If you’ve been watching The Price Is Right or following comedian and actor Drew Carey over the years, you’ve probably noticed something a little different about him. The once larger-than-life host, known for his comedic timing and quick wit, has gone through a remarkable transformation—one that has taken him from a weight of 262 pounds to a slimmed-down 182 pounds. What happened? How did Drew Carey lose so much weight? And perhaps most importantly—why did he do it?
In this article, we’ll dive into Drew Carey’s weight loss journey, which began with a serious wake-up call from his doctor. We’ll explore the motivations behind his drastic transformation, the methods he employed to lose 80 pounds, and the impact this journey had on his health and life.
A Life or Death Decision
For many people, it takes a health scare to kick-start a major life change. For Drew Carey, this moment came in 2010 when his doctor informed him that his weight had become a serious health risk. Diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes, Drew was told that he needed to make drastic changes to his lifestyle or risk facing even more health complications down the road. It wasn’t just about vanity or fitting into a smaller suit—it was about his life.
“I was looking at the reality of not being around much longer if I didn’t make a change,” Drew shared in an interview, reflecting on the tough decision. With his life on the line, he made a commitment that many find difficult: he decided to take control of his health and lose the weight that had been weighing him down—both physically and emotionally.
A No-Carb Revolution
Drew Carey didn’t rely on any magic pills or quick-fix crash diets to shed the weight. Instead, he turned to a no-carb diet, cutting out all the refined sugars and starchy foods that had contributed to his unhealthy weight gain. This wasn’t just a temporary fix—Drew adopted a long-term approach to dieting that focused on sustainable changes.
The diet that worked for him was heavily focused on eating lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats. He avoided carbs and processed foods, which meant no more pizza, no more pasta, and a lot less sugar. But Drew didn’t just cut calories—he focused on clean eating, filling his body with the nutrients it needed to perform at its best.
Drew openly admits that the beginning was challenging. It wasn’t easy to give up his favorite foods, but the results quickly made it worth it. “At first, I missed carbs. I really did. But after a couple of months, I started feeling better, more energetic, and I knew I was on the right path.” And he was.
The Power of Consistency
Diet is essential, but it’s not the only part of the equation when it comes to weight loss. Exercise was just as important in Drew’s weight loss journey. Drew started with simple cardio routines, making sure to get his heart pumping at least 45 minutes a day, multiple times a week. It wasn’t about lifting weights or doing extreme workouts. Instead, Drew focused on consistency—something that anyone can apply to their own fitness journey.
“I didn’t try to overdo it,” Drew explained. “I just started moving more—walking, jogging, doing things that would get my body used to activity again. It wasn’t about being perfect, it was about being consistent.”
As time went on, Drew incorporated more strength training into his routine to help with muscle toning. As his body started to lose fat, the muscle came through. The more Drew stuck to his routine, the more he could see the changes not just on the scale but in his energy levels, mental clarity, and even his self-esteem.
Overcoming the Emotional Hurdles
We often hear that weight loss is all about discipline and willpower, but for Drew Carey, the mental challenges were just as significant as the physical ones. “It was hard at times,” Drew shared, talking about the emotional struggle. “There were days when I felt like giving up. But I kept reminding myself why I was doing it.”
The mental aspect of weight loss can often be the hardest part. Drew didn’t just have to battle his physical cravings; he had to fight against the emotional attachment to food and the challenges that came with sticking to a new, healthier lifestyle. There were days when the temptation to return to his old ways was strong. But Drew pushed through, knowing that the end result would be worth it.
Drew’s weight loss journey also taught him the importance of self-compassion. He stopped viewing the process as a battle and started seeing it as a journey of self-love and care. This shift in mindset allowed him to not only lose weight but also maintain a healthier mindset, which was crucial to his ongoing success.
The Results: A New Man at 59
The results were nothing short of amazing. By the time Drew Carey had lost 80 pounds, he had transformed his life. He went from weighing 262 pounds to 182 pounds—a loss of 80 pounds. And the transformation didn’t just stop at the physical. Drew reported feeling more energized, healthier, and mentally sharper. His Type-2 diabetes had improved dramatically, and he was able to come off medication, which was a massive accomplishment.
“I’ve never felt better in my life,” Drew said, visibly proud of his accomplishments. It wasn’t just about the number on the scale. It was about feeling like he could now live the life he had always dreamed of, free from the health risks that once loomed large.
His story has inspired countless others, proving that it is possible to make real, lasting changes without relying on fad diets or extreme methods. The key, Drew says, is balance, consistency, and mental clarity.
Maintaining the Weight Loss: Keeping It Off for the Long-Term
Drew Carey’s weight loss journey didn’t stop once he shed the pounds. He knew that maintaining his weight loss was just as important as the journey to get there. With his new approach to eating and exercising, Drew was able to keep the weight off for years, and he continues to prioritize his health to this day.
“It’s a lifestyle now. It’s not something I have to think about every day; it’s just part of my routine,” Drew said. This is perhaps the most important takeaway from his story—sustainable changes are what make weight loss permanent. It’s not about quick fixes; it’s about making decisions that you can live with for the rest of your life.
An Inspiring Transformation
Drew Carey’s weight loss journey is a story of perseverance, dedication, and transformation. He didn’t rely on surgery or weight loss drugs like Ozempic—he chose the harder path, one of commitment and hard work. By changing his diet, incorporating exercise, and focusing on his mental health, Drew lost 80 pounds and improved his overall well-being.
For anyone out there struggling with weight loss, Drew’s story is a powerful reminder that change is possible—no matter where you start. All it takes is the will to take the first step and the courage to keep going. “If I can do it, so can you,” Drew said, a testament to his journey and his newfound health.