Charles Barkley Shares Weight Loss With Zepbound Use
The 63-year-old former athlete uses medication and dietary changes to manage weight after two hip surgeries.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Weight Loss
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Charles Barkley reports losing over 50 pounds through a combination of dietary changes and the use of the weight-loss medication Zepbound. The 63-year-old former athlete began focusing on weight management following a significant weight gain after multiple hip replacement surgeries.
Why it matters
Managing weight after surgical procedures can be challenging due to restricted mobility, a concern that affected Barkley after he gained 100 pounds following two hip replacements. His experience highlights the common medical path of using pharmacotherapy alongside lifestyle changes to address weight-related health risks.
Barkley reported losing 62 pounds while using Mounjaro before transitioning to Zepbound, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that suppresses appetite. The specific duration and final health outcomes of his ongoing use of Zepbound remain unstated.
The players
Charles Barkley
A 63-year-old former professional basketball player who is now managing his weight through medication and dietary adjustments.
Ro
A telehealth company that provides access to weight-loss medications and clinical consultations.
The details
Barkley currently utilizes Zepbound to assist in appetite suppression, a common approach for patients struggling with weight management after periods of reduced physical mobility. His regimen also includes an increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, which complements the metabolic effects of the medication. These interventions followed a warning from his doctor three years ago regarding his health, prompting him to address the 100-pound weight gain he experienced after undergoing hip replacement surgeries in 2016 and 2018.
Timeline
1984-2000: Barkley weighed 250 pounds during his professional basketball career.
2016: Barkley underwent his first hip replacement surgery.
2018: Barkley underwent his second hip replacement surgery.
2023: Barkley began using Mounjaro.
April 2025: Barkley became a patient ambassador for Ro.
Health Landscape
The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Zepbound and Mounjaro has become a standard approach for addressing chronic weight management. Barkley's experience reflects the broader trend of patients navigating medication switches due to supply fluctuations.
If you are concerned about weight gain following orthopedic surgery, it is worth discussing potential metabolic or lifestyle interventions with your physician. Determining whether medication is appropriate depends on your specific medical history and existing health goals.
The takeaway
Weight management after surgery often requires a multifaceted strategy involving both medication and sustainable lifestyle changes like dietary adjustments. Patients struggling with post-surgical weight gain should schedule a consultation with their physician to discuss which health interventions are safest and most effective for their specific needs.
Further reading
For more information on current approaches to weight management, visit our Weight Loss section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Beast.
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