Stephen A. Smith Details Significant Weight Loss Following COVID-19 Battle
Esteemed sports commentator Stephen A. Smith has unveiled a remarkable physical transformation, shedding a substantial amount of weight following a health scare that nearly led to a diabetes diagnosis. The 58-year-old shared his journey with his ESPN audience, detailing how he battled with approximately 30 percent body fat after recovering from a severe bout of coronavirus.
From High Body Fat to Peak Fitness
Speaking during a live broadcast from San Antonio, Smith revealed his current body fat percentage stands at a lean 9 percent. This significant achievement comes shortly after he was asked to perform a shirtless scene for the long-running soap opera, General Hospital, a show on which he has made multiple appearances.
“I was asked for the first time in my life to do a shirtless scene,” Smith explained, referencing his 44 episodes on the popular series. He expressed a desire to show the stark contrast from his physical state during his COVID-19 illness, which he described as nearly fatal.
A Visual Comparison
Accompanying his announcement were visual comparisons: a photograph showcasing his physique from four years ago, marked by a noticeable abdominal paunch, contrasted with a more recent image displaying his defined musculature and abs. “That is me now,” Smith declared to an enthusiastic crowd, acknowledging the “long journey” and emphasizing that his transformation is ongoing.
Acknowledging Support System
Smith extended his gratitude to several individuals and programs that contributed to his success. He specifically thanked his friend JJ Smith for guidance on nutrition and green smoothie drinks, Gary Brecka of 10x Health for his life-saving support, and his trainer, Obi Obadike, with whom he trains five to six days a week.
Beyond the Sports Desk
While known for his impactful work in sports journalism, Smith has also ventured into acting. In addition to his recurring role as a surveillance contractor for the mafia on General Hospital, he has made guest appearances on NBC’s Law & Order. Despite his growing acting portfolio and a significant contract with ESPN, Smith has indicated that a full-time career in acting is not currently his aim.
Speaking about potential future acting roles, Smith noted, “It would have to be the right opportunity, of course.” He elaborated, “I mean, I have a day job that pays me pretty well, so I don’t really need the work.” His aspirations in the entertainment industry lie in securing compelling roles on major projects. “If I’m gonna do it, it has to be the kind of [role] that I want. I want to be in the movies. I want to be on primetime television. I want to be on epic shows like ‘Law & Order’. I want to work with great actors and great directors and stuff like that. It’s certainly something that I aspire to do. There’s no doubt about that.”
