Gabourey Sidibe’s Life-Changing Weight Loss

She was Oscar-nominated for her role in the movie “Precious” and went on to TV stardom, but actress Gabourey Sidibe spent more than a decade in a losing battle with her weight. When she was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Gabourey turned to laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Watch: Diabetes Awareness Month

“This was all about getting her health in check . This wasn’t about appearances,” notes ER Physician Dr. Travis Stork. Gabourey hasn’t relied on surgery alone – she’s making healthy changes including working out, eating well, and also addressing emotional roadblocks including depression, anxiety, and bulimia.

Watch: Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease

“35 percent of women and 31 percent of men are dangerously overweight, and most of the risk is in heart disease and diabetes,” says Breast Surgeon Dr. Kristi Funk. It’s not about pounds, it’s about health. In fact, Gabourey won’t reveal what she weighed or how much she’s lost, because the numbers aren’t the point.