Billy Gardell, best known for his role as Mike Biggs on Mike & Molly, has undergone one of the most dramatic celebrity transformations in recent years. With a journey that involved weight loss surgery, intense lifestyle changes, and a focus on long-term health, Gardell’s story is nothing short of inspiring. If you’re wondering just how much weight he lost and how he did it, buckle up for a closer look at the ups, downs, and triumphs of Billy Gardell’s weight loss journey.
How Much Weight Did Billy Gardell Lose?
Billy Gardell, who once tipped the scales at around 370 pounds, has now lost a staggering 170 pounds. That’s right—he’s shed an entire person’s worth of weight! Gardell’s weight loss journey began around 2020, when he made the decision to undergo bariatric surgery, which was the first step in what would become a significant life transformation. While the surgery helped him jumpstart his journey, Gardell’s commitment to maintaining the weight loss is a testament to his hard work and determination.
The Spark That Led to Change: A Wake-Up Call During the Pandemic
Like many of us, Gardell found himself facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. With everything locked down, he found himself gaining weight, which wasn’t surprising considering the isolation and stress that accompanied the time. “The pandemic really took its toll on me,” Gardell admitted in interviews. It wasn’t just the weight gain that bothered him—it was the realization that his health was spiraling out of control. He knew that if he didn’t take drastic action, he’d be putting his life at risk.
In early 2021, Gardell, who had long struggled with his weight, made a decision that would change his life. He turned to bariatric surgery as a means of combating his health risks. The surgery, which is often used as a tool for weight loss when other methods haven’t worked, wasn’t an easy fix—it was just the beginning. “It wasn’t about just losing weight—it was about saving my life,” he said in an emotional interview.
Billy Gardell’s Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery: A Lifesaver, But Not a Magic Bullet
Bariatric surgery, which Billy Gardell underwent, is a procedure that helps people lose weight by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold or by affecting the absorption of calories and nutrients. For Gardell, this was a crucial step, but it was clear from the start that the surgery alone wouldn’t do all the work. As he explained, “The surgery was just the beginning. It gave me the head start, but I had to put in the real effort to make it work long-term.”
The Road to Healthy Habits: Billy Gardell’s Weight Loss Exercise, Eating, and More
After the surgery, Gardell didn’t rely solely on the procedure to keep the weight off. Instead, he adopted a routine that combined exercise, healthy eating, and a strong commitment to self-care. “I’ve found that the key is consistency,” Gardell explained. “I don’t skip my workout days, I don’t cheat on my meals, and I don’t give myself excuses. It’s all about the habits I’ve built.”
Gardell’s weight loss routine is both simple and effective: a balance of regular physical activity, a controlled diet, and a focus on mental health. He regularly engages in strength training, cardio workouts, and yoga to keep his body in top shape. When it comes to his diet, he focuses on portion control, eating lean proteins, and avoiding processed foods. He also credits much of his success to a well-balanced approach, stating that depriving himself of foods he enjoys isn’t the way to go. Instead, he sticks to moderation, enjoying the foods he loves but in smaller amounts.
The Mental Shift: Overcoming Obstacles and Staying Focused
As much as physical changes were at the forefront of his transformation, Gardell emphasized that the mental shift was just as important. The comedian, who often used humor to cope with his struggles, found that embracing a positive mindset was key to maintaining his weight loss.
In interviews, Gardell shared how he worked with a therapist to help deal with emotional eating and old patterns of self-sabotage. “It’s not just about changing what you put in your body; it’s about changing how you think about your body,” he said. “I had to learn to love myself at every stage of the journey—not just when I reached a certain number on the scale.”
Staying on Track: Challenges and Triumphs in Billy Gardell’s Weight Loss Journey
Of course, Gardell’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been maintaining his weight loss. In an interview with People in 2024, he opened up about the challenges of staying at his current weight. “I’ve lost 170 pounds, but maintaining that has been the hardest part,” Gardell revealed. “The weight loss is easy compared to the lifelong work it takes to keep it off.”
Gardell’s approach to weight maintenance includes regular check-ins with his doctors and staying accountable to his workout routine. He also continues to monitor his eating habits, knowing that even small indulgences can add up over time. The actor even shared that, while he’s learned to love his new lifestyle, it still requires constant work. “There’s no magic trick to keeping it off,” he said, “Just a lot of discipline.”
A Newfound Confidence: Looking and Feeling Like a New Man
One of the most remarkable aspects of Gardell’s weight loss is the newfound confidence he exudes. Having dropped 170 pounds, the actor says he now feels healthier than ever, and it’s not just the physical changes he’s proud of. “I’ve got a new energy that I didn’t have before,” he said. “People have noticed the change, and I think it’s more than just the weight loss. It’s the confidence that comes with taking control of my life.”
Gardell’s transformation has led to a resurgence in his career, too. Fans of Mike & Molly and Bob Hearts Abishola have marveled at the change, and the actor has expressed how grateful he is to still be working in Hollywood. “It feels amazing to be alive and active,” Gardell said, “I get to do what I love and take care of myself at the same time.”
The Inspiration Behind Gardell’s Weight Loss
Billy Gardell’s transformation isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about overcoming the obstacles that once held him back. From his struggles with body image and health issues to his triumphant journey to a healthier life, Gardell’s story is one of perseverance, self-love, and the power of hard work.
In his own words, “If I can do it, anyone can.” Gardell’s message to those struggling with their weight or health is clear: it’s never too late to start making positive changes. Whether it’s a weight loss surgery, a new workout routine, or simply changing how you think about food, the important thing is to take that first step. And for Gardell, that step was the key to unlocking a new chapter in his life—a chapter full of confidence, health, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
Billy Gardell’s weight loss journey is not just an impressive physical transformation—it’s a story of resilience, determination, and the belief that change is possible at any stage of life. If there’s one takeaway from his story, it’s that a better, healthier life is within reach for anyone who is ready to make that commitment.