Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was known not just for his unmatched talent, but also for his complex and evolving relationship with food, health, and body image. From his early days in the Jackson 5 to the height of his solo career, his weight and diet were topics of interest and concern among those closest to him.

As a child star, Michael charmed the world with his chubby cheeks and radiant smile. Naturally slim, he never had to worry about his weight early on, thanks to the demanding dance routines and constant rehearsals with his brothers. At home, his mother Katherine said he ate well and stayed active, often playing basketball with his siblings.

However, life on the road was different. While touring, the Jackson brothers often relied on fast food and sugary snacks to cope with their busy schedules. Michael developed a love for junk food, especially Kentucky Fried Chicken and M&Ms. According to close friend David Gest, Michael would even peel the skin off the fried chicken and say, “Now I’ve made it organic.”

But as Michael grew older, his focus on his image and health intensified. In the early 1980s, he became preoccupied with having a dancer’s body and adopted a vegetarian lifestyle. Despite this, he was a picky eater who didn’t enjoy vegetables or pasta. He reportedly ate very little—sometimes just a few spoonfuls of food or a handful of candy for an entire day.

During the filming of Thriller, his weight dropped to a concerning 120 pounds. Rumors swirled about possible anorexia, and those around him became alarmed by his inconsistent eating habits. He once told his mother, “If I didn’t eat to live, I’d never eat.”

Despite being a vegetarian, Michael struggled with his dislike for most foods and even had a personal chef, although he barely touched the meals prepared for him. In times of stress, his appetite disappeared entirely. During his Victory Tour, he collapsed from exhaustion and dehydration. Brazilian chef Remi Villa Real was urgently flown in to cook for him, after he refused to go on stage due to stomach pains.

Later in life, doctors encouraged him to add fish and chicken to his diet for protein to support his intense performances. Michael reluctantly agreed but admitted he disliked eating anything that “used to be alive.” His shows were so physically demanding that he would lose 8 to 10 pounds after each performance, requiring costume changes into smaller outfits mid-show.

By the early 2000s, Michael told Sony executives he couldn’t tour anymore, citing how he passed out from dehydration while preparing for shows. “I don’t eat, I don’t drink, I don’t sleep,” he confessed.

The pressures of fame and legal troubles further affected his health. In 1993, after facing abuse allegations, Michael reportedly stopped eating altogether and lost 10 pounds in a few weeks. Elizabeth Taylor had to feed him with a spoon. During his 2005 trial, his weight plummeted below 100 pounds. Nutritionist Dick Gregory was brought in by Jackson’s family, who feared for his life.

Even as his health deteriorated, Michael remained a devoted father. Though he often skipped meals, he made it a point to sit down with his children at the dinner table. His personal trainer Lou Ferrigno revealed that while preparing for the This Is It tour in 2009, Michael only ate once a day. His tour team even employed someone specifically to remind him to eat.

Despite his fragile state, Michael gave his all in rehearsals. But his longtime makeup artist Karen Faye noticed his heart visibly beating through his chest. She sounded the alarm, only to be met with jokes and quick fixes like “get him a bucket of chicken.”

On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson passed away suddenly from cardiac arrest. Autopsy reports revealed he weighed just 136 pounds at 5’9″, and his stomach was empty aside from partially dissolved medication.

Jackson’s story is a tragic reminder of how fame, pressure, and personal struggles can take a toll on one’s health. His journey with food, weight, and image was as layered as the man himself—private, complex, and ultimately heartbreaking.