For millions of fans, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal was a titan on the court. But these days there is less of the big man to love. Shaq compared himself to Charles Barkley. He told Billy Bush of  “Extra” that he had managed to shed off about 50 pounds with over 20 target weights to shed. The 345-pound ex-giant says he’s going all the way back to the first championship weight.

The Inspiration Behind Shaq’s Weight Loss Journey

The subject revolving around the weight loss journey of Shaq as he chats with Billy Bush is the focus here. Billy asks, “How much weight have you lost?” Shaq’s reaction is forthright when he states, “I lost about 50, I have got an additional 20 more to go.” This disclosure by itself would stir up any reader’s curiosity, but there is much more to the story.

Here, we are going to consider what motivated Shaq to transform to this extent. There is hardly any other show host that would have done what Shaq did–poked some fun at his colleague, Charles Barkley, for being almost similarly “fat”. But with a slight touch of humor, Shaq responds.

In the Podcast Shaq said, “What was the breaking point where you said enough I got to stop doing this? When I looked at my belly and I looked at Charles Barkley’s belly and they were similar, like I got to get down.”

However, Shaq’s journey is not solely about losing weight as it is also about giving back. He is concentrating on reaching out to underserved children by means of the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation. Shaq announces with pleasure that the event scheduled for October 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas will be a star-studded fundraising gala for this great cause.

Read More: Suffering From a Disorder Affecting 8.7 Million Adults, Shaquille O’Neal Details Painful Past That Triggered Whopping $2,500,000 Seed Investment

He announces a star-studded lineup, comprising John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, and Anderson. Paris, and Ray Romano all united for the benefit of the children.

Shaquille O’Neal’s Philanthropic Mission: Changing Lives Beyond the Court

O’Neal speaks about why he is a giver. He attributes it to his parents, who instilled two important values in him from a young age: respect and kindness. They had governed him throughout his life both in and out of his court.

As Shaq takes us through the particulars of his foundation, he lays bare the aim of his fast-approaching gala. It’s not simply about glitz and glamour; there is an attempt to impact positively the lives of underprivileged children. ‘The Event’ annually is now a hope beacon to the helpless. It is during this gala that Shaq seeks to generate large sums of money in order to create support for children who need it most.

Therefore, Shaquille O’Neal’s weight loss journey has not only been about losing weight but has revealed the essence of self-realization and the motivation towards the good life. The ongoing values of respect and consideration shine through in his dedication to serving underprivileged children through the establishment.

WATCH THIS STORY: “He Passed That Sunday”: Shaquille O’Neal’s 66YO Buddy Reminisces the “Surreal” Moment When the World Lost NBA Legend, Kobe Bryant

With another gala on the horizon, where entertainment meets a noble cause, let’s watch him as he continues to inspire on and off the court, one step at a time towards making the world a better place.