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Spider-Man cannot defeat his enemies without his spider-sense and sticky webs, but Peter Parker cannot survive high school without his best friend, Ned Leeds. Ned, played by Jacob Batalon, caught many Marvel Cinematic Universe fans because of his compelling portrayal as Tom Holland's sidekick for five films and counting. However, after sporting a chubby physique for the entirety of his acting career, fans were shocked when they saw Jacob's new look.

How did Jacob Batalon lose weight so quickly? Was Jacob's weight loss natural, or did he undergo any surgery? Is he losing weight for another acting role, or is it because of possible health risks? Keep reading to find out...

Is Jacob Batalon from Spider-Man A Filipino?

Jacob Batalon is born in Hawaii to Filipino parents, making him a Filipino-American citizen. Jacob wasn't as well-decorated as part of the big Hollywood bunch of Filipino-American actors compared to Vanessa Hudgens, Jo Koy, or Apl De Ap. Still, his role in Marvel proved a significant role somewhere else.

Jacob's role as Ned made him realize how impactful his role was to the Asian community, especially when Marvel received favorable comments for Ned and his Filipino grandmother's entertaining interactions in Spider-Man: No Way Home.

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The 25-year-old actor told CinemaBlend, "I [Jacon Batalon] think that I only started to feel impactful on the issue on the [Asian] community after we came out with the movies and doing press and things of that nature. And so, at the beginning [of acting in the Marvel Cinematic Universe], I didn't understand it. And then, as soon as people started messaging me about being an inspiration and talking about how they're [Asian community] being seen and represented and heard for the first time, that meant a lot.

Is Jacob Batalon Done With Spider-Man?

Sadly, after his five years acting as Tom Holland's best friend, Jacob will be stepping back from playing his role as Ned in Marvel. However, with that door closing, another one closes, meaning it is still not the end of Jacob Batalon's acting career.

He now stars in his first leading role Reginald in the comedy tv show Reginald the Vampire. Based on Johnny B. Truant's book, the tv adaptation of the original comics is about the life of a kind newbie vampire who struggles to fit into society's standards.

RELATED: Lesser-Known Facts About Spider-Man Star, Jacob Batalon

Although many of his fans are shocked that they won't see the Peter-Ned interactions in the following Spider-Man films, speculations about a new Spider-Man cast surface on the upcoming Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse excited them even more.

How Much Weight Has Jacob Batalon Lost?

Jacob Batalon's weight loss journey started with self-realization, following the Fil-Am actor seeing how unhealthy his lifestyle and body have been for the past years. Dropping a whopping 112 pounds and possibly more, Jacob achieved his rapid weight loss by sticking to a healthy diet and gym routine for months.

As he opened up in several interviews, his workout focused on cardio and muscle toning, consisting of burpees, lunges, weights, and other related activities. He also changed the meals he consumes daily, now staying away from fast food as much as possible.

Being overweight took a toll on Jacob Batalon's mental and physical state, and although it was one of the possible reasons he was cast for the role of Ned, he didn't find his body healthy anymore. It also didn't help that he received countless unsolicited comments from people asking him to 'lose weight' despite his already struggling.

Did Jacob Batalon Get Weight Loss Surgery?

Despite rumors about Jacob's suspiciously fast weight loss, the Hollywood actor confirms that he did not undergo any weight loss surgery, including liposuction and other fat-removal operations.

Further, he says that he achieved his toned body through his time in the gym doing interval training and discipline in the diet. Further opening up about his strict diet, Jacob religiously ate grilled chicken to maintain the needed proteins he had to consume daily.

Did Jacob Batalon Gain Weight For Spiderman: No Way Home?

Tom Holland and Jacob Batalon met together at their first ever screen test for Spider-Man. Although they had an awkward start because of the nerves impressing the Spider-Man production, Jon Watts, the director, helped ease the tension by encouraging the cast to bond.

As with what other Spider-Man casts said about the behind-the-scenes of their films, it seems unlikely that Jacob gained weight specifically for Spider-Man: No Way Home as years before the film, he already sported his old physique.

However, one thing fans saw change about Jacob's appearance in the latest Spider-Man film is his bald head. Although Jacob Batalon never confirmed if it is true, many fans speculate that he might have Alopecia, an autoimmune illness that makes a person lose hair.

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Now more fit and confident about his body, Jacob Batalon even posts a photo of him on Instagram with the caption, "Finally people can stop telling me [Jacob Batalon] to lose weight now."