Drew Carey's Physical Health Concerns
Drew Carey's journey to better health was driven by two significant medical diagnoses: heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. These conditions served as a powerful wake-up call, prompting him to reassess his lifestyle and take control of his well-being.
Heart Disease: The Initial Scare
Carey first experienced a serious health scare in 2001. While filming The Drew Carey Show, he suffered chest pains and underwent a coronary angioplasty to clear a 95% blocked artery. During the procedure, doctors inserted a stent to keep the artery open. This experience served as an early warning sign, although Carey admitted he initially tried to ignore it by returning to old habits. His family history, with his father dying of a heart attack in his 40s, also weighed heavily on his mind. This incident, combined with his later diabetes diagnosis, ultimately led to his profound health transformation.
Type 2 Diabetes: The Major Turning Point
The most significant public health announcement came in 2010, when Carey was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. A doctor's stark warning that his life would be "shorter" without major changes finally pushed him to take action. This diagnosis, often linked to excess weight and poor lifestyle choices, became the catalyst for his diet and exercise overhaul. His approach involved cutting out carbs, processed foods, and soda, and committing to a consistent cardio routine. As a result of losing 80 pounds, he successfully put his Type 2 diabetes into remission and no longer required medication.
The Role of Weight Loss in His Health Turnaround
Carey's significant weight loss is central to his health story. By adopting a healthier lifestyle, he shed a remarkable amount of weight, which had a domino effect on his overall health.
Key components of his weight loss journey included:
- Dietary Changes: He followed a low-carb eating plan, which involved eliminating things like bread, pasta, and sugary sodas. Instead, he focused on lean proteins and vegetables.
- Increased Activity: He incorporated regular cardio workouts, often spending 45 minutes on the elliptical or running several times a week. His commitment to running became so serious that he trained for and completed a 10K race.
- Sustained Effort: Unlike past attempts at weight loss, this time, Carey focused on sustainable habits rather than a quick fix. He has managed to keep the weight off for over a decade, demonstrating the power of long-term consistency.
Old Habits vs. New Lifestyle
To illustrate the dramatic shift in his approach to health, here is a comparison of Drew Carey's habits before and after his health wake-up call.
| Aspect | Before Health Transformation | After Health Transformation |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Regular consumption of pasta, cupcakes, soda, and chips. | Strict low-carb diet focusing on lean proteins and vegetables. |
| Exercise | Sedentary lifestyle, little to no regular physical activity. | Consistent cardio workouts, including running and elliptical training. |
| Weight | Weighed 262 pounds at his heaviest. | Lost 80 pounds, reducing his waist size from 44 to 34 inches. |
| Blood Sugar | Diagnosed with and required medication for Type 2 diabetes. | Reversed Type 2 diabetes and no longer needs medication. |
| Mindset | Expressed feeling miserable and trapped by his habits. | Described his new lifestyle as "freeing" and a positive change of mindset. |
Mental Health: A Battle Beyond the Physical
In recent years, Drew Carey has also become an advocate for mental health, openly discussing his personal struggles with depression. He revealed to Chris Wallace that he had attempted suicide twice in his younger years. These attempts, he explained, were "calls for help" stemming from deep-seated feelings of unhappiness and loneliness.
Finding Purpose and Resilience
Carey credits several factors with helping him find a better mental state, though he admits the battle with depression is ongoing. His experience in the Marine Corps boot camp provided structure and a sense of purpose that had been missing from his life. Additionally, he has consistently turned to self-help books and therapy to build resilience and develop coping mechanisms. By sharing his story, he aims to remind people that even successful celebrities face personal challenges, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Conclusion: A Complete Lifestyle Overhaul
When people ask, "what illness does Drew Carey have?", the answer is more complex than just a list of diagnoses. It's the story of a complete lifestyle overhaul in the face of serious health risks. From a heart disease scare in 2001 to a life-changing Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in 2010, Carey's journey is a powerful testament to the impact of diet and exercise on physical health. Furthermore, his bravery in speaking about his mental health and depression highlights the critical connection between mind and body wellness. His story serves as an inspiring example of how one can reverse damaging health trends and reclaim a healthier, happier life through determination and a changed mindset.
For more information on Type 2 diabetes, you can visit the American Diabetes Association website at https://diabetes.org/.
