Easter and at red carpet events — he remains modest about the journey. He admitted that he still doesn't see himself as the 'after' in before-and-after comparisons. For him, the path to health is ongoing, and he continues to work toward his goals.This openness marked a rare public moment for Christopher, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight despite his famous family. Alongside siblings Patrick, Christina, and Katherine Schwarzenegger, he recently appeared in family photos and public events, signaling a more confident presence.