Ever wonder what it really takes to stay in shape in the NBA? It’s intense. Players grind through tough drills and practice for hours every single day. Charles Barkley lived that life for over 16 seasons, so he knows exactly how demanding it can be. But what happens when all that stops? When he retired in 2000, those daily workouts and strict routines just vanished. Without that structure, his weight slowly started to climb. Then came hip surgery, which made moving around harder. So, how do you fight back when your body isn’t cooperating? That’s where the real challenge began for him.

Interestingly, around 2023, Barkley saw the importance of maintaining health. He started talking weekly Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injections, regular exercise, and dietary changes. And the result was outstanding, to say the least! In just over the time period of six months, he ended up losing over 62 pounds! “I started at 352 [lbs.] and I’m down to 290. I’m starting to feel like a human being, not a fat ass anymore,” Barkley previously said. But that success wasn’t permanent.

Over time, his weight climbed back to around 355 pounds. But that is not the end. Recently, he teamed up with Ro.Co, a telehealth company valued at $7 billion in 2022. This partnership marks a fresh start for Barkley. He’s eager to get back on track, using Ro.Co’s support to manage his weight with new treatments that fit into his busy life. And he is back with a goal in sight, literally! In a recent Instagram post, Barkley shared his excitement about this new phase.

He joked while looking at cardboard cutouts of himself in different styles. “Oh, here’s the Superman Chuck. Super Ro, I guess we would call it. This is what I’m gonna look like in a year, hopefully,” he said. “I got a little gladiator thing working over here. Little Denzel in the last gladiator 2,” he added. The cardboard cutout reminded him of Denzel’s Macrinus role from the 2024 film. In the movie, the former slave ascended to become a wealthy and influential arms dealer in Ancient Rome. It’s clear that Barkley is taking notes, and he’s ready to fight for his health, just like a true gladiator.

Barkley also talked about other fun alter egos. “This Emu thing, Emo, if I had to pronounce it correctly, they say Emo,” he said, looking at a cutout of his hilarious emo version. He added, “Even though I’m from the South, I’m not a cowboy. I’ve only been on a horse like three times when I was in a commercial.”

That commercial was a memorable Right Guard advertisement where Barkley looked fancy on horseback. His humor and honesty make this journey relatable. Barkley’s ready to go to work on his health with Ro.Co’s help, showing everyone that setbacks can be overcome with the right tools.

Why Charles Barkley’s weight loss isn’t just about health

What’s really pushing Charles Barkley to drop the weight now? It’s not just about looking good or feeling better, though those matter too. The Hall of Famer recently got candid in a chat with Ernie Johnson, and his reason is as real as it gets. “I just turned 62, and I want to be here because I got more money to spend,” Barkley admitted. That’s right, he’s not ready to hand over his hard-earned fortune to anyone just yet.

Barkley’s humor didn’t hold back either. “I don’t want to leave it for my freeloading relatives. I want to be here. So I got to spend some money.” And he’s got a lot to spend. Three years into his $200 million TNT deal, Chuck has no plans to slow down. That wealth, plus decades of hustle, is what’s fueling his desire to stay around and enjoy life on his own terms. Makes you think how far you would go to enjoy what you’ve earned?

His motivation isn’t just about dollars and cents, though. Barkley also pointed to some straight-up advice from his doctor. “Dr. Andrews told me, ain’t no fat old people,” he said. That line stuck with him. It’s not just a warning, but it’s a reminder that if he wants to enjoy the years ahead, he needs to take care of himself now. And that message hits hard for anyone who’s been putting off their own health goals.

He even plugged the $7 billion valued Ro.Co during the talk, he shared how the online service helped restart his journey. “I’m down to 315 now,” Barkley said proudly. “And the crazy thing about it, I hadn’t taken the drug in over a year.” Now, with a renewed plan and a bold mindset, Chuck is back on the grind. Although his reason might be funny, he is not risking his health anymore.