How Did Phil Mickelson Lose Weight? All About His Journey From Looking ‘Pregnant’ to Being the Most Envied 53YO Pro Golfer

Phil Mickelson has indeed burned bridges in his life, but one bridge he’s proud to have incinerated is the one with his older self. The Phil Mickelson of the early 2000s and the 51-year-old golfer gracing the LIV Jeddah greens are strikingly different. The latter exudes fitness, health, and strength, but it wasn’t always this way.

Mickelson found himself at the receiving end of relentless ‘fat-shaming’ due to his poor eating habits that began to show on his physique. As far back as 1999, when he welcomed his daughter Amanda, the media took jabs at his weight, with one journalist quipping, “Was it Phil or Amy who was pregnant?” Fast forward two decades, and the tables have turned, leaving everyone pondering the secret behind his remarkable weight loss journey.

The key to Phil Mickelson’s weight loss success lies in intermittent fasting – a dietary regimen that deviates from traditional diets. Instead of fasting for just a day, intermittent fasting extends over five to six days, during which the individual consumes only a liquid diet. According to a Forbes article, this approach compels the body to tap into its stored energy reserves, effectively burning fat through fasting. This concept has gained traction in the athletic world, with MMA legend George St. Pierre revealing that he intermittently fasts three to five times a year, subsisting solely on water.

In 2019, the six-time Major winner took to Instagram to announce that he had successfully completed a six-day cycle of intermittent fasting, accompanied by water and a custom coffee blend. Mickelson claimed to have shed 15 pounds, and, more significantly, he felt healthier and more invigorated.

His appearance at this year’s Masters Tournament showcased an even more impressive transformation, as he appeared 25 pounds slimmer thanks to another cycle of intermittent fasting. However, progress wasn’t without its hiccups. The diet, while effective in shedding weight, adversely affected his golfing performance.

Calorie-restricting diets often prove to be double-edged swords. While they aid in fat loss, they can lead to the loss of precious muscle mass. Mickelson admitted to experiencing a dip in his form, but to his credit, he detected the signs early. In response, he adopted an aggressive speed-training regimen to regain the strength behind his swings, incorporating weightlifting into his fitness routine.

Phil Mickelson defied age expectations by becoming the oldest major champion, clinching the PGA Championship victory in 2021 at the age of 51. His triumph was largely attributed to his renewed focus on health and fitness. As a result, it’s not far-fetched to believe that more major championships are within reach for this remarkable and fit senior golfer.