Drew Carey Explains How He Lost 80 Pounds and Beat Diabetes

He reversed diabetes and ditched medication after lifestyle overhaul.

The Price Is Right host reveals how cutting carbs, running, and cardio workouts helped him shed 80 pounds and reverse type 2 diabetes.Photo by Getty Images

Drew Carey hit his breaking point. After years of junk food, soda binges, and little movement, the Price Is Right host was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and already living with heart disease. His doctor warned that without major changes, his future would be cut short.

That wake-up call sparked a dramatic turnaround. In 2010, Carey dropped 80 pounds, reversed his diabetes, and has kept most of the weight off for more than a decade. “I feel like I’m in my 20s again,” he told PEOPLE.

Carey revealed that during his first year as host of The Price Is Right, his diet spiraled. “I would go out to a diner after filming and order pasta, a cupcake, and iced tea with a bunch of lemons,” he told PEOPLE. Later, he’d snack on tortilla chips and down sodas before bed.

The breaking point came when his doctor diagnosed him with type 2 diabetes. “It was miserable to live like that,” Carey said, adding that his doctor warned his future could be “shorter” if he didn’t overhaul his habits. He was already battling heart disease—he had an angioplasty and stent placed in 2001, according to Parade.

How Drew Carey Dropped the Weight

Carey lost 80 pounds in 2010, shrinking from 262 to 182 pounds. “Once I started dropping a couple pant sizes, then it was easy,” he told PEOPLE. His regimen: cutting out carbs, focusing on lean proteins, and doing “lots of cardio.” He later embraced running, telling Runner’s World that training for a 10K gave him the motivation to stay consistent.

The comedian has kept most of the weight off for more than a decade. He’s even joked to PEOPLE that he’s lost “1,000 pounds” over his lifetime—but the real victory was reversing his diabetes and ditching medication.

How to Upgrade Your Nutrition if You’re Pre-Diabetic

Carey swears by avoiding carbs altogether. But nutrition experts note balance matters. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are critical for energy—especially for the brain.

If you’re pre-diabetic, small changes can make a big impact:

Cut added sugars: Swap soda for sparkling water or unsweetened tea.
Load up on fiber: Beans, lentils, and leafy greens help regulate blood sugar.
Choose lean protein: Chicken, fish, or plant-based proteins support muscle and satiety.
Move more: Pair nutrition with at least 150 minutes of weekly exercise, per CDC guidelines.

As Carey put it: “It’s better being like this. It’s so freeing.”