Rapper Fat Joe's appearance at the US Open during the Novak Djokovic vs. Cam Norrie match on Friday has generated considerable buzz, primarily due to his remarkable weight loss. The "Lean Back" hitmaker, whose real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena, was spotted courtside sporting a white T-shirt, an oversized chain, and sunglasses. His significantly slimmer physique quickly became a major topic of discussion among fans and observers.

Fat Joe has been open about his weight loss journey for years. At his heaviest, he weighed around 470 pounds. Over the past decade, he has shed approximately 250 pounds. In an interview with Us Weekly in October 2021, Fat Joe shared some of his strategies, emphasizing a low-carb diet where he tries to minimize the intake of bread, pasta, and rice. He also spoke about practicing moderation when eating. As an example, he mentioned cutting a corner off a piece of toast and eating only that portion, a stark contrast to his previous habit of consuming the entire slice.

In addition to dietary changes, Fat Joe has also credited Ozempic, a prescription medication initially intended for type 2 diabetes, for aiding in his weight loss. Ozempic has gained popularity as a weight-loss tool.

Fat Joe told Men's Health that the death of his close friend and collaborator, Big Pun, motivated him to begin his weight loss journey. Big Pun died of a heart attack at the age of 28 in 2000. Fat Joe said he felt like Ebenezer Scrooge at Big Pun's funeral. Looking at Big Pun's young daughter, who was the same age as his own, Fat Joe realized he needed to lose weight to be there for his family.

In July 2023, Fat Joe discussed his weight loss journey and battle with depression. He emphasized the importance of addressing mental health, noting that depression can lead to weight gain, creating a challenging cycle. He also said that losing weight is not easy.