Jacob Elordi’s transformation for his role in the WWII drama The Narrow Road to the Deep North left fans and critics alike astonished. Best known for his breakout role as Nate Jacobs in Euphoria and his part in The Kissing Booth trilogy, Elordi is no stranger to the limelight. But this time, it wasn’t just his acting that captured attention—it was his dramatic physical transformation.
In preparation for his role as a medical officer in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp, Elordi had to undergo a significant weight loss journey, shedding 20 pounds in a matter of weeks. The 6’5″ Australian actor, who weighed 183 pounds before embarking on his transformation, got down to 163 pounds in just six weeks. This rigorous weight loss journey wasn’t just about fitting the physical requirements of the role; it was about pushing his body to new limits and gaining a deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional toll that such a dramatic physical change could have on a person.
In this article, we dive into Jacob Elordi’s weight loss journey, exploring the methods behind his dramatic transformation, the mental and emotional aspects of his experience, and how his journey aligns with his professional and personal growth.
The Challenge: A Dramatic Role That Demanded Physical Change
When Jacob Elordi first heard about The Narrow Road to the Deep North, he knew that the role would require more than just acting skills. The story, set in the brutal context of WWII’s Pacific theater, required Elordi to embody the physical and emotional weight of a character surviving in a prisoner-of-war camp. This would mean, in the most direct sense, losing a considerable amount of weight to reflect the physical toll that starvation and malnutrition would have on his character.
Elordi recalls, “It was a challenge, but not the kind of challenge I was used to. I had to train my body in a way I never had before. I wasn’t just working out to build muscle for a role, I was stripping everything down.” His discipline and focus became his lifeline during the six-week period of weight loss.
He worked closely with a trainer and nutritionist to ensure that the weight loss was controlled and safe, with the intention of maintaining as much muscle mass as possible. Elordi’s routine involved a combination of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength training to burn fat while ensuring he remained lean and strong.
The Journey: From 183 Pounds to 163 Pounds
The weight loss process wasn’t a quick fix or a short-term goal—it was a disciplined, long-term approach that demanded patience, consistency, and a complete overhaul of Elordi’s normal lifestyle. The first step in his transformation was adjusting his diet. “It wasn’t about cutting calories drastically,” Elordi explains. “It was about changing what I was putting into my body. I had to make sure I was getting the right nutrients while cutting out processed foods, sugars, and fats.”
Elordi’s meals consisted mainly of lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains, combined with plenty of hydration to maintain energy levels. His nutrition plan was designed not only to aid weight loss but also to keep his metabolism high. “It was important to me that I didn’t crash during the weight loss process. I wanted to stay strong and alert, especially as the role demanded so much of me physically,” he says.
Along with dietary adjustments, Elordi’s training routine was intense. His workouts were a mix of endurance and strength exercises. “I did a lot of long runs and then I’d work on my core and upper body strength,” Elordi explains. The goal wasn’t just to shed weight but also to maintain muscle definition despite the significant calorie reduction.
After six weeks of discipline and hard work, Elordi had dropped 20 pounds, bringing his weight down to 163 pounds—a physical transformation that mirrored the intensity of the role he was about to undertake.
The Psychological and Emotional Aspects
While losing weight may seem like a straightforward goal for many actors preparing for a role, for Jacob Elordi, it was also a journey of self-reflection. He admits that the weight loss process tested his mental and emotional endurance. “There were days when I felt like I was too tired, too drained to keep going. But I had to remind myself why I was doing this,” he recalls.
His experience mirrored the emotional toll that starvation and deprivation can have on a person’s psyche. “It made me think about what these soldiers went through during the war—how their minds must have shifted in survival mode. The weight loss wasn’t just about getting skinny; it was about putting myself in that mindset,” he explains.
Elordi’s willingness to fully immerse himself in the role required an immense amount of mental strength. The drastic physical change was just one part of the transformation—he also had to tap into the emotions and psychological state of his character.
The Impact: Personal and Professional Growth
Elordi’s dramatic weight loss wasn’t just an outward transformation; it marked a pivotal moment in his professional and personal journey. The actor reflected on how the discipline and focus required for this role extended beyond the set. “It’s not just the role that changed me. It was the whole process. I learned so much about myself in those six weeks. I learned what it takes to truly dedicate yourself to something,” he says.
The role not only challenged his physical appearance but also gave him an opportunity to develop his craft. “It was a chance to really understand a character on a deeper level. I wasn’t just playing a part; I was living it, breathing it,” Elordi explains. His transformation went beyond losing weight—it was about shedding layers of comfort and stepping into a world of discomfort, physical strain, and mental toughness.
The Aftermath: Maintaining Balance and Health
After completing the role, Elordi’s body naturally regained some of the weight he had lost, but he made sure to approach the regaining process carefully. “I didn’t want to go back to unhealthy eating or a lack of exercise. But I also didn’t want to stay at such a low weight. I found a healthy balance between staying fit and maintaining my strength,” he reflects.
Elordi continues to follow a workout routine that incorporates both strength and endurance training. His diet is now balanced, focused on clean foods, and rich in nutrients. “I learned that a healthy lifestyle isn’t about extremes—it’s about consistency and balance,” he adds.
A Transformation That Goes Beyond the Physical
Jacob Elordi’s weight loss journey is more than just a story of a celebrity shedding pounds for a role. It’s a tale of determination, self-reflection, and professional growth. Through discipline, focus, and an unwavering commitment to his craft, Elordi not only transformed his body but also deepened his understanding of the roles he portrays and the mental and emotional toll that such transformations can take.
His story serves as a reminder that true change—whether physical, emotional, or psychological—requires commitment and a willingness to face the discomforts that come with pushing oneself to new limits. For Jacob Elordi, the weight loss journey for The Narrow Road to the Deep North was just the beginning of his evolution as an actor, a person, and a professional in the entertainment industry.
FAQ
Q: How much weight did Jacob Elordi lose for his role in The Narrow Road to the Deep North? A: Jacob Elordi lost 20 pounds for his role, bringing his weight from 183 pounds to 163 pounds.
Q: What diet did Jacob Elordi follow to lose weight? A: Elordi’s diet included lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, and plenty of hydration. He avoided processed foods, sugars, and fats.
Q: How long did Jacob Elordi take to lose the weight? A: Jacob Elordi lost 20 pounds over the course of six weeks.
Q: What type of exercise did Jacob Elordi do to lose weight? A: Elordi combined HIIT, strength training, and long runs to shed weight and maintain muscle.
Q: How did Jacob Elordi feel about the weight loss process? A: While the process was physically and mentally challenging, Elordi found it to be a rewarding experience that taught him valuable lessons about discipline and dedication.
Q: How does Jacob Elordi maintain his weight after the role? A: After completing the role, Elordi focused on maintaining a healthy balance, continuing regular workouts and eating a clean, balanced diet.