Billy Gardell’s Weight Loss Story (How Much Did He Lose?)

James Cunningham, BSc, CPT
Published by James Cunningham, BSc, CPT | Staff Writer & Senior Coach
Last updated: September 16, 2024
FACT CHECKED by Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC
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Billy Gardell is an American stand-up comedian and actor who recently underwent an incredible weight transformation.

Many fans were in awe because he lost so much weight after the COVID-19 pandemic.

After observing the changes in his physique and reading his comments on the health benefits of his weight reduction, it reminded me of my own weight loss journey a few years back. Seeing Gardell's transformation inspired me to delve deeper into his fitness routine, thinking about how it could benefit my clients battling obesity, just as I once did.

So, I teamed up with a dietician and watched his interviews to do just that. So let’s take a look at Billy Gardell’s efforts.

What Prompted Billy Gardell’s 150-Pound Weight Loss Journey?

Billy Gardell before weight loss in 2010

The risk of his diabetes worsening, bad blood numbers, and obesity-related illnesses prompted Billy Gardel’s journey to lose weight. The decision to embark on this endeavor was driven by his desire to leave behind an unhealthy lifestyle and embrace a new chapter of improved health and well-being.

Once diagnosed with diabetes, Billy decided to take his health seriously and began working with a personal trainer.

In an interview, Gardell shared that with the help of a fitness trainer and health experts from CBS, he adopted a structured diet and routine, leading to a loss of over 100 pounds.

Apart from the evident health benefits, Billy Gardell's profound motivation for his transformative weight loss journey was deeply personal. He aspired to set a positive example for his son, emphasizing the significance of health and longevity. Gardell's commitment to being present for his son's life milestones showcases that sometimes, the most potent inspirations come from our loved ones.

While Billy Gardell's weight loss journey is nothing short of inspirational, he remains candid about his ongoing challenges. He openly admits to still battling with the habit of smoking cigarettes. This transparency serves as a reminder that everyone has their own set of challenges, and personal growth is a continuous journey.

“I do it a day at a time and I’m just so, so very grateful that that happened for me. No more diabetes, no more bad blood numbers.”

- Billy Gardell

His Weight Loss Surgery

Billy's initial weight loss was through diet and exercise. However, post-COVID-19, he accelerated his journey with surgery, though he doesn't necessarily advocate for it.

How Much Weight Did Billy Gardell Lose?

Billy Gardell with a mustache in dining area

Gardell shed a total of 140 lbs (63.5 kgs) through diet, exercise, and surgery. His journey, though transformative, was challenged by deep-rooted unhealthy food habits from his upbringing.

Gardell revealed that the mental aspect of getting healthy and staying healthy was one of the most challenging barriers to his overall weight loss.

To lose some pounds, he had to overcome a lot of conditioning that got him unhealthy in the first place (like smoking cigarettes), along with some things he failed to note early on.

He mentioned that he grew up in a family where one ate to cope with a bad day, and over time, eating food became a serious addiction, causing him to don his fat boy pants.

I can relate to Gardell's experience. Growing up, food was also my comfort during tough times. It's a challenging cycle to break, but recognizing the emotional ties to food is the first step.

Billy Gardell Stats

  • Date of birth: August 20, 1969
  • Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
  • Weight: 203 lbs (92 kgs)

Did Billy Gardell Reveal His Workout Routine?

While he didn't detail his routine, he emphasized self-care. He followed a plan curated by his fitness trainer, which significantly contributed to his transformation.

But even though his workout isn’t public information, we can make an educated guess about a few things.

Since Gardell was quite heavy-set, his routine may have involved low-impact cardio training like brisk walking to burn fat.

Additionally, he’d also have done some amount of weight training to gain muscle mass and increase the number of calories he burned in a day.

After the surgery, he may have gone through a much lighter version of his previous workouts, but walking around pretty healthy remains a staple.

With the guidance and support of a dedicated fitness trainer, Gardell achieved all the markings of impressive weight loss results, transforming his body and improving his overall health.

I also recommend supplementing and speeding your fat loss by taking the top-grade fat burners for men.

What Was His Diet Routine?

Healthy vegetable meal

His diet routine was quite simple but pretty healthy. It consisted of lean meat, vegetables, and carb sources like rice and oatmeal.

He also avoided high-calorie foods like rice and white bread during dinner time as they spiked his blood glucose levels [1].

When I started my health journey, my diet was similar to Gardell's. Focusing on lean meats, vegetables, and wholesome carbs like oatmeal made all the difference.

Gardell's weight gain was a result of unhealthy eating habits, smoking cigarettes, and drinking. His first step was to eliminate these habits, and that led him toward a weight loss mindset.

Billy Gardell's weight loss effort initially began by quitting all unhealthy foods and habits. This put him in the right mindset to carry on with his fitness goals, making him a big believer in self-care.

Is Surgery a Good Option for Fat Loss?

A hospital bed

Bariatric weight loss surgery might be a good option for fat loss if you have certain pre-existing conditions that bar you from losing weight (Alstrom syndrome, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and Cohen syndrome) [2].

Otherwise, you need to stick with the basics: diet, water, and exercise for weight loss.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Most trainers will tell you that eating a well-balanced diet is the first step towards getting in shape. Stick to healthy food - foods high in protein and fats and low in carbs.

Avoid unhealthy food habits like snacking and eating junk food with empty calories. These only lead to weight gain, and failing to note early on could make losing weight harder.

From my personal experience, starting with a well-balanced diet was a game-changer. Just like most trainers advise, I focused on foods high in protein and fats and minimized carbs, and the results were evident.

Drink Plenty of Water

You can burn fat and maintain a healthy weight by drinking plenty of water every day. Research shows that water helps increase your metabolism and promotes feelings of satiety, so you feel fuller with no additional calories [3] [4].

Related: How Much Water Should I Drink to Lose Weight?

Cardio and Weight Training

Studies "The Role of Exercise and Physical Activity in Weight Loss and Maintenance" published in PubMed suggest that 150 minutes of light aerobic exercise every week is enough to help you burn fat [5]. You can also try walking around; pretty healthy as a starting routine.

Additionally, you also want to throw in some weight lifting to burn fat, build lean muscle, and build strength.

During my weight loss journey, I found that incorporating around 150 minutes of light aerobic exercise weekly, as studies suggest, made a significant difference in my fat-burning process.

Take Natural Fat Burners

Natural fat burners are one of the best ways to supplement your fat loss goals. They use natural ingredients to curb unhealthy cravings, burn stubborn fat, and boost energy levels.

FAQs

How Long Did It Take for Gardell to Lose Weight?

It took Gardell around ten years to lose weight. It took him so long to lose all the extra weight because he went through several ups and downs during his weight-loss journey. After COVID hit, he lost an additional 30 pounds in about a year, allowing him to find peace and realize that self-care is important.

Did Billy Gardell Have Bypass Surgery?

Yes, Billy Gardell's efforts most likely included bypass surgery. You may read many sources saying he had bariatric surgery. That’s because bypass and other surgeries fall under a collective name - bariatric surgery.


References:

  1. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/eating-white-rice-regularly-may-raise-type-2-diabetes-risk/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6656717/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3809630/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6209729/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3925973/
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About The Author

James Cunningham, BSc, CPT
Staff Writer & Senior Coach
James Cunningham, BSc, CPT holds a BSc degree in Sport & Exercise Science from University of Hertfordshire. He's a Health & Performance Coach from London that brings a unique blend of academic knowledge of health supplements and practical exercise experience to the table for his readers.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC
Staff Writer & Senior Coach
Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC is an ex-National Soccer player turned MMA and Kickboxing champion, with ACE CPT and PN1-NC certifications. His advice is rooted in education and experience, ensuring that readers receive scientific and battle-tested insights. His mission is to empower his clients and readers to realize their potential and become the best versions of themselves.
Learn more about our editorial policy

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