From 180cm and 120kg Heavyweight to 40kg Extreme Diet Pompeo... Attention on Changed Appearance

Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
[Photo by New York Post]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (58) has attracted attention by revealing that he lost 40.8 kg.

The U.S. daily New York Post reported on the 6th (local time) that former Secretary Pompeo disclosed his motivation for dieting and the secret behind it. Pompeo was well known during his tenure for his large frame, standing 180 cm tall and weighing around 120 kg, but recently he revealed a figure showing a weight loss of nearly 40 kg, drawing public interest. This amount exceeds the estimated recent weight loss of about 20 kg by North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un.

After retiring in January last year and spending time without much activity, Pompeo was reportedly shocked to see his highest-ever weight of 300 pounds (136 kg) in June last year and declared to his wife that he would start dieting. He set up exercise equipment such as dumbbells and an elliptical machine in his home's basement and began working out 5 to 6 times a week for about 30 minutes each session.

Without the help of trainers or nutritionists, he revived his self-management methods and lost about 30% of his body weight. Pompeo said, "I returned to the weight I had when I was first elected as a Kansas congressman in 2010," explaining that he had neglected his health while enduring the pressures of holding high government positions. He recalled, "My knee joints hurt due to wear as my weight increased," and added, "I often worked late at the office or traveled abroad frequently, relieving stress by enjoying pancakes, cheeseburgers, and snacks."

Currently, Pompeo said he eats a protein-focused diet consisting of egg whites and turkey meat. He also shared a humorous sentiment, saying, "Our family is Italian, so whenever we gather, we prepare lots of delicious food," and "It was hard to say that I would eat salad there."

Meanwhile, Pompeo was a key figure in the Trump administration, serving as CIA Director before becoming Secretary of State. He is currently considered a potential Republican candidate for the next presidential election.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.