Drew Carey has always been a beloved face on TV. Whether as the witty host of The Price Is Right or his memorable role in The Drew Carey Show, he’s made us laugh for years. But in recent times, Drew’s transformation has been about something even more impressive than comedy. His weight loss journey—losing over 80 pounds in the past decade—is nothing short of inspiring, especially considering the emotional and physical hurdles he’s had to overcome along the way.
Let’s dive into how Drew Carey shed the pounds, how it changed his life, and why it’s a journey many people can relate to.
A Lifelong Struggle with Weight
Like many of us, Drew’s battle with his weight wasn’t something new. He wasn’t born with a “perfect body.” In fact, at his heaviest, Drew weighed in at over 300 pounds. As he’s openly discussed in interviews, this weight gain came from a combination of genetics, unhealthy eating habits, and the stressful lifestyle of a TV personality.
“I used to be the poster child for yo-yo dieting,” Drew admitted in a 2024 interview. “I’d lose weight, feel great, and then gain it all back. It was like a never-ending cycle.”
But this pattern of losing and regaining weight wasn’t just a cosmetic issue—it had a serious impact on his health. Drew was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2010, a wake-up call that forced him to reassess his life and make some tough decisions about his health. For many people, a diagnosis like this would seem like a heavy burden, but Drew used it as motivation to take control of his future.
The Turning Point: A Doctor’s Warning
In 2010, Drew received a wake-up call from his doctor: his blood sugar levels were dangerously high, and his risk of heart disease was climbing. “The doctor told me, ‘You’re going to die young if you don’t make a change,’” Drew shared during a People magazine interview. This was the moment that finally shook him to his core. For the first time, Drew realized that his weight wasn’t just a cosmetic issue—it was a matter of life or death.
His doctor gave him a stark ultimatum: lose weight, or face serious health consequences. Drew decided it was time for a drastic change.
A New Approach: No Quick Fixes
Unlike some celebrities who turn to fad diets or surgery for quick results, Drew committed to making sustainable lifestyle changes. No quick fixes. No extreme weight loss supplements. Instead, Drew’s approach centered around two key elements: exercise and diet. This was going to be a marathon, not a sprint.
1. Diet: Drew started by cutting out processed foods and reducing his intake of sugar and carbs. A low-carb diet became his go-to choice. “I didn’t follow some fad diet—I just started eating real food. Lots of vegetables, protein, and fewer carbs,” Drew explained. This helped him feel full without overloading on empty calories.
2. Exercise: But diet alone wasn’t enough. Drew committed to regular workouts, mixing both cardio and strength training. He started small but gradually increased his exercise routine to improve his fitness and stamina. “I hated exercise at first, but once you get into the routine, it becomes a part of your life,” Drew said. Consistency was the key.
Overcoming Challenges: The Mental Battle
As much as Drew’s weight loss was a physical transformation, it was also a mental one. Many people face the same challenges Drew did—not just with food but with motivation, discipline, and the emotional toll of changing old habits.
“There were days when I felt like quitting. The hardest part was changing my mindset. I had to believe that I could do it and stop seeing myself as someone who was always going to fail,” Drew confessed. His success wasn’t just about following a diet or going to the gym; it was about conquering the negative self-talk and embracing a healthier lifestyle.
The Results: 80 Pounds Lighter
By 2024, Drew Carey had successfully lost over 80 pounds. But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of his transformation is that it didn’t stop there. It wasn’t just about shedding the weight—it was about regaining his health, his confidence, and a renewed outlook on life.
In fact, Drew’s doctors have confirmed that he no longer has type 2 diabetes. That’s right: By losing the weight and sticking to his healthy habits, he reversed the condition that once threatened his life. And Drew couldn’t be happier with the results. “I feel way better than I have in years. It’s like a weight has been lifted, literally and figuratively,” he said in an interview with Fox News.
His weight loss has also positively impacted his career. Drew mentioned that he now has more energy, which has helped him stay active during filming of The Price Is Right and embrace the demands of his schedule with newfound vigor.
What Drew Learned from His Journey
Drew’s transformation wasn’t just about numbers on the scale—it was about discovering what he’s truly capable of. Throughout his weight loss journey, he learned several valuable lessons:
1. Take it one day at a time: “I didn’t try to change everything overnight. I just focused on making better choices every day,” he said. This mindset kept him grounded and focused.
2. It’s all about balance: Drew doesn’t follow an extreme diet. Instead, he finds balance, ensuring that he eats healthily while still enjoying the occasional treat. “If I want pizza, I have pizza. But I make sure it’s not an everyday thing,” he shared.
3. Exercise isn’t punishment: Drew has learned to love exercise. For him, it’s not about punishing his body—it’s about building strength and improving overall health. “Exercise has become my therapy,” he said.
The Impact on His Fans and the Public
Drew’s journey is inspiring not just because of the weight loss but because of how real and relatable it is. He’s not pretending to be perfect. He’s a real person, just like anyone else, who faces struggles and setbacks. And yet, he’s made it through, proving that it’s possible to reclaim control over your health and life—no matter what.
Drew’s story has become a beacon of hope for many people who are also dealing with weight-related health issues. He’s shown us that it’s not too late to make a change, and that change can happen one step at a time. And perhaps most importantly, he’s reminded us that the hardest part of any journey is simply taking the first step.
Drew Carey’s Weight Loss: A Life-Long Commitment
As Drew continues his journey, he remains committed to his health, and his story serves as a reminder to all of us: it’s never too late to make a change. Whether you’re battling weight loss, struggling with diabetes, or just trying to live a healthier life, Drew’s story proves that transformation is possible, no matter your age or stage in life.
“I’m not done yet,” Drew says with a smile. “But I’m on the right path.”
So, if you’re thinking about starting your own health journey, remember Drew’s words: take it one day at a time, stay consistent, and never give up.
FAQs About Drew Carey’s Weight Loss
1. How much weight has Drew Carey lost?
Drew Carey has lost over 80 pounds over the past decade. He attributes his weight loss to consistent exercise and a healthy diet, following a low-carb approach.
2. What caused Drew Carey to lose weight?
Drew was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2010, which served as a wake-up call. His doctor’s warning about the risks of his weight and health motivated him to make lasting lifestyle changes.
3. What kind of exercise did Drew Carey do?
Drew incorporated a mix of cardio and strength training into his routine. He started slow but gradually increased his workout intensity over time.
4. Did Drew Carey have weight loss surgery?
No, Drew did not have surgery to lose weight. His transformation came through diet and exercise, proving that healthy lifestyle changes can be just as effective as surgery.
5. How does Drew Carey maintain his weight loss?
Drew maintains his weight loss by sticking to his low-carb diet, exercising regularly, and focusing on long-term, sustainable habits rather than quick fixes.