Ever wondered how a 65-year-old doctor manages to devour burgers and fries without the scale becoming his archenemy? When France’s favorite doctor, Michel Cymes, reveals his secret to maintaining his figure while not giving up on life’s culinary pleasures, you know you’re in for some seriously practical advice. Spoiler alert: it’s not rocket science, and there’s no magic wand involved. Just a little discipline—and a scale that doesn’t gather dust!
The burger-loving doctor’s not-so-secret indulgences
Let’s get something straight: Michel Cymes, known for his medical expertise as well as his television presence, rather enjoys living well. Forget the endless kale salads! He confides (as unveiled to Femme Actuelle on a certain Monday, October 3rd) that he doesn’t shy away from the good stuff: “I can treat myself to a steak tartare with fries, or a hamburger, whenever I feel like it…” Sounds like the dream, right?
But of course, there’s always a twist. For Cymes, balance is everything. He follows up these indulgent moments with a predictable routine: “But after a food or alcohol excess, the next day—and even the following day—I compensate with healthier eating and more physical activity.” In other words, he enjoys, then restores balance. Simple, yet so often overlooked!
The daily routine: scales and self-awareness
There’s no secret boot camp or peculiar diet at work here. Cymes’s method boils down to a fundamental daily practice: “But I also know that after 50–55 years old, you can’t afford to gain weight anymore, because it’s much harder to lose. So I weigh myself every day.” For a man who knows the value of prevention, this ritual acts as a kind of early warning system.
He even lets us in on his personal ‘magic number’: “As soon as I go above 82 kilos, I restrict myself until I’m back to my optimal weight.” It’s a straightforward method that anyone can adopt—no celebrity status required! The doctor sensibly reminds us, too, that an ideal weight is different for everyone and depends on factors such as sex. Watching the scales, but with a dose of realism.
Michel Cymes, the advisor—even to presidents
Cymes isn’t stingy with advice. In fact, he shared another anecdote in an appearance on C à vous, a television show, on Wednesday, October 5th. Who was the slightly surprising recipient of his wisdom? None other than former President François Hollande.
- Invited to the Élysée Palace, Cymes discussed weight management with Hollande, who was president at the time.
- “I told him: just do 6,000 steps,” Cymes shared.
- And did the president obey? Apparently so! Cymes reported that soon after, he heard Hollande’s advisers were asking, “Who was the idiot who suggested President Hollande do 6,000 steps?” Why? Because Hollande was walking around the Élysée park to get his prescribed steps in. If it’s good enough for a head of state, who are we to argue?
Staying energetic at 65 and beyond
Energy isn’t in short supply for Cymes, who, despite retiring as an ENT surgeon in 2021, has kept his media career lively.
- Between releasing books and hosting the show C bon à savoir on France 2, he needs every ounce of that vitality.
- It’s just one more reason for him to keep his weight in check—the balance between pleasure and prevention isn’t just a philosophy for Cymes, it’s a necessity.
So, what’s the big takeaway here? Enjoy the burger, take joy in your fries—but remember, a little scale self-monitoring, a few steps, and some good judgment go a long way—whether you’re a beloved TV doctor, a president, or just someone wanting good energy for life’s many adventures.
John Smith is a culinary enthusiast and food blogger who discovered his love for Asian cuisine during his years living in Seoul and Tokyo. With a background in journalism, he brings a storytelling approach to exploring the cultural significance behind every dish. John is passionate about making Asian cooking accessible to home cooks and sharing the vibrant food scenes he encounters in his travels.
