Drew Carey, the beloved comedian and host of The Price is Right, is no stranger to the spotlight. His career has spanned decades, and over the years, his personal life, including his weight loss journey, has captured the public’s attention. Drew’s transformation isn’t just about shedding pounds; it’s about reclaiming his health and taking control of his well-being.
In 2010, Drew was tipping the scales at 262 pounds, a weight that caused him several health concerns, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. But Drew didn’t just wake up one day and decide to lose weight—his journey started with a wake-up call that forced him to reassess his lifestyle and make some serious changes.
What followed was nothing short of an inspiring transformation. Over the course of several months, Drew lost 80 pounds, going from a size 44 waist to a leaner 34. His journey wasn’t easy, but it was one that changed his life and inspired countless others.
The Wake-Up Call: Health Scare Leads to Action
Drew’s health struggles began to take center stage in his life around 2001 when he experienced a heart scare while filming The Drew Carey Show. After suffering chest pains, Drew underwent a coronary angioplasty. The procedure was a wake-up call—one that forced him to face the reality of his health situation. “I was in my 40s, and I realized I was just playing Russian roulette with my health,” Drew admitted in interviews. “I had to change.”
In addition to the heart scare, Drew was also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a condition that significantly impacted his lifestyle. He knew that unless he made drastic changes, his health could spiral further, and the consequences could be dire.
The Turning Point: A Shift in Mindset
Drew didn’t want to just lose weight for appearance’s sake—he wanted to feel good, to be healthy, and to live a longer, more fulfilling life. He acknowledged that in the past, he had struggled with yo-yo dieting, trying various fads and extremes. But this time, he needed a plan that was sustainable.
“I didn’t want a quick fix,” Drew explained. “I wanted something that I could keep up with for the long haul. I wanted something I could incorporate into my life, not just for a few months.”
After doing some research and seeking guidance from doctors, Drew decided to adopt a no-carb diet, a decision inspired by the Dukan Diet, which focuses on high-protein and low-carb meals. The simplicity of the plan was appealing to him—he wouldn’t have to count calories or follow complicated meal plans. Instead, Drew focused on eating whole, healthy foods like lean proteins, vegetables, and avoiding processed carbs.
“I cut out all the sugars, all the junk,” Drew said. “I just started eating more whole foods, and it made a huge difference.”
The Road to Success: Consistency is Key
One of the key components of Drew’s weight loss journey was exercise. He didn’t start with extreme workouts or a high-intensity regimen. Instead, he began gradually incorporating cardio and strength training into his routine. He committed to doing 45-minute cardio workouts several times a week, which helped burn fat and increase his stamina.
“The first few weeks were tough,” Drew admitted. “I was out of shape and it felt like I wasn’t making any progress. But I kept at it, one day at a time. It became a routine, something I could depend on.”
Drew’s determination paid off, and soon enough, the pounds started to come off. But it wasn’t just about shedding weight—it was about feeling better and overcoming the mental barriers that had kept him from succeeding in the past. His mindset shifted from being focused solely on the scale to being focused on his overall health and how he felt in his body.
“I stopped obsessing about the number on the scale,” Drew said. “For me, it was about how I felt. I was feeling more energetic, I was sleeping better, and I was finally taking control of my life.”
The Results: A New Lease on Life
By 2011, Drew had lost 80 pounds, and his life had completely transformed. His waist size went from 44 inches to 34 inches, and he felt healthier than he had in years. But the physical changes were just the beginning. The real transformation was in his overall well-being—his energy levels skyrocketed, his mental clarity improved, and he was no longer dependent on medication for his diabetes.
Drew’s dramatic weight loss also resulted in a reversal of his type 2 diabetes. In interviews, he shared how he was able to ditch his medication completely, thanks to his healthy eating habits and consistent exercise routine.
“I’m no longer diabetic, and I’m off all my meds,” Drew proudly shared in an interview with People Magazine. “It feels amazing to be free of that.”
Maintaining the Weight Loss: A Lifelong Commitment
Drew’s journey to losing 80 pounds was not just a temporary transformation. It’s been a sustained lifestyle change. While he admits that there have been challenges along the way, including moments when he “slipped” back into unhealthy habits, he’s learned how to get back on track.
“I’m human,” Drew said. “I have my days where I indulge. But I’ve learned how to keep myself in check and not let it derail me. It’s all about balance.”
Drew’s success is a result of a combination of diet, exercise, and mindset. By sticking to a low-carb diet, prioritizing hydration (he drinks a lot of water), and making regular exercise a non-negotiable part of his life, Drew has maintained his weight loss for over a decade.
“The most important thing for me now is feeling good,” Drew emphasized. “I’m in a much better place than I was before. I’m stronger, healthier, and more confident.”
A Message to Others: Empowering Those on Their Own Journeys
Drew Carey’s weight loss journey serves as an inspiration to anyone who has struggled with their health or weight. His story shows that with determination, patience, and consistency, dramatic change is possible.
“I used to think I could never lose weight,” Drew shared. “But once I committed to it, I realized that it wasn’t impossible. If I can do it, anyone can.”
He urges others to find what works for them, to take it one step at a time, and to focus on feeling better, not just looking better. “It’s about being the best version of yourself,” Drew said. “That’s what really matters.”
Key Takeaways from Drew Carey’s Weight Loss Journey
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Commitment to Change: Drew’s journey started with a wake-up call and a commitment to taking control of his health. He didn’t just want to lose weight; he wanted to feel better and improve his life.
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Sustainable Practices: Drew’s weight loss was achieved through sustainable, long-term changes, not fad diets. He focused on eating healthy, cutting carbs, and incorporating exercise into his routine.
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Mindset Shift: Drew stopped obsessing about the scale and focused on how he felt. His mindset shifted from quick fixes to long-term health, which helped him sustain his weight loss.
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Consistency Is Key: Drew’s weight loss didn’t happen overnight. He stuck to his diet and exercise regimen, even when it was tough. Over time, consistency paid off.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drew Carey’s Weight Loss
1. How much weight did Drew Carey lose? Drew Carey lost 80 pounds, going from 262 pounds to 182 pounds.
2. What diet did Drew Carey follow to lose weight? Drew followed a low-carb diet, cutting out sugars and processed carbs. He focused on eating whole, healthy foods like lean proteins and vegetables.
3. What exercise did Drew Carey do to lose weight? Drew did 45-minute cardio workouts several times a week and incorporated strength training into his fitness routine.
4. Did Drew Carey have any weight loss surgery? No, Drew did not have weight loss surgery. His weight loss was achieved through diet and exercise.
5. How did Drew Carey overcome type 2 diabetes? Drew was able to reverse his type 2 diabetes by making healthy lifestyle changes, including a low-carb diet and regular exercise.
6. How does Drew Carey maintain his weight loss? Drew maintains his weight loss by focusing on balance—eating healthy, staying active, and drinking plenty of water. He also stays mindful of his eating habits.
Drew Carey’s transformation is a testament to the power of dedication, healthy habits, and a positive mindset. His journey shows that real change is possible with consistent effort and the right mindset.