Fitness coach Mario Tomic believes social media has dramatically distorted what a lean, natural physique actually looks like. In a recent YouTube video, he breaks down realistic body weights for men ranging from 5’6″ to 6’2″, using examples from his coaching clients alongside well-known actors to help viewers set more attainable fitness goals.
According to Tomic, unrealistic expectations often lead people to underestimate how much body fat they need to lose before reaching a lean physique.
Social Media Has Changed What People Think Is “Lean”
Tomic opens the video by responding to a viral claim suggesting that visible abs only “count” if a man weighs at least 165 pounds (75 kg) at 5’10”.
He argues that this mindset ignores what natural physiques have looked like throughout history.
“I can confidently tell you that most guys underestimate how much fat they need to lose to get lean,” Tomic said after reflecting on coaching more than 1,200 men over the past decade.
Using his own transformation as an example, he explains that he dropped from 202 pounds (92 kg) to 154 pounds (70 kg) at 5’10”, a nearly 50-pound weight loss that surprised even him.
He also notes that today’s average body weight is significantly higher than it was several decades ago, making overweight physiques appear more “normal” than they actually are.
Real Client Transformations Across Different Heights
Rather than using bodybuilders or fitness influencers, Tomic showcases clients with demanding careers, families, and busy lifestyles.
For men standing 5’6″, he highlights a 51-year-old client who reduced his weight from 151 to 139 pounds over five months while continuing to gain strength.
At 5’8″, another client reached a lean physique at 145 pounds after just over three months of structured dieting.
For men who are 5’10”, Tomic presents a client who transformed from 186 pounds to 147 pounds in six months, demonstrating that a lean physique can look far more muscular than the number on the scale suggests.
He continues with similar examples at 6’0″ and 6’2″, pairing each transformation with actors such as Chris Evans, Daniel Craig, Tom Hiddleston, Robert Downey Jr., and Daniel Radcliffe to provide realistic visual comparisons.
Lean Physiques Often Weigh Less Than Expected
One of Tomic’s biggest takeaways is that many people overestimate the body weight required to look athletic.
“Being lean often gives an impression that you’re a lot heavier and more muscular,” he explained, noting that several of his clients were frequently guessed to weigh 15 to 20 pounds more than they actually did.
He argues that today’s constant exposure to enhanced physiques on social media has shifted public expectations away from what is naturally achievable.
The Takeaway
Tomic encourages viewers to focus less on arbitrary weight targets and more on building sustainable habits. Instead of chasing influencer physiques, he recommends tracking calorie intake, eating enough protein, lifting weights three to four times per week, staying active, and allowing fat loss to happen gradually.
“If you do things right, it’s only a matter of time until you reach your goal,” Tomic said.
For anyone wondering what a realistic weight should look like for their height, his message is clear: lean, healthy physiques are often much lighter than social media would have you believe.
About the Author
Jeremiah Oliva
Jeremiah Oliva is a writer passionate about fitness, sports, and active living. He has experience in songwriting and managing content and social media for online radio and magazine platforms.
He covers HYROX, CrossFit®, and competitive fitness, with a focus on performance, mindset, and athlete development.
Outside of writing, Jeremiah trains in boxing, cycles, explores the outdoors with his kids, and plays the guitar.
