Charles Barkley stunned viewers with a dramatic weight loss at the ESPN debut of Inside the NBA on October 22, 2025. The 62-year-old Hall of Famer appeared visibly slimmer behind the broadcast desk. His cohosts couldn’t help but acknowledge his impressive transformation. Shaquille O’Neal joked that Chuck went from being overweight to becoming a “sex symbol.”
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Barkley lost 60+ pounds using GLP-1 medication since 2023.
- He credits Mounjaro injections paired with daily walking and exercise.
- The transformation sparked humor from Shaq, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson on broadcast.
- Inside the NBA moved from TNT to ESPN for the 2025-26 season.
- Barkley’s health journey includes managing weight post-hip surgery in 2016.
How the Dramatic Weight Loss Happened
In May 2023, Barkley revealed his incredible transformation on ESPN’s Pat McAfee Show. He started at 352 pounds and dropped down to 290 pounds in roughly six months. The secret? A combination of Mounjaro injections and serious lifestyle changes. He paired the medication with daily walking, aiming for at least 10,000 steps daily.
Kenny Smith confirmed on air: “You told me you was riding a bike and jogging.” Barkley agreed enthusiastically, saying “You got to work out. You can’t just take a shot.”” He emphasized that exercise remained a critical component alongside medical intervention. The impact was undeniable—his back, knees, and ankles all benefited from shedding pounds.
“I started at 352 and I’m down to 290. I’m starting to feel like a human being.”
Barkley attributed much of his earlier weight gain to a 2016 hip replacement surgery. “I gained 100 pounds when I got new hips,” he explained in an interview. Recovery prohibited intense workouts for months. His metabolism shifted with age too, making the pounds harder to shed naturally.
The GLP-1 Medication and Ongoing Commitment
In April 2025, Barkley became an official ambassador for Ro, a telehealth service promoting GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro. During the October 22 broadcast debut, he joked about giving a “shout-out to my doctors at Ro.” The medication helps reduce appetite and supports sustainable weight management.
GLP-1 drugs were originally designed for diabetes management. Barkley’s public endorsement amplified conversation around these medications for weight loss. He paired pharmaceutical intervention with walking at least 10,000 steps daily and improved eating habits. Notably, he never claimed to hit the gym intensively like during his NBA playing days.
“You don’t have the ability to work out five or six hours a day like when you were playing,” he reflected. Yet even modest exercise combined with dietary awareness produced remarkable results. Losing each 10-pound increment made noticeable differences in mobility and comfort, especially playing golf daily during summer.
The ESPN Debut and Cohost Reactions
Inside the NBA aired on TNT from 1989 to 2025. The show relocated to ESPN for the 2025-26 NBA season as the official pregame, halftime, and postgame program. The transition marked a historic moment for basketball television. Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal all made the jump successfully.
| Cohost Reaction | Comment |
|---|---|
| Kenny Smith | “You did lose weight… You told me you was riding and jogging.” |
| Ernie Johnson | “Look at this guy” (acknowledging the transformation) |
| Shaquille O’Neal | “Chuck was fat last year, now look at him. He’s a sex symbol.” |
The banter dominated the show’s opening 5-10 minutes. Barkley took it all in stride, even claiming credit for the joke. When Shaq called him a “sex symbol,” Chuck smiled and said, “He’s got a point about the sex symbol.” The humor showcased genuine camaraderie among the hosts despite their competitive on-air personalities.
What This Means for Health and Celebrity Culture
Barkley’s public journey challenges stereotypes about aging, weight, and fitness. The 62-year-old refused to accept declining health as inevitable. His willingness to embrace medical tools like GLP-1 medication alongside lifestyle changes normalized conversations around weight loss science. Many fans watching felt inspired by his realistic, achievable approach.
The ESPN debut created the perfect moment for this discussion. Millions tuned in to witness Inside the NBA‘s historic relocation and instantly noticed Barkley’s physical change. His openness about using Mounjaro and telehealth services educated viewers about modern weight management strategies. The transformation wasn’t vanity—it was health-driven, mobility-focused, and transparently documented.
- Barkley’s story proves lasting change requires medical support plus personal effort.
- Walking 10,000+ steps daily combined with GLP-1 medication yielded real results.
- Post-surgical weight gain can be managed with consistent, thoughtful intervention.
- Public figures discussing health struggles reduce stigma and encourage action.
Will This Momentum Continue Beyond the First Broadcast?
The October 22 debut marked just the beginning of Inside the NBA’s new era on ESPN. Barkley’s appearance set the tone—fresh, energized, visibly healthier. Staff behind the scenes noted his increased mobility and reduced physical strain after shedding over 60 pounds. His ability to stand, move, and engage actively improved noticeably across the broadcast.
Can Barkley maintain this progress as the 2025-26 season unfolds? Health experts suggest his foundation is solid. Combining consistent medication management, daily exercise targets, and dietary awareness creates sustainable habits. The support from Ro and his personal medical team provides ongoing accountability and guidance.
What happened behind the scenes to transform Charles Barkley from struggling with weight at 352 pounds to dominating broadcast as the freshest version of himself?
Sources
- US Weekly – Comprehensive coverage of Barkley’s weight loss journey and ESPN debut reactions.
- ESPN – Official Inside the NBA schedule announcement and network transition details.
- Parade Magazine – In-depth analysis of GLP-1 medication and celebrity transformations.
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Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.
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