Michel Cymes’ secret to staying slim while enjoying burgers at 65

At 65, France’s most famous TV doctor, Michel Cymes, proves that you can stay in shape without giving up life’s pleasures. His approach isn’t about strict diets or endless restrictions — it’s about balance, awareness, and one very simple daily habit.

Yes, he still eats burgers and fries

Cymes admits he’s far from living on steamed vegetables. “I can happily enjoy steak tartare with fries or a burger when I feel like it,” he says. The key, he explains, is compensation. After an indulgent meal or a night with a bit too much wine, he spends the next day or two eating healthier and increasing his physical activity.

This flexible approach lets him enjoy food without guilt, while keeping his weight stable year-round.

The one rule he never breaks

The real secret, Cymes says, is simple: he steps on the scale every day.
“After 50 or 55, you can’t afford to put on too much weight, because losing it becomes harder,” he explains. He knows his ideal weight — 82 kilos — and if he goes over, he reins in his eating until he’s back to his target.

Even presidents get his advice

Cymes’ weight-management wisdom hasn’t been limited to television audiences. While visiting the Élysée Palace, he once suggested to then-President François Hollande that he start by walking 6,000 steps a day. The tip caught on, although some presidential aides reportedly grumbled about the leader pacing the park to reach his daily step goal.

Staying fit to keep up with a busy life

Since retiring from his medical career in 2021, Cymes has kept a full media schedule, from hosting his France 2 programme C Bon à Savoir to releasing books. He credits staying active and watching his weight as key to keeping the energy his work demands.

His philosophy is refreshingly straightforward: enjoy good food, monitor your body daily, and adjust when necessary. It’s a method that has clearly worked — and one that doesn’t mean saying goodbye to a juicy burger now and then.