If you’re a fan of Pawn Stars, you probably know Austin Russell, better known as Chumlee. His trademark goofy grin and lovable persona have made him a fan favorite on the show. But recently, Chumlee has been making headlines for something far more inspiring than his antics on the pawn shop floor: his 160-pound weight loss.
That’s right—Austin, who once weighed 350 pounds, has now shed an impressive 160 pounds, dropping to 190 pounds in just 12 months. His transformation isn’t just about looking different—it’s about taking control of his health, improving his quality of life, and gaining a new sense of confidence.
But how did he do it? Did he rely on weight loss pills or trendy diets? No, Austin’s journey was all about hard work, determination, and a mix of lifestyle changes. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Chumlee’s weight loss journey, from the challenges he faced to the strategies he used, and what he has to say about it all.
The Struggle Before the Transformation
Let’s rewind a few years. Austin Russell, known for his larger-than-life personality on Pawn Stars, had always struggled with his weight. Like many others, he had experienced the ups and downs of dieting, never fully finding the right balance. At his heaviest, he tipped the scales at 350 pounds—a weight that not only affected his health but also his self-esteem.
“I’d look at myself in the mirror and feel like I wasn’t in control of my own life,” Austin admits. “I was tired, sluggish, and I knew I wasn’t performing at my best. I knew something had to change.”
For Austin, the turning point came when he realized his weight was not just a physical issue—it was affecting his overall well-being. It wasn’t just about appearance; it was about feeling better, living longer, and being able to keep up with his busy lifestyle.
The Decision to Change: A Turning Point in His Life
Austin wasn’t one to shy away from hard work, but he knew that this would be his toughest challenge yet. He made a bold decision to take charge of his health—and he didn’t want to do it with shortcuts or extreme measures. No fad diets or quick fixes for him. Instead, Austin decided to go the route of sustainable, long-term lifestyle changes.
“I knew I had to commit to something serious,” Austin says. “I was tired of hearing about the latest weight loss gimmicks. I wanted to do it the right way and actually stick with it.”
The Method: How Austin Lost 160 Pounds
1. Gastric Sleeve Surgery: The First Step
One of the first things Austin did to jumpstart his weight loss was undergo gastric sleeve surgery. For many people, weight loss surgery can be a controversial topic, but for Austin, it was a life-changing decision that gave him the opportunity to reset his habits.
“I didn’t take this decision lightly,” Austin shares. “It was a hard choice, but I knew that for me, it was the right first step. It gave me the opportunity to learn how to manage my portion sizes and my relationship with food.”
While gastric sleeve surgery helped Austin physically reduce the amount of food his stomach could hold, it wasn’t a quick fix. The real work came after—that’s where his dedication to exercise and healthy eating truly kicked in.
2. Clean Diet: A New Approach to Food
After the surgery, Austin knew that food would be one of his biggest challenges. He didn’t just want to eat less; he wanted to eat better. He focused on a clean, balanced diet, prioritizing whole foods and cutting out processed snacks and sugary drinks. His meals now consisted of lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains—simple, nutritious foods that would fuel his body and help him burn fat.
“I used to eat a lot of junk,” Austin admits. “Fast food, sugary drinks—you name it. Once I started focusing on clean foods, my body started reacting in a way I hadn’t expected. I had more energy, I felt more full, and I wasn’t craving unhealthy snacks like I used to.”
3. Exercise: The Key to Maintaining His Progress
Austin’s journey wasn’t just about changing his eating habits—it was also about getting active. He started by incorporating more physical activity into his daily routine. Whether it was walking, strength training, or cardio, Austin focused on building strength and increasing his fitness level.
“Exercise became my therapy,” Austin shares. “It was tough at first, but as I started seeing progress, it felt amazing. I wasn’t just losing weight—I was getting stronger, and that made all the difference.”
For Austin, exercising became a consistent part of his life. He didn’t push himself to extremes but found a routine that worked for him and his goals.
The Results: A 160-Pound Transformation
After just one year of hard work, Austin had lost 160 pounds, going from 350 pounds to 190 pounds. But the changes weren’t just physical. Austin’s transformation affected every area of his life.
“I feel like a new person,” he says with a grin. “Not only do I look better, but I also feel better. I’m more active, I have more confidence, and I’m healthier. It’s hard to believe how much has changed in just a year.”
More Than Just Weight Loss
What’s important to note here is that Austin didn’t just lose weight; he gained a new outlook on life. His weight loss has helped him feel more energetic, motivated, and empowered. It wasn’t just about getting to a certain number on the scale; it was about reclaiming control over his health and his future.
“Losing weight has been life-changing,” Austin reflects. “But the real transformation happened when I changed my mindset. Now, I know I can maintain a healthy lifestyle for the long haul.”
The Emotional Journey: Austin’s Resilience
Like many people on a weight loss journey, Austin faced moments of doubt and frustration. He had to learn to deal with the emotional aspects of weight loss—how to stay motivated, how to cope with setbacks, and how to remain patient with himself.
“I had days where I didn’t want to get up and work out,” he admits. “But the one thing that kept me going was remembering why I started. It wasn’t just about weight—it was about my life, my health, and my future.”
What We Can Learn from Austin’s Weight Loss Journey
Austin Russell’s weight loss story is a reminder of what’s possible when you take charge of your health. Here are some key takeaways from his journey:
1. Surgery Can Be a Tool, Not a Shortcut
Austin’s gastric sleeve surgery gave him a fresh start, but he didn’t rely solely on surgery. He paired it with smart eating and regular exercise to ensure his transformation was sustainable.
2. Mindset Is Key
Weight loss isn’t just about the physical transformation. It’s about shifting your mindset, embracing the process, and staying committed to your goals. Austin’s journey shows how important it is to believe in yourself.
3. Consistency Over Perfection
Austin didn’t aim for perfection—he aimed for consistency. Whether it was sticking to a healthier diet or getting regular exercise, the key to his success was making steady progress each day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Austin Russell Weight Loss
1. How did Austin Russell lose 160 pounds?
Austin lost 160 pounds by undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, following a clean diet, and incorporating regular exercise into his routine. It was a combination of lifestyle changes that helped him achieve lasting results.
2. How long did it take for Austin Russell to lose 160 pounds?
Austin lost 160 pounds in just 12 months, showing that with dedication and consistency, significant transformations can happen in a relatively short time.
3. Did Austin use weight loss pills or fad diets?
No, Austin did not rely on weight loss pills or fad diets. His weight loss was achieved through healthy eating, exercise, and gastric sleeve surgery.
4. What was Austin Russell’s exercise routine like?
Austin incorporated strength training, cardio, and basketball drills into his routine. He focused on building muscle and improving his overall fitness, not just losing weight.
5. How much weight did Austin Russell weigh before his transformation?
Austin weighed 350 pounds before his transformation. He lost 160 pounds, bringing him down to 190 pounds in just one year.
6. Did Austin Russell face any challenges during his weight loss journey?
Yes, like many people on a weight loss journey, Austin faced emotional and physical challenges. But his determination and resilience kept him on track, allowing him to succeed.
Austin Russell’s Weight Loss Journey is an Inspiration
Austin Russell’s incredible weight loss transformation is a story of perseverance, hard work, and self-belief. His journey teaches us that lasting change doesn’t come from quick fixes or magic pills—it comes from dedication, smart choices, and a willingness to push through challenges. If Austin can do it, so can you. Start small, stay consistent, and remember—it’s all about the journey, not just the destination.
