Jared Leto is celebrated not only for his exceptional acting talent, which has earned him Academy Award nominations, but also for his seemingly ageless appearance. He was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World by People magazine consecutively in 1996 and 1997. His lean and athletic build has undoubtedly contributed to his recognition and the numerous accolades he has received.

What sets Jared Leto apart is his extraordinary commitment to his roles, which often involves significant changes in his physique to authentically portray his characters. Notably, he gained 60 pounds for his role in “Chapter 27,” a transformation that garnered widespread attention. Similarly, his drastically thin appearance for “Dallas Buyers Club” showcased his willingness to push his body to extremes for the sake of his craft.

His weight loss story: Jared Leto’s approach to preparing for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club” didn’t involve extensive gym workouts or a highly restrictive diet. Instead, he took an extreme measure by literally starving himself to achieve the physical appearance required for the role of a man suffering from AIDS. The character needed to appear frail, skinny, pale, and sickly, which meant that a toned physique would not be suitable. Leto’s commitment to the role led him to undergo a drastic transformation, resulting in a significantly emaciated appearance, with a shrunken waist and the disappearance of his six-pack abs, leaving him looking like skin and bones.

Undergoing such an extreme transformation required immense dedication from Jared Leto, despite it being an unhealthy method not recommended to anyone. Leto revealed in an interview, “I stopped eating,” highlighting the severity of his approach to the role. Initially, he monitored his weight closely, but after losing 30 to 40 pounds, he ceased to keep track. Ultimately, he weighed in at 114 pounds (51.7 kg) while standing 5 feet 9 inches tall (175 cm), which placed his body mass index (BMI) at an alarmingly low 16.8, categorizing him as underweight according to health standards.

The drastic weight loss Jared Leto underwent resulted in significant changes, both physically and mentally. He noted in an interview, “It changes the way you walk, the way you sit, the way you think,” emphasizing that the impact of losing weight extends beyond mere appearance, affecting one’s internal state and perceptions. Some individuals might find their thinking becomes clearer or their dreams more vivid, while others might feel more vibrant and perceptive. However, such extreme dieting carries substantial health risks, as starving the body can severely harm one’s health and immune system. Despite these dangers, Leto was monitored by a team of professionals who oversaw his entire weight loss journey, ensuring his safety throughout the process.

His weight gain story:

That’s pretty wise. But here are some of the key information about his diet and workout which he usually does when he tries to maintain his weight.

Jared Leto Body Statistics

Height: 5 ft 9 inches or 175 cm
Weight: 69 kg or 152 pounds
Chest: 43 inches or 109 cm
Biceps: 14 inches or 36 cm
Waist: 32 inches or 81 cm

Jared Leto Workout Routine

Here are some essential tips that Jared Leto keeps in mind:

Leto trained under the guidance of Kemo Karate instructor Richard Mesquita, who subjected him to rigorous training sessions. The intensity of these sessions was such that Will Smith ended up tearing his calf muscle, and Joel Kinnaman sustained knee injuries. Despite these setbacks, they persevered, and by the end of their training, they had achieved the rank of yellow belts. Since that experience, Leto continues to practice sparring occasionally, now viewing it as an enjoyable part of his workout routine.

• He trained as a bodybuilder

In addition to sparring, Leto is committed to intense gym workouts. He trains with his personal trainer, Brendan Johnston, who puts him through what he describes as a “boot camp.” Johnston designs specific exercises to engage all of Leto’s muscle groups comprehensively. When preparing for movie roles, Leto’s objective is to achieve a physique reminiscent of an MMA fighter, and this is the focus of their training regimen.

Leto’s current workout routine is heavily centered around bodybuilding exercises and weighted calisthenics, aimed at enhancing both his strength and endurance. Additionally, his sparring practice serves as a significant boost to his regimen, with his trainer noting that Leto was “throwing a lot of punches throughout the day.” To attain a fighter’s physique, incorporating cardio exercises is also essential. His workout schedule is structured to include four consecutive days of training followed by a day of rest.

• Split Workouts and Supersets

Leto’s workouts are organized into various sets and supersets, incorporating numerous joint exercises and compound movements that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, fostering muscle growth. For instance, during his chest and tricep day, his routine features four supersets: triceps pushdown paired with overhead extensions, dumbbell presses, skull crushers, and weighted dips. This approach ensures a comprehensive and efficient workout targeting specific muscle groups effectively.

• He made yoga a part of his routine

Engaging in stretching and maintaining yoga poses offers an effective means to destress by fostering balance and requiring concentration. The level of difficulty can vary from easy to challenging, especially when transitioning to more advanced poses. However, yoga stands out as an excellent exercise for promoting blood flow. Leto has described yoga as instrumental in developing a mind-body connection, significantly aiding in stress and anxiety reduction. Relaxation is a crucial component of any fitness regimen, and yoga serves as an ideal practice for active recovery, ensuring the body’s rejuvenation while remaining gently active.

• He was inspired by his role models

Jared Leto identifies as a homebody, which explains his preference for spending considerable time working out in his home gym. Additionally, he finds value in training alongside a co-star, as the mutual encouragement and motivation they provide each other helps both to finish their workouts with strong performances. For Leto, whether working out alone at home or alongside a colleague, both scenarios offer beneficial outcomes, contributing positively to his fitness routine.

• He makes sure to sleep well

One of the key elements Jared Leto credits for his well-being isn’t an extensive workout regime or a strict diet, but rather something as fundamental as getting enough sleep. He emphasizes the importance of rest, stating in a Rolling Stone interview, “I would tell everyone to sleep as much as you can.” He elaborates on the significance of sleep and diet in maintaining health, especially highlighting the challenges posed by frequent long-haul travel and insufficient rest, suggesting that without proper sleep, one’s health and vitality may quickly deteriorate.”

Adequate sleep is crucial for the body to recuperate from a demanding day filled with intense workouts and a packed agenda. It facilitates the healing of muscles from the microtears and damage incurred during exercise, aiding in their growth and strengthening. Leto prioritizes his rest, ensuring he gets at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night to support his body’s recovery and overall health.

• He meditates daily

Having experienced mental health challenges during periods of significant weight loss and gain, Jared Leto places a high value on mental well-being. Meditation has become an indispensable part of his daily routine, which he commits to without exception. Understanding the difficulty of sitting in silence, Leto opts for guided meditations through an app to facilitate his practice. This approach helps him maintain focus, fostering mindfulness and balance in his life, and underscores the importance he places on nurturing his mental health alongside his physical fitness.

Jared Leto’s serene demeanor can be largely attributed to his dedication to meditation, a practice that holds significant importance in his daily routine. Beyond its calming effects, meditation serves as a wellspring of creative inspiration for Leto, especially valuable given his dual career in music and acting. It provides him with the mental clarity needed to conceive new ideas and fosters an environment where he can concentrate on his creative pursuits, free from external distractions. This disciplined approach to mindfulness not only contributes to his tranquility but also fuels his artistic endeavors, enabling him to produce meaningful work.

• He loves to go rock climbing

When not dedicating time to his gym routine, Jared Leto often seeks adventure in rock climbing, a pursuit he’s particularly fond of. Regardless of whether he’s preparing for a film role, Leto ensures he engages in climbing regularly. He views it not only as a means of physical exercise but also as an effective stress reliever and a way to enhance his mood. The activity contributes to his overall fitness and positively impacts his creative thinking. Leto expressed to Rolling Stone, “Any day I have at least a few moments in nature, I kind of feel better,” highlighting the therapeutic effect and sense of well-being he derives from being outdoors and connected to the natural environment.

One standout adventure for Jared Leto was scaling the 3,600-foot-tall El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a feat that underscores his love for challenging himself and pushing the boundaries of his physical capabilities. He often invites friends to join him on these climbing excursions, fostering a shared experience of adventure and challenge. Rock climbing is particularly effective for building upper body strength, making it an excellent workout that combines physical exertion with the thrill of conquering natural formations.

• He incorporates a lot of cardio exercises in his schedule

Jared Leto is currently filming for his movie “Morbius,” slated for release in 2020. Despite his busy schedule, the actor frequently updates his followers about his workout regimen through social media posts. Fans and followers are keenly anticipating the unveiling of his transformed look for the movie, but details about his new appearance remain under wraps until the film’s release.

Jared Leto Diet Plan and Nutrition

Jared Leto’s approach to his diet has remained relatively clean and health-focused, despite undergoing significant weight fluctuations for various roles. Predominantly adhering to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, Leto excludes all animal products, including meat, fish, dairy, oils, and eggs, from his diet. Instead, he opts for a nourishing selection of vegetables, fruits, lentils, whole foods, nuts, and complex carbohydrates, with a strong preference for organic options. This dietary choice is driven by his belief that a wholesome diet is crucial for managing his demanding schedule and rigorous training regimes. Not naturally inclined to eat large quantities, Leto spaces out his meals throughout the day. During periods where weight gain was necessary for a role, he found himself in the challenging position of having to force-feed to meet his caloric requirements.

Here are some of the quirks that Jared Leto shares with his fans:

• Eating a plant-based diet most of the time

• He is all about protein shakes. Vegan ones.

Protein plays a crucial role in Jared Leto’s diet, particularly due to his rigorous workout regimen, which necessitates adequate protein intake for recovery and muscle maintenance. Adhering to a vegan lifestyle, Leto employs creativity in selecting his protein sources, steering clear of conventional options such as meat, fish, and eggs. His commitment to veganism extends to his choice of supplements as well; he avoids incorporating animal-derived products like whey protein or collagen into his smoothies or shakes, ensuring his nutrition aligns with his ethical and dietary principles.

Jared Leto prioritizes plant-based proteins in his diet, particularly on days involving intense training. He shared that one of his go-to nutritional staples is a vegan protein smoothie, the recipe for which is quite simple. It includes water or almond milk, ice, vegan protein powder, almond butter, a fruit of his choice for flavor, and a touch of stevia for sweetness. While this concoction may be delicious and nutrient-rich, Leto acknowledges the potential challenge of adhering to such a specific beverage over an extended period, as it might become monotonous or less appealing with time.

• He ate every two hours

Jared Leto maintains a disciplined eating schedule, consuming food every few hours to ensure his metabolism remains active. Recognizing that he is not inclined to eat large meals, he opts for smaller portions spread throughout the day. This approach is particularly crucial during periods of intense workouts, as consistent nourishment is essential for muscle growth and sustained energy levels. Leto extends this advice to his cast members, encouraging them to adopt a similar eating regimen to support their physical demands and overall well-being.

Eating regularly is particularly important for Jared Leto, given that his meals tend to be less calorie-dense than those containing animal products. One of his favorite vegan dishes is vegan tacos, which he particularly enjoys. Despite admitting to not being the best at managing his diet, Leto emphasizes that vegan tacos are a staple he would never want to forgo, highlighting his preference for this flavorful and satisfying meal.

• He stays away from alcohol and smoking

Leto shares that in his younger years, he got into trouble for using drugs. Since then, he has changed his lifestyle. He decided he wanted a different life and told Rolling Stone, “At some point, you have to choose what you want your life to be like. I decided to follow other dreams… the risks weren’t worth the rewards. I saw too many bad examples and learned from them.”

Jared Leto Shares a Vegan Recipe

Jared is very active on his social media and even shared a recipe for his favorite food, buckwheat pancakes! Here’s a recipe:

Organic Buckwheat Pancakes

Ingredients

2/3 cup Arrowhead Mills buckwheat pancake and waffle mix
1 egg substitute
2 tsp olive oil
3/4 cup almond milk (For thicker pancakes, use less liquid. For thinner pancakes, use more liquid.)

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients and stir only until lumps disappear.
2. Cook on preheated (375 – 400 degrees) lightly oiled griddle or pan, turning when bubbles appear on the surface and the edges begin to dry.