Matthew Dellavedova Says ChatGPT, Claude Helped Him Lose 15 lbs and Dunk Again at 35
Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of training and nutrition conversations, and former NBA champion Matthew Dellavedova says it has played a major role in one of the most impressive transformations of his career. The 35-year-old Australian guard recently revealed that he has dropped about 15 pounds during the offseason, thanks to his new personal trainers – ChatGPT and Claude.
Dellavedova says he also lowered his sleeping heart rate by nine beats per minute, and is dunking again as he pursues a return to international competition, with hopes of representing Australia at the 2027 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.
Matthew Dellavedova Says AI Became His “24/7 Nutritionist”
Dellavedova shared on Instagram that he has been relying on AI to build meal plans, adjust calories around his training schedule, and help him make smarter food choices when life gets hectic.
“The biggest impact this offseason has been planning out every meal and giving options when plans change (dad life) and still be able to make good choices.”
He also described ChatGPT as a “personal 24/7 nutritionist that knows my training and goals and can adjust on the fly.”
According to Dellavedova, some of the biggest lessons from using AI included:
- Eating more carbohydrates before training sessions
- Reducing portion sizes later in the day
- Matching calorie intake to workload instead of eating the same every day
- Using photos of restaurant menus to receive meal recommendations that fit his nutrition goals
Dellavedova said AI would adjust his calorie intake and create a meal plan based on his workload for the day. For example: A lighter shooting session and upper body workout = a larger calorie deficit for the day.
Rather than following a rigid diet, Dellavedova said the AI allowed him to quickly adapt whenever his schedule changed.
AI Is Becoming Another Tool for Athletes
While AI cannot replace qualified coaches, registered dietitians, physicians, or sports nutrition professionals, more athletes are beginning to use it as an organizational tool to help with meal planning, grocery lists, calorie tracking, recipe ideas, and adjusting nutrition around changing schedules.
For busy athletes balancing training, travel, and family responsibilities, Dellavedova believes that flexibility was one of its biggest advantages.
His Australian Boomers teammate Jock Landale jokingly responded to the post with:
“Just an excuse to get the rig out. Thanks AI.”
Whether the trend becomes commonplace remains to be seen, but Dellavedova’s offseason transformation has already become one of the most talked-about examples of an elite athlete publicly embracing AI as part of his nutrition strategy.
With his weight down, and his “vertical” making great leaps, Dellavedova’s Olympic dreams are still very much alive. He hopes the combination of disciplined training and smarter nutritional planning will help extend his basketball career well beyond what many expected.
Image embed via Instagram @matthewdelly
