John Abraham says his body fat is really ‘high’ at 12 per cent right now: ‘When you think about food…’

The Force actor, who has “not cheated on food for 20 years”, added that “having sweets is for the weak”.

Taking a cue from the actor’s candid confession, let’s examine how such a mindset can be beneficial.

For the general population, 12 per cent body fat is already a lean category associated with consistent training and disciplined nutrition. But for someone like John, who has maintained an athletic physique for decades, this number feels high because his personal baseline is exceptionally low. It shows how individual fitness benchmarks evolve with years of conditioning and how celebrity bodies often operate at a different standard than what is required for everyday health,” said consultant dietitian and fitness expert Garima Goyal.

What stands out even more is the way he talks about food. Instead of glorifying rigid dieting, he emphasised enjoyment. He mentioned that when he genuinely enjoys what he eats, staying fit becomes a lifestyle rather than a chore, said Goyal, adding that from a nutrition perspective, this is an important message. “Sustainable fitness comes from balanced meals that support energy, performance, and recovery while still allowing emotional satisfaction from food. When people force restrictive patterns that disconnect them from the pleasure of eating, it often leads to burnout, inconsistency, and rebound eating,” said Goyal.

At the same time, his version of enjoying food still sits within a disciplined framework. “His meals, rich in lean protein, vegetables, clean carbohydrates and healthy fats, help maintain muscle mass and metabolic efficiency. This approach ensures he can sustain a low body fat percentage without compromising strength or energy. The key takeaway for the average person is that consistency matters more than extremes. Eating enjoyable, whole foods and maintaining a regular movement routine will almost always deliver better long-term results than short-term dieting,” Goyal mentioned.

It is also important to remember that fitness should be tailored to lifestyle, goals, and overall well-being, not based on comparison with someone whose career is built around physical conditioning. “John’s mindset combines discipline with balance, making his approach an example of how long-term fitness can be both structured and enjoyable,” Goyal said.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.