The spotlight of a major network procedural like FBI can be blinding, and for Zeeko Zaki—the man who brings Special Agent Omar Adom “OA” Zidan to life—the scrutiny is often relentless. As we move through the 2026 television season, a surge of “health speculation” has flooded social media feeds and fan forums. Viewers have noted a dramatic shift in the actor’s physique, leading to hushed conversations about whether the star is facing a private medical battle or if his time at the New York Field Office is coming to an end. However, a closer look at the facts reveals a story not of illness, but of an intense, disciplined transformation that Zaki has finally addressed in his own words.
The 100-Pound Transformation
The primary catalyst for the current speculation is Zaki’s staggering physical evolution. By early 2026, the actor had officially shed approximately 100 pounds since the show’s debut. For fans who were used to the “bulky, imposing” version of OA in Season 1, the leaner, more chiseled version appearing in Season 8 and 9 was a shock to the system.
In a revealing February 2026 interview, Zaki dismantled the rumors of poor health with a disarming sense of honesty. He framed his weight loss not as a reaction to a medical crisis, but as a deliberate experiment in “potential over comfort.” He famously stated that he stopped letting himself off the hook after long days on set and started treating his body as a tool for his craft. The speculation about his health, while rooted in fan concern, actually missed the mark: Zaki is arguably in the best physical shape of his life, having traded heavy comfort food for a regimen built on “private curiosity” and discipline.
Addressing the “Exit” Rumors
Whenever a lead actor undergoes a significant physical change, the “exit” rumors are never far behind. In the 2025–2026 cycle, speculation grew that Zaki was thinning down to prepare for a different role or that he was being written out of the show due to health-related stamina issues. Fans pointed to the cancellation of spinoffs FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International as a sign that the franchise was in a state of collapse, fearing that Zaki’s transformation was a precursor to his own departure.
However, the 2026 casting updates have provided a definitive answer. Zeeko Zaki is not leaving FBI. In fact, he has been confirmed as a main lead for Season 9, which is set to run through the 2026–2027 schedule. Far from slowing down, Zaki has been vocal about his desire to be in “every single episode,” even expressing sadness over the loss of crossover opportunities with the canceled spinoffs. His commitment to the role of OA is unwavering, and his new physique has actually allowed the writers to put the character into more physically demanding, high-action sequences than ever before.
The Reality of “Camera-Ready” Health
It is important to correct the misinformation that a dramatic weight loss in Hollywood always equates to a health crisis. In Zaki’s case, the 2026 narrative is one of body optimization. He has described the process as “selfishness in the best way,” focusing on his own well-being to ensure he can keep up with the grueling 14-hour days required for a Dick Wolf production.
The health speculation also ignored the actor’s transparency. Zaki has been open about the fact that his journey wasn’t about a “glow-up” for the cameras, but a mental shift. By 2026, he had moved away from the “template” of standard celebrity fitness advice, instead advocating for a personalized approach to health that prioritizes longevity over aesthetics. The “thinness” that worried some fans is actually the result of a high-protein, high-activity lifestyle designed to support the intense stunts he performs alongside Missy Peregrym.
Looking Ahead to Season 9
As FBI moves into its 2026–2027 run, Zeeko Zaki remains the tactical and emotional anchor of the series. The speculation regarding his health can finally be put to rest; the “new” OA is simply the result of an actor taking full control of his narrative. Whether he is chasing suspects through the Brooklyn Navy Yard or navigating the complex politics of the JOC, Zaki is doing so with a level of energy that proves he is more than ready for the challenges ahead.
The 100-pound drop wasn’t a sign of a man fading away—it was the sound of a man finding his second wind. As the 2026 season continues, fans can rest assured that Special Agent Zidan is healthy, happy, and exactly where he belongs.
