Billy Gardell is a famous American actor and comedian, best known for his roles in the sitcoms Mike & Molly and Bob Hearts Abishola. He has also appeared in several movies and TV shows, such as Bad Santa, You, Me and Dupree, My Name Is Earl, and Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas. But apart from his successful career, Gardell has also made headlines for his remarkable weight loss journey. The 54-year-old star has shed over 150 pounds since the start of the pandemic and has improved his overall health and well-being. In this article, we will explore how he did it, what motivated him, and what challenges he faced along the way.
What was Billy Gardell’s weight before and after losing weight?
Billy Gardell weighed over 370 pounds a decade ago. He struggled with his weight for most of his life and faced several health issues, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. He also had a resting heart rate of 113, which is considered very high and risky.
In 2020, Gardell decided to undergo bariatric weight loss surgery, which is a procedure that reduces the size of the stomach and limits the amount of food that can be eaten. He was encouraged to do so by his medical team, who warned him that he was at a high risk of severe COVID-19 complications due to his obesity. He also changed his diet and started eating healthier foods, such as lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. He avoided processed foods, sugars, and fats, and drank plenty of water.
By 2023, Gardell had lost over 150 pounds and reached a weight of between 205 and 210 pounds. He also lowered his resting heart rate to 68, which is within the normal range. He no longer had type 2 diabetes and his blood pressure and cholesterol levels were also under control. He said that he felt much healthier and happier, and that he could walk around without getting tired or out of breath.
What inspired Billy Gardell to lose weight?
One of the main reasons that motivated Gardell to lose weight was his son, William, who is 20 years old. Gardell said that he wanted to be around for him and see him grow up and achieve his goals. He also wanted to be a good example for him and show him that it is never too late to change and improve oneself. He said that he had been a good father in many ways, but not in terms of health. He wanted to change that and teach his son the importance of self-care and wellness.
Another factor that inspired Gardell to lose weight was his career. He said that he wanted to continue working as an actor and comedian, and that he needed to be fit and healthy to do so. He also said that he wanted to explore different roles and opportunities, and that losing weight would help him do that. He said that he was grateful for the roles that he had played so far, especially Mike Biggs in Mike & Molly, which was a character that he related to and loved. He said that he was proud of being a representative of the plus-sized community, but that he also wanted to show that he could do more than that.
What challenges did Billy Gardell face while losing weight?
Losing weight is not an easy process, and Gardell faced some difficulties and obstacles along the way. One of them was dealing with the negative comments and criticism from some people online, who either mocked him for being too heavy or questioned him for being too thin. Gardell said that he tried to ignore the haters and focus on the positive feedback and support that he received from his fans, friends, and family. He said that he was happy with his appearance and that he did not care what others thought of him.
Another challenge that Gardell faced while losing weight was quitting smoking. He admitted that he was still addicted to cigarettes and that he found it hard to stop. He said that he was working on it and that he hoped to quit soon. He said that a friend of his told him to “knock them down in the order they’re killing you”, meaning that he should prioritize his health issues and tackle them one by one. He said that he followed that advice and that he was proud of his progress.
FAQ
How old is Billy Gardell?
Billy Gardell was born on August 20, 1969, so he is 55 years old as of 2024.
What is Billy Gardell’s net worth?
Billy Gardell’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million as of 2024. He has earned most of his wealth from his acting and comedy career.
What is Billy Gardell’s religion?
Billy Gardell has not publicly disclosed his religious beliefs, but he has said that he believes in God and that he prays every day. He has also said that he respects all religions and that he does not judge anyone for their faith.
