Chris Pratt’s Purposeful Weight Gain for Andy Dwyer
When Chris Pratt first appeared as the lovable, dimwitted Andy Dwyer on Parks and Recreation, his body type was part of the character's charm. However, this was a deliberate choice by Pratt himself. In interviews, he recalled going to the showrunner, Mike Schur, and announcing his desire to gain weight, turning it into a challenge to see how big he could get. This was a stark contrast to his later roles as a Hollywood action star, and the dietary choices he made to achieve this look have become the stuff of legend. While there is no definitive total, the number of burgers Chris Pratt ate over the course of the show is staggering, with specific anecdotes providing a glimpse into his extreme eating habits.
The Shocking Burger Count
Reports about Pratt's burger consumption fall into a few key categories, providing a multi-layered answer to the question of how many burgers did Chris Pratt eat. There’s his general daily intake and then the extreme amounts consumed during filming.
The Daily Indulgence
In a 2022 interview with Men's Health, Pratt revealed his lunchtime habits while playing Andy Dwyer. He admitted, "I can't believe I would eat five cheeseburgers for lunch". This was not a one-off event but a consistent part of his diet during that period. He also mentioned sometimes eating four burgers at mealtime, highlighting the high-volume nature of his consumption.
The On-Set Anecdote
Perhaps the most compelling detail comes from a Tumblr post by a user claiming to be a crew member on the show. The post recounts an industry secret: actors in eating scenes often use a 'spit bucket' to avoid consuming large amounts of food. Chris Pratt, however, famously refused to use one. The post claims that if you see Andy eating a cheeseburger in a scene, it's likely that Chris Pratt ate around eight cheeseburgers during the various takes.
A Diet Beyond Burgers
While burgers are a key part of the story, Pratt's diet for the role was far more indulgent. It was an all-out effort to gain weight as fast as possible. Beyond the cheeseburgers, other foods contributed to his weight gain. He even joked that his wife at the time, Anna Faris, was "fattening me up to put me in the fire," reflecting on the high-calorie diet they shared. A particularly memorable story involves a scene requiring heavy eating.
Other Extreme Eating Stories
- Racks of Ribs: On Jimmy Kimmel Live, Pratt confessed to an even more extreme feat of consumption, stating that he once ate 16 racks of ribs in a single day for a scene. This incredible anecdote further illustrates his commitment to the character through dietary extremes.
- Double Entrees and Dark Beer: Pratt also mentioned his strategy involved ordering two entrées at every meal, always having dessert, and drinking the darkest beer on the menu.
Health Consequences and the Path to Change
Pratt’s intentional weight gain had serious repercussions for his health. He revealed that at his heaviest, he was nearly 300 pounds and suffered from a constant state of feeling unwell. This had a negative impact not just on his physical well-being but also on his emotional and mental state. He told Men's Health that during this period, "eating was fun, but in the times in between, I felt like crap".
Comparison: The Andy Dwyer Diet vs. The Star-Lord Diet
| Feature | Andy Dwyer Diet | Star-Lord Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Intentional weight gain for a comedic role. | Significant weight loss and muscle building for an action hero role. |
| Key Foods | Burgers, ribs, heavy meals, desserts, and dark beer. | High-protein diet featuring chicken, steak, vegetables, and complex carbs. |
| Daily Calories | High and uncontrolled, focused on indulgence. | A carefully managed 4,000 clean calories per day. |
| Hydration | Often involved heavy alcohol consumption. | Replaced beer with a gallon of water per day. |
| Physical Activity | Minimal or none for character portrayal. | Intense workouts, including triathlons. |
The Guardians of the Galaxy Transformation
For his role as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy, Pratt undertook a dramatic physical transformation that stood in stark contrast to his Andy Dwyer days. Under the guidance of trainers and nutritionists, he lost over 60 pounds in six months through a rigorous regimen. This involved giving up his old habits of burgers and beer and replacing them with intense exercise and a healthy, high-protein diet. Pratt often reflects on this shift, noting that while eating is now "boring," he feels much better in between meals. The transformation was a complete overhaul of his lifestyle and marked a new era in his career.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Diets
Chris Pratt's dietary history is a fascinating case study in the extremes required for a Hollywood career. From eating up to eight burgers in a single scene for a comedic role to completely overhauling his diet and fitness for a superhero part, his body has been a testament to his dedication. While the question of exactly how many burgers did Chris Pratt eat may never have a precise answer, the anecdotes and admissions confirm that the total is substantial. His journey highlights the physical and mental tolls of method acting and the discipline required to transition from one end of the physical spectrum to the other.
For more insight into Pratt's approach to fitness, read the Men's Health article discussing his diet.
