'Pawn Stars'' Chumlee Reveals 160-Lb. Weight Loss, Asks Fans If They've Struggled With Weight Too

Oct 12, 2021

"Pawn Stars" has been on the air since 2009, when it was the History Channel's highest-rated show and the second-ranked reality show in the U.S. When the show debuted, it starred Rick Harrison, his father, Richard "Old Man" Harrison, his son Corey "Big Hoss" Harrison and Austin "Chumlee" Russell. 

The series showcases the interactions between the staff of the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop — which Rick opened in 1989 with his father — and their customers. The clientele brings in artifacts and other valuable items to be appraised and then sold or pawned. You can see some of the customers try to negotiate or haggle on the value of the items throughout the show. Rick also takes the time to explain the history of each piece.

With 17 seasons behind its belt, "Pawn Stars" has had 577 episodes over the years and has become something of a fan favorite when it comes to reality shows. The show is hugely successful and has fans from all around the world. The staff who work at the pawnshop are now celebrities in their own right. 

One of these is Russell, better known as Chumlee, who has his own following after finding himself to be the comedic foil on "Pawn Stars." After struggling with his weight for some time, the reality TV star recently revealed a dramatic weight loss after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery. Going from his heaviest weight of 350 lbs. in Jan. 2019 to 190 lbs. today, Chumlee is showing off his weight loss on social media and he couldn't be prouder.

"Pawn Stars" has been a hit show and last year Rick offered his thoughts to Fox News on why he thinks the show has been so successful:

"I think it's a lot of things. First off, most reality shows are pretty much scripted. Mine is not. And it's truly different every week. And people want to learn, but they don't want to feel like they're sitting around with a professor. I give all the history lessons and I make learning entertaining on the show."

On top of this, its stars are entertaining to watch, especially Chumlee. But outside of the show, the 39-year-old has had his fair share of personal problems. From run-ins with the law to issues with his weight, Chumlee has come a long way in the last few years. 

Speaking with TMZ last week, Chumlee talked about his journey undergoing gastric sleeve surgery in a bid to get his weight under control. He revealed that during his years-long struggle with his weight, he would have fluctuations that were sometimes as big as 100 lbs. 

After hitting his heaviest weight of 350 lbs. in Jan. 2019, he decided he was tired of yo-yo dieting and decided to do something about his health. The following month he underwent the surgery at Las Vegas' Blossom Bariatrics and since then he's lost 160 lbs. He adds that his goal was not only to get healthy but to stay healthy. Today, the reality star weighs 190 lbs. and admits to feeling great. And judging by his social media channels, the change has been more than just physical.

According to UCLA Health, gastric sleeve surgery usually removes up to 75-80 percent of the stomach, which leads to a smaller appetite and reduced feelings of hunger, allowing people who undergo the surgery to get to a healthy weight much easier. Currently, it's the most commonly performed bariatric procedure in the US and globally.

Ever since his incredible weight loss journey, Chumlee has focused on staying healthy by eating clean, exercising and surrounding himself with a strong support system. He also posted to his Facebook last week, sharing his story and inspiring his fans to do the same. Alongside before and after pictures of his weight loss, Chumlee wrote:

"Can you believe it, I've lost over 150lbs !! How many people out there have always struggled with your weight like I did?" 

He's also taken his positive message to Instagram, where he's been sharing uplifting messages alongside photos of himself. One caption reads:

"You could have everything you want, if you can put your heart and soul into everything you do."

Another photo he posted has a quote that reads:

"Please love yourself instead of loving the idea of other people loving you."

Chumlee's incredible transformation comes five years after he made headlines for gun and drug possession charges in 2016. After police raided his Las Vegas home that year, he underwent a plea deal that included one count of gun possession and one count of attempted drug possession. The deal meant that he didn't serve time and was instead sentenced to counseling and three years' probation.

Are you a fan of Austin "Chumlee" Russell and the show "Pawn Stars"? What do you think about his incredible weight loss transformation? If you found this inspiring, pass it on to those you know.