Sheryl Underwood’s Weight Loss Journey: Triumph of Grit

Sheryl Underwood’s weight loss journey has caught the attention of her fans. Her dedication to working out and clean eating helped her achieve her goal.

Sanchari Bhattacharya
Written by Sanchari Bhattacharya , Health & Fitness Expert
Updated on Sep 20, 2023 | 11:07 AM IST | 316.6K
sheryl underwood weight loss
sheryl underwood weight loss

Sheryl Underwood, the beloved comedian has been in the spotlight all her life. Her career is notable as a comedian, actor, and TV host. Recently, Sheryl Underwood’s weight loss journey has shot her to newer limelight and increased her fanbase. Her 95-pound weight-loss journey is a testament to her courage and determination. The 58-year-old actress has provided many people with the necessary push required to start off in the journey towards healthy living. Let us dig deep into how Sheryl Underwood lost weight and transformed herself from flab to fit. 

Who Is Sheryl Underwood?

Sheryl Underwood is a multi-faceted entertainer who has made significant contributions to both the comedy and acting realms. With her quick wit, engaging stage presence, and sharp comedic timing, she has garnered a devoted fan base and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Born on October 28, 1963, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Underwood initially pursued a career in the military before transitioning to comedy. She honed her skills through performances at various comedy clubs, eventually gaining recognition for her stand-up acts. Underwood's comedic style is characterized by her ability to tackle challenging topics with a blend of humor and social commentary. Her material often addresses issues related to race, relationships, and everyday life experiences.

Her role as one of the co-hosts of the daytime talk show The Talk truly propelled Underwood into the mainstream spotlight. 

She is known for fearlessly expressing her opinions and is not afraid to engage in spirited debates with her co-hosts. Her authenticity and candor have both garnered praise and occasionally sparked heated discussions. 

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Beyond her professional endeavors, Underwood is also known for her philanthropy and activism. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority and is also a member of the National Council of Negro Women. 

A Comprehensive Look at Sheryl Underwood’s Profile

  • Real name: Sheryl Underwood
  • Birthday: October 28, 1963
  • Age in 2023: 59
  • Occupation: Comedian, actress, and television host
  • Weight Before: It ranged between 230-250 pounds. 
  • Weight After: She lost somewhere between 90-95 pounds. Her current weight should be 145-165 pounds. 
  • Reduced weight loss: 90-95 pounds. 

How Did Sheryl Underwood Gain Weight? 

sheryl underwood weight loss

Weight gain is a complex process influenced by various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Sheryl Underwood, the renowned comedian, actress, and television host, has experienced changes in her weight over time. The specific reason behind her weight gain is not known publicly. 

However, there are various common factors that lead to weight gain. Let us delve into the scientific understanding of weight gain and shed light on the common causes of weight gain:

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1. Genetics

Genetics plays a fundamental role in determining an individual's susceptibility to weight gain. Some people may inherit genes that predispose them to store excess fat or have a slower metabolic rate, making it easier for them to gain weight (1). Speaking of the role of genetics, our contributor Kelsey Costa, MS, RDN, and Owner of Nutrition Insights LLC, says, “Genetics can influence an individual’s susceptibility to weight gain by affecting metabolism, appetite, and fat storage. However, genetics are unlikely to be most people’s primary cause of weight gain. The rapid rise in obesity rates over the past few decades is more likely due to environmental factors such as sedentary lifestyles and increased accessibility and consumption of high-calorie foods.” Genetic variations can influence appetite regulation, fat distribution, and energy expenditure.

2. Dietary Factors

The type and quantity of food consumed are key contributors to weight gain. A diet high in calorie-dense foods, such as sugary beverages, processed snacks, and fast food, can lead to an energy imbalance, where more calories are consumed than expended (2). This surplus energy is stored as fat, resulting in weight gain over time. Furthermore, certain dietary patterns, such as a high intake of refined carbohydrates and saturated fats, can promote weight gain by influencing hormonal regulation and metabolic processes.

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3. Physical Inactivity

Engaging in regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. Sedentary behaviors, such as prolonged sitting and a lack of exercise, can contribute to weight gain. In the absence of sufficient physical activity, the body's energy expenditure decreases, and weight gain becomes more likely (3). 

4. Metabolic Factors

Metabolism refers to the biochemical processes that occur in the body to convert food into energy. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the energy expended at rest to maintain basic physiological functions (4). Factors such as age, body composition, and hormonal changes can influence BMR. A combination of genetics, a bad diet, and a sedentary lifestyle may cause people to gain weight.

5. Psychological And Emotional Factors

Psychological and emotional factors can influence eating behaviors and contribute to weight gain. Our contributor Kelsey Costa, explains, “Anxiety triggers the body’s stress response, releasing cortisol, the stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels can stimulate appetite, leading to overeating, and prompting the body to store fat, particularly in the abdominal area. Abdominal fat may also increase the production of cortisol, creating a feedback loop that can lead to further weight gain.” Stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional eating can lead to an increased intake of calorie-dense foods as a form of comfort or coping mechanism. These behaviors can disrupt the balance between energy intake and expenditure, promoting weight gain over time (5).

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6. Environmental Factors

The environment in which an individual lives can significantly impact their weight. Factors such as easy access to unhealthy food options, stress in day-to-day lives can influence dietary choices and physical activity levels (6), (7). 

Sheryl Underwood's Weight Loss Process

Sheryl Underwood’s weight loss process started with some exciting health changes. She said that seeing her friends and colleagues focus on their health and fitness encouraged her to embark on a weight loss journey. However, the process wasn’t easy for her as she first had to deal with digestion issues before commencing her weight loss journey. She first thought of undergoing bariatric surgery, but later decided otherwise. Instead, she started taking Wegovy injections to suppress her appetite and practice portion control. Sheryl Underwood resorted to a long-term holistic approach that involved dietary and lifestyle changes to burn calories. Diet plays a vital role in weight loss, and adopting a balanced and nutritious eating plan can facilitate sustainable weight loss results (8). 

Sheryl incorporated healthy food items like leafy vegetables, fruits (especially blueberries and strawberries), and fiber along with fiber supplements into her weight loss diet plan.

Green, leafy veggies contain plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, dietary fiber, and minerals that help speed up the weight loss process and improve overall health. Apart from that, they provide a host of other benefits such as — reduced risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity (9), (10). Berries, on the other hand, have a low glycemic index and are filled with essential nutrients that help promote weight loss (11). 

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In addition, Sheryl makes sure to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sheryl has stressed how improving her digestive health gave her the all-important boost to stick to her difficult but satisfying weight loss journey. Nevertheless, keep in mind that individual dietary preferences and specific calorie requirements may vary. Consulting with a registered dietitian or nutritionist is recommended to tailor a meal plan that aligns with personal needs and goals.

Sheryl Underwood's Workout Routine

Exercise plays a crucial role in weight loss, promoting calorie burning, muscle toning, and overall fitness. Sheryl Underwood mentioned that since she has a very busy schedule, she likes to keep things simple — she incorporated simple exercises like walking and stretching into her daily life to stay active. 

Conclusion

Weight gain is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Sheryl Underwood’s weight loss journey is an example to every one of us struggling to remain fit and fabulous. She has overcome obstacles and has achieved what she has been desiring for a long time. Sheryl Underwood has mentioned that when she decided to start her diet, she weighed about 230 to 250 pounds and was flagged for hypertension and pre-diabetes. But the weight loss aided her with newfound confidence in everything. Let “The Talk”’s star Sheryl Underwood provide you with the necessary motivation needed to embark on this wellness journey. 

Contributor: Kelsey Costa, MS, RDN, and Owner of Nutrition Insights LLC

ALSO READ: iHeartRadio Music Awards 2023 Complete Winners List: Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Doja Cat claim honours

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About The Author
Sanchari Bhattacharya
Sanchari Bhattacharya
Health & Fitness Expert

Sanchari, a certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach

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