If you’ve ever watched The Price is Right, you know Drew Carey as the quick-witted and charming host. But behind that famous smile and sharp humor, Drew has undergone a significant transformation. In recent years, he’s shed 80 pounds, completely overhauling his health and lifestyle. The journey wasn’t easy, but it was certainly worth it.
Drew’s story is a reminder that change, especially when it comes to our health, is possible—no matter how daunting it may seem. Let’s dive into how Drew Carey lost the weight, managed his mental and physical challenges, and how this transformation has impacted his life.
The Wake-Up Call: Health and Diabetes
We all experience moments in life that force us to take a step back and evaluate our health. For Drew, that wake-up call came with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. In a candid interview, Drew shared that his diabetes was affecting his energy levels and ability to do the things he loved. He said, “It was miserable to live like that. Diabetes was a huge wake-up call for me. It was affecting everything—my energy, my ability to do the things I loved, and most importantly, my health.”
At the time, Drew weighed over 300 pounds, and his health was spiraling. Type 2 diabetes was taking a toll on him, and it became clear that he needed to make drastic changes—not only to lose weight but to reclaim his life. The pressure to get healthier was not just about fitting into a new wardrobe; it was about saving his future.
Drew’s Approach: A No-Nonsense Diet
What did Drew Carey do to kick-start this monumental transformation? His approach was no-nonsense: cutting carbs, focusing on real food, and exercising regularly. Gone were the days of fast food and sugary snacks. Drew admitted, “I started preparing my own meals. Instead of grabbing fast food on the go, I focused on real food, and that was a big change for me.”
Drew adopted a low-carb diet, cutting out bread, pasta, and sugar. His meals now consisted of lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats. This dietary shift played a significant role in not only losing weight but also in stabilizing his blood sugar levels, ultimately leading to the reversal of his diabetes.
In his weight loss journey, Drew has shared, “What really worked for me was making simple, consistent changes. It wasn’t about a drastic diet but making better choices every day.” He took it one step at a time, ensuring his health improvements were sustainable.
Exercise: The Key to Long-Term Success
Diet alone wasn’t enough to help Drew achieve lasting weight loss. As he began shedding pounds, he also made exercise a regular part of his routine. He committed to 45-minute cardio workouts, several times a week. Whether it was walking on the treadmill or more intense workouts, Drew made movement a priority.
His efforts didn’t stop at the gym. Drew made sure he was also drinking plenty of water and getting adequate sleep to support his physical activity. A combination of exercise and hydration became crucial to maintaining the weight loss and feeling energized.
The Psychological Shift: Managing Anxiety and Stress
What many people don’t realize is that weight loss isn’t just about food and exercise; it’s also about mental health. Drew opened up about the psychological hurdles he faced during his transformation, particularly his battle with anxiety and stress. He said, “I realized that managing my mind was just as important as managing my body.”
It wasn’t easy for Drew to stay on track. Yo-yo dieting had been a part of his history, and he admits to struggling with the mental game of weight loss. “It was miserable to live like that,” he said, “but changing my mindset helped me tackle those emotional hurdles.”
In addition to his physical regimen, Drew turned to mindfulness and self-awareness practices to manage his anxiety and ensure he remained on the right path. Meditation and taking time to reflect helped Drew process the emotional changes that came with the weight loss process.
Social Pressure: The Public Eye
Drew’s weight loss journey wasn’t just a private struggle—it was a very public one. As a well-known comedian and television personality, he was in the spotlight, and the world was watching his every move. This added a layer of social pressure, but Drew didn’t let it stop him.
“People would comment on my weight, and I’d have to remind myself that I was doing this for me, not for them. It wasn’t about the comments—it was about my health and how I felt,” Drew explained.
His openness about his struggles with body image and self-esteem resonated with many of his fans, who applauded his vulnerability and commitment to change. The encouragement from his followers served as an additional motivator for him to stay the course.
The Results: An 80-Pound Transformation
So, after months of hard work and dedication, how did Drew fare? By sticking to his low-carb diet and exercise regimen, Drew successfully lost 80 pounds, dropping from 262 pounds to 182 pounds. His transformation was visible, but the real victory was in his health improvements. Drew no longer suffers from type 2 diabetes and has felt a huge shift in his energy levels.
“I feel way better now. Losing the weight changed my life. It’s like I’ve been given a second chance,” Drew shared. His transformation wasn’t just about appearance—it was about well-being and the ability to live a fuller, healthier life.
Maintaining the Weight Loss: Drew’s Lifestyle Now
Losing the weight was one thing, but maintaining it is another challenge altogether. For Drew, the key to keeping the weight off is sustainable habits. He continues to follow a low-carb diet, focusing on whole foods, and he hasn’t abandoned his regular workout routine.
“I don’t deprive myself,” he says, “but I do make better choices. It’s about finding balance and sticking to it.”
Drew also credits his ongoing mental health practices and mindfulness exercises for helping him stay grounded. The positive changes in his life aren’t just physical—they are deeply emotional, as he’s learned to manage his stress and anxiety better than ever before.
Drew’s Message: It’s Never Too Late to Change
Looking back on his journey, Drew Carey has one clear message: it’s never too late to make a change. Whether it’s weight loss, improving health, or simply taking control of your life, Drew’s story proves that dedication and a positive mindset can lead to transformative results.
“I’ve learned a lot through this process,” he says. “It’s not about the scale. It’s about your health, your well-being, and feeling good in your own skin.”
FAQ: Drew Carey’s Weight Loss Journey
1. How much weight did Drew Carey lose? Drew Carey lost 80 pounds, dropping from 262 pounds to 182 pounds through a combination of diet and exercise.
2. What diet did Drew Carey follow? Drew followed a low-carb diet, cutting out bread, pasta, and sugar while focusing on lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats.
3. Did Drew Carey have surgery for weight loss? No, Drew lost the weight through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. There was no surgery involved.
4. How did Drew Carey manage stress during his weight loss? Drew used mindfulness and meditation to help manage anxiety and stay focused on his goals, emphasizing the importance of mental health in the process.
5. Has Drew Carey kept the weight off? Yes, Drew has maintained his weight loss by sticking to his low-carb diet, continuing regular workouts, and focusing on sustainable lifestyle habits.
Drew Carey’s weight loss journey is a testament to the power of self-discipline, dedication, and mental resilience. His story is more than just about shedding pounds; it’s about reclaiming his health and transforming his life. By focusing on realistic goals, maintaining a balanced approach, and staying true to his long-term vision, Drew has shown that positive change is always within reach.