Geoff Eigenmann has won his battle with the bulge. Months after being sidelined for being overweight, the talented actor is finally back and is raring to take his rightful place in show business:
Your last show, Forever, was six months ago. You’ve only been in the spotlight because of pictures showing you terribly out of shape. How are you?
Never been better. It has been a big struggle for me, coming to terms with my situation. I was in denial, I thought I could just go along and still be an actor despite my weight problems.
What happened?
I got complacent. I had a great career, a beautiful girlfriend (actress Carla Abellana), and I just thought nothing else mattered. I just enjoyed myself more than the usual and before I knew it, I was struggling.
Who helped you change direction?
My family, my mentor, my girlfriend. They have been very supportive – giving me advice, motivating me, helping me with my diet. Without this support system, I doubt if I would ever be able to go back. Of course, I had to discipline myself; I had to do the work. I can only get so much counselling, but without my own disciplined push to lose weight, I would never have been able to.
You received a memo from GMA before about your weight. Did that hurt?
To be honest? Yes. But it was all done for my own good. They were just concerned for my well-being and for my career. It did affect my motivation a little bit, so it kind of had a negative impact. But it was just because of how I took it.
What did you do to lose weight? Any special diet?
It was just basically having less of what I ate, and doing more exercise. It was difficult in the beginning and in fact I would still question myself whether I was happy with my situation then or I would change directions and go back to my healthier self.
I chose the latter. So from being 210lbs, I’m now down to 170 lbs. That’s about 40lbs in six months. I feel great. It’s a great achievement and I am raring to go back to work. I miss acting, it’s what I love doing. And I know now more than ever that it also comes with a responsibility – to take care of myself and to be good at what I do.
Any upcoming projects?
All in the planning stage, but something should take shape by the end of this year. I’m relieved I have this second chance. It’s a great advance Christmas gift.
