22-04-2025
MrBeast's Body Transformation Takes Internet by Storm: 'Used to Be So Fat'
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MrBeast's body transformation has gone viral on social media.
Why It Matters
The YouTuber, whose real name is James "Jimmy" Donaldson, began his career with gaming videos before going viral in 2017 for posting a nearly 24-hour-long video of himself counting to 100,000. Today, he is considered to be one of the most influential YouTubers, with content ranging from over-the-top challenges to big giveaways in the form of cash, cars and more.
Last year, he launched his Amazon Prime Video show Beast Games, a reality competition show where 1,000 contestants compete in a variety of challenges with the goal of winning the multimillion-dollar grand prize.
In 2022, Forbes declared Donaldson was well on his way to becoming the first YouTuber billionaire, earning $54 million per year—largely from ads and sponsored content.
"A lot of people still see YouTubers as a subclass of influencers," he told the outlet. "They still just don't truly understand the influence a lot of creators have."
Jimmy Donaldson, professionally known as MrBeast, attends the YouTube Brandcast 2022 at the Imperial Theatre on May 17, 2022 in New York City.
Jimmy Donaldson, professionally known as MrBeast, attends the YouTube Brandcast 2022 at the Imperial Theatre on May 17, 2022 in New York Youtube
What To Know
On Monday, Donaldson took to X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram to show off his weight loss to his combined 100 million followers on the platforms.
"Go get gains boyz," the Feastables founder captioned a photo of himself at the gym.
Go get gains boyz — MrBeast (@MrBeast) April 21, 2025
In a separate post shared to his Instagram Stories, Donaldson uploaded the same photo and wrote: "Need to lock in and get big this year. If your [sic] my friend text me everyday to lift lol."
At the time of publication, the 26-year-old's X image racked up 6.8 million views, 100,000 likes and 4,800 comments.
Gaming and entertainment website Dexerto posted shirtless before-and-after pictures of Donaldson from 2022 and 2025 and captioned it, "MrBeast shared his gym progress."
In response, the internet sensation said, "Man I used to be so fat 😭."
Newsweek reached out to Donaldson's representative via email for comment.
In March, the Kansas native shared a video of his "morning routine" to TikTok, which included dipping his face into a bowl of ice with lemon, running and lifting weights.
What People Are Saying
In the comments on X, fans praised Donaldson for his new look.
Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever Netflix star wrote in a message with over 135,200 views and 1,700 likes: "looking good jimmy," to which Donaldson replied, "Trying to not die like you."
Fitness influencer Joey Swoll said: "Looking great brother! Keep it up 💪🏽."
X user @AunySillyMe shared: "Your transformation has been amazing to see. Super inspiring!"
Another X user @deltamagnet added: "Wow a Mr. Beast thirst trap wasn't on my April 2025 bingo card."
Even Donaldson's fiancee Thea Booysen got in on the commenting and wrote: "🤭."
What Happens Next
Donaldson announced his engagement to South African-born content creator Booysen on January 1, though no wedding date has been announced.
