James Argent weight loss began with gastric sleeve surgery in April 2021, when the former The Only Way Is Essex star weighed 27 stone. He went on to lose roughly 14 stone, later regained about a stone for health reasons, and underwent skin removal surgery in 2023. His journey has been documented through BBC interviews, ITV appearances, and statements from his surgical provider, Transform.
James Argent, known to viewers as “Arg” from The Only Way Is Essex, reached his peak weight of 27 stone during the COVID-19 lockdowns . He has said that doctors warned him his size posed a serious risk to his life, particularly if he contracted the virus . That warning became a turning point.
The weight gain followed a longer battle with addiction. Argent told BBC Radio 5 Live that he had “substituted drink and drugs for food” after getting sober . He has described a lifelong pattern of disordered eating, swinging between starving himself and binge eating . Lockdown removed the structure of exercise and routine, and his weight climbed rapidly.
In April 2021, Argent underwent a sleeve gastrectomy, commonly called gastric sleeve surgery, with the UK provider Transform . The procedure removes a large portion of the stomach, restricting how much food can be eaten and reducing hunger signals . He publicly confirmed the operation on Instagram, writing: “Today is the first day of the rest of my life” .
The results came quickly. By late April 2021, he told Loose Women he had already lost about 2.5 stone since starting the pre-operative diet . He described the recovery as mentally challenging, moving from liquids to pureed food and eventually solids . He also stressed that the surgery addressed his body, not his mind, and that he continued therapy and support meetings .Quick Bio: James Argent
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His total loss eventually reached 14 stone, dropping from 27 stone to around 13 to 14 stone . However, in December 2022, he told Good Morning Britain that he had lost too much. “I think I lost a little bit too much weight,” he said. “I used to want to be skinny but now I’ve put a stone back on, I’m at a healthy balanced weight” . The adjustment was deliberate, not a relapse.
Significant weight loss often leaves excess skin, and Argent addressed this in January 2023. He underwent a tummy tuck and skin removal procedure, again with Transform, at their hospital in Manchester . He described the surgery as necessary because the excess skin could not be resolved through diet and exercise alone . He later said he was healing well and felt more confident .
Beyond surgery, Argent has credited lifestyle changes for maintaining his results. He has spoken about swimming, boxing, and playing tennis, though specific training regimens have not been verified in detail . He has also emphasized portion control and a healthier relationship with food, describing the surgery as a “tool” rather than a cure . In interviews, he has consistently linked his physical recovery to ongoing mental health work.
His journey has not been framed as a simple before-and-after story. Argent has been candid about the psychological work required, telling the BBC that addiction transfer was part of how his weight escalated in the first place . He has also spoken about loneliness and sobriety, particularly around Christmas, and has used his platform to support ITV’s 1 Million Minutes campaign for loneliness .
As of recent reports, Argent has maintained a stable weight and continued performing music . His case illustrates both the potential and the limits of bariatric surgery: it can produce dramatic physical change, but the underlying relationship with food and addiction requires separate, ongoing attention. The verified record, drawn from his own statements and his provider’s published account, shows a transformation built on medical intervention, deliberate weight management, and continued psychological care.
What was James Argent’s highest weight before surgery?
James Argent reached his highest weight of 27 stone (approximately 171 kilograms) during the COVID-19 lockdown period. He revealed in interviews that doctors had warned him that his weight had reached a “life-threatening” level, which became an important trigger for him to seek medical help.
What surgery did James Argent undergo and when?
In April 2021, he underwent gastric sleeve surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy) at Transform, a UK weight loss surgery institution. The surgery removed approximately 80% to 85% of his stomach, leaving a tubular stomach to limit food intake and reduce hunger hormone secretion.
How much weight did James Argent lose in total?
He lost approximately 14 stone (approximately 88 kilograms) in total, dropping from 27 stone to his lowest weight of 13 stone. He subsequently deliberately regained one stone, stabilizing at approximately 15 stone as his “healthy and happy weight”.
Why did he undergo additional surgery after weight loss?
After significant weight loss, he experienced excessive loose skin. In January 2023, he underwent abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) to remove the excess skin. He stated that this issue could not be resolved through diet and exercise, and the surgery was necessary.
How is James Argent’s health status now?
As of 2026, he has maintained a stable weight and sustained sobriety for over five years. He has repeatedly emphasized that surgery is only a “tool,” and that the key to long-term maintenance lies in establishing a healthy relationship with food and exercise, while continuing to focus on mental health.
