In 2018, Kevin Smith, the iconic filmmaker behind Clerks and Jay and Silent Bob, faced a life-or-death moment that would change the trajectory of his health—and his life. At 47, Smith suffered a massive heart attack, famously known as a “widowmaker,” after which doctors told him he needed to lose weight, or risk serious health consequences. Smith took this as a wake-up call, and his journey to a healthier life—and significant weight loss—began.
Kevin Smith’s Heart Attack: A Wake-Up Call
Smith’s heart attack happened on February 25, 2018, after performing a stand-up comedy show. He’d felt some discomfort earlier in the evening but pushed through. By the end of the night, however, it was clear that something was terribly wrong. Smith collapsed backstage, and his doctor later explained that he had a 100% blockage of his left coronary artery, often referred to as the “widowmaker,” because it’s often fatal when it strikes.
“I’m lucky to be here,” Smith said in a tweet after the heart attack. “If I hadn’t canceled my second show and gone to the hospital, I wouldn’t be here today.”
The health scare was a significant turning point for Smith, who had always been open about his weight struggles. At his heaviest, Smith weighed 23 stone 8 pounds (150 kg), and he knew his unhealthy lifestyle was a contributing factor to the heart attack.
The Weight Loss Journey Begins
After being discharged from the hospital, Smith was told that he had to make significant changes to his life, especially his diet, to reduce his risk of further health issues. “My doctor told me, ‘You’re gonna have to lose 50 pounds,’” Smith recalled in an interview. “It was the first time I really heard it in a way that made me take it seriously.”
So, what did Smith do? He completely revamped his lifestyle. First, he turned to a vegan diet, encouraged by his daughter, Harley Quinn Smith, who had been vegan for some time. Smith was initially skeptical, but as he committed to it, he noticed significant changes in his body.
“I started eating more vegetables, more grains,” Smith shared. “I cut out the junk, no more sodas, no more fast food. Honestly, it was the best decision I ever made.”
The Potato Diet: A Bold Move
In addition to adopting a plant-based diet, Smith experimented with some more extreme methods—one of which was the all-potato diet. Yes, you read that right: for two weeks, Smith ate only potatoes—boiled, mashed, or steamed—nothing else. The goal? To reset his system and jumpstart his weight loss.
“I was like, ‘If I can’t stick to this, I’ll never stick to anything,’” Smith recalled in an interview. “The potato diet was tough, but it was kind of amazing. I lost 20 pounds in two weeks just eating potatoes!”
While the idea of eating only one food might seem extreme to many, Smith’s experience highlights his commitment to changing his life. But, after those two weeks, he transitioned to a more sustainable vegan diet that focused on balanced meals.
The Results: Kevin Smith’s Dramatic Weight Loss
So, what did all this effort lead to? By August 2018, just six months after his heart attack, Kevin Smith had lost a staggering 51 pounds, dropping from 256 pounds to 205 pounds. “I feel lighter, healthier, and happier than I ever have,” Smith admitted in an interview with Today.
He celebrated his success with a post on Instagram, showing off his new, slimmer physique. “In a million years, I never thought I would write these words, but I’ve lost 58 pounds!” he said, describing how his transformation made him feel like he could conquer the world.
Smith didn’t just stop at changing his diet—he also started exercising more regularly, something he had never done consistently before. He took up hiking, working out at home, and going for long walks. “I didn’t think I could do any of this stuff, but now I feel like I’m in better shape than I was in my 20s,” he added.
Kevin Smith Talks About the Emotional Impact of His Weight Loss
While Smith’s weight loss is remarkable, it’s important to note the emotional impact it has had on him. He openly discusses the psychological weight of carrying excess pounds for years, and the toll it took on his mental health.
“It wasn’t just about being heavy—it was about the stress, the anxiety, the depression,” Smith said. “It’s hard to be confident when you’re overweight. I feel so much more at peace now. It’s a different kind of freedom.”
Smith’s transformation has resonated with many of his fans, especially those who have also struggled with their weight and health. In a Reddit AMA, one fan wrote, “Kevin, your story really inspired me. I’ve been thinking about changing my life, and now I feel like I have the strength to do it. Thank you.”
How Did Kevin Smith Keep It Off?
Maintaining weight loss is always a challenge, and Smith acknowledges that the journey isn’t over. “I still have to work at it every day,” he says. “It’s not like I woke up and just magically stayed healthy. I had to adjust my mindset and commit to a new way of living.”
One of the key things Smith credits with his ongoing success is accountability. He continues to share his progress on social media, and his fans are always there to cheer him on. His journey has not only been about losing weight—it’s been about changing his entire lifestyle.
“I don’t have a magic pill,” Smith said. “I just have a plant-based diet and regular exercise. But the difference it has made in my life is beyond words.”
What Does Kevin Smith’s Journey Teach Us About Weight Loss?
Kevin Smith’s weight loss journey is about much more than just the numbers on the scale. It’s about taking control of your health, embracing change, and doing it for the right reasons. Whether you’re inspired by his heart attack survival story or by his dedication to adopting a plant-based lifestyle, there are valuable lessons in his transformation.
Doctors recommend sustainable changes when it comes to weight loss—healthy eating, regular exercise, and mental well-being. Smith’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to turn your health around, no matter what your starting point is.
FAQ: Kevin Smith’s Weight Loss
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What diet did Kevin Smith use to lose weight?
Kevin Smith followed a vegan diet after his heart attack, cutting out junk food and focusing on whole grains and vegetables. He also tried the extreme all-potato diet for two weeks, which helped him lose 20 pounds quickly. -
How much weight did Kevin Smith lose?
Kevin Smith lost 51 pounds in six months, dropping from 256 pounds to 205 pounds after his heart attack in 2018. -
What motivated Kevin Smith to lose weight?
After a heart attack, Kevin Smith was told by his doctors that he needed to lose weight to improve his health. This was the primary motivator behind his transformation. -
Did Kevin Smith exercise during his weight loss?
Yes! In addition to changing his diet, Kevin Smith incorporated regular exercise into his routine, including hiking and working out at home. -
How does Kevin Smith feel after losing weight?
Smith says he feels “lighter, healthier, and happier” since losing weight. He credits his weight loss with improving his physical and mental well-being.
Kevin Smith’s story proves that transformation is possible—whether you’re dealing with a life-threatening health crisis or just looking to live a healthier life. His weight loss journey is a testament to the power of determination, accountability, and a willingness to make bold changes.
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Healthline content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. See a licensed medical professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Opinions expressed in this video may not reflect those of Healthline Media.
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