Drew Carey’s Health Journey: From Diabetes & Weight Loss to Wellness and Resilience

Mian Hamid September 23, 2025

N E E D   T O   K N O W

  • 💪 Drew Carey opens up about his 80-pound weight loss and diabetes recovery.

  • 🩺 Shares why his type 2 diabetes diagnosis became a life-changing wake-up call.

  • ❤️ Talks candidly about grief after the loss of ex-fiancée Amie Harwick.

  • 🧘‍♂️ Reveals how therapy, meditation, and balance shape his wellness routine.

  • 📺 At 66, the beloved host proves health and happiness are the real prizes.

Drew Carey Opens Up About Health Struggles, Weight Loss, and the Journey to Well-Being

Drew Carey’s Health Journey From Diabetes & Weight Loss to Wellness and Resilience

Drew Carey, beloved comedian, actor, and longtime host of The Price Is Right, has spent decades making America laugh. But behind the cameras, the 66-year-old has faced a series of personal health struggles that changed how he approaches life and wellness.

From significant weight challenges to a diabetes scare, and even emotional setbacks following personal tragedy, Carey has been candid about what it takes to prioritize health — both physical and mental.

A Wake-Up Call: Battling Weight and Diabetes

In the mid-2000s, Carey was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a turning point in his life. At the time, the actor was carrying over 250 pounds, and the diagnosis pushed him to reevaluate his lifestyle.

“I was sick of being fat,” Carey told People. 

“I was diabetic with Type 2. I thought, ‘I’m never going to see my son graduate if I don’t do something about this.’”

Through strict discipline, he overhauled his diet, cutting out carbs, sugar, and processed foods, and incorporated regular workouts. The transformation was so dramatic that by 2010, Carey announced he was diabetes-free after losing over 80 pounds.

The Emotional Struggles Behind the Smile

Drew Carey’s Health Journey From Diabetes & Weight Loss to Wellness and Resilience

While Carey’s health victories made headlines, his emotional journey has been just as profound. Following the tragic death of his ex-fiancée Amie Harwick in 2020, Carey admitted that grief took a toll on his well-being.

On his SiriusXM show, Carey reflected: 

“I really loved her, and it’s been hard. But you learn that grief and healing don’t have a timetable. You take it one day at a time.”

Fans and colleagues noted that Carey leaned heavily on therapy, meditation, and his close circle of friends to navigate the emotional weight of loss while continuing to bring joy to millions of viewers.

Self-Care, Fitness, and Finding Balance

These days, Carey credits his wellness to balance and moderation. He maintains a healthier weight with portion control, mindful eating, and cardio workouts — not the “crash diets” of his past.

Skincare and self-care routines also play a role. Carey joked in a 2023 interview: 

“I may not be a Hollywood heartthrob, but I take care of myself. Sunscreen and laughter are my secret weapons.”

Advocacy for Men’s Health

Drew Carey’s Health Journey From Diabetes & Weight Loss to Wellness and Resilience

Carey has since become a quiet but steady advocate for men’s health, urging others not to ignore symptoms or delay medical checkups. Carey admitted.

“I let myself go for too long before taking action, If my story helps even one person get checked or start walking every day, it’s worth it.”

The Price Is Right — and So Is Health

As Carey enters his late 60s, he continues hosting The Price Is Right with the same humor and warmth that made him a household name. But his real prize, as he often says, has been reclaiming his health.

For fans who have watched him for decades, Drew Carey’s story is a reminder that health journeys are never linear — they’re about resilience, persistence, and finding joy in the process.

🕒 A Timeline of Health Struggles & Recovery

Early Career – Weight Challenges (1990s–2000s)

  • During his sitcom fame (The Drew Carey Show), Carey openly joked about his weight but later admitted it was a growing health concern.

  • His weight climbed to over 250 pounds, setting the stage for long-term health issues.

2000s – Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis

  • Carey was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a major turning point.

  • He revealed later: “I thought, I’m never going to see my son graduate if I don’t change something.”

  • Doctors urged immediate lifestyle changes to avoid worsening complications.

2010 – Dramatic Weight Loss & Diabetes Reversal

  • Carey adopted a strict low-carb, no-sugar diet combined with daily exercise.

  • He lost over 80 pounds and proudly declared himself diabetes-free.

  • “It’s all diet. I don’t do crazy workouts, but I stopped eating junk,” he shared in interviews.

2020 – Emotional Setback After Personal Tragedy

  • The death of his ex-fiancée Amie Harwick deeply impacted his emotional well-being.

  • Carey leaned on therapy and close friends while continuing to host The Price Is Right.

  • He described grief as “a process you don’t get over, but you learn to live with.”

2021–2023 – Focus on Balance & Self-Care

  • Carey began emphasizing moderation over extremes in diet and exercise.

  • Adopted meditation, portion control, and regular cardio.

  • Also highlighted the importance of mental health care alongside physical health.

2024–2025 – Aging Gracefully & Advocacy

  • At 66, Carey remains committed to wellness while hosting The Price Is Right.

  • He shares messages about men’s health awareness, encouraging others not to ignore medical checkups.

  • Carey credits discipline, humor, and self-care for keeping him healthy in his 60s.

(This article is based on interviews and reporting from PEOPLE, US Weekly, Daily Mail, and other sources up through mid-September 2025.)

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