Take charge of his well being. Randy JacksonAfter being diagnosed with type 2, I made a promise to live a healthier life.
“It’s a curse to be saddled with a disease that’s life-threatening and that you can’t completely get rid of, though you can certainly manage it,” the former American IdolJudge wrote in his 2008 book. Body with Soul. “But it’s a blessing to get that huge wake-up call. After that day in the ER, when my doctor burst the bubble I’d been living in, I couldn’t lie to myself anymore. Right then and there, I began my journey toward better health.”
Jackson, who was 350 pounds at the time of his diagnosis, had gastric bypass surgery in 2003. This procedure reduces the stomach size and redirects part of the digestive process so that less food is absorbed. Since having surgery, the bass player has maintained a 100-pound weight loss, but it wasn’t always easy.
In 2008, he spoke. WebMDAbout the temptations he faced when he returned to American IdolAfter the procedure. “After the show, everybody hangs out and eats and drinks. There are all kinds of sandwiches plus chips, cheeses, cookies, cakes, candy, beer, wine,” he said. Jackson said that despite the abundance of junk food, the other Idol judges were a source positive encouragement. “Simon [Cowell] is always saying, ‘We are ordering lunch, bring Randy a Dunkin’ Donut and 12 milkshakes.’ We joke about it, but they are also very supportive.”
The record producer isn’t one to completely cut out certain foods — he opts for moderation instead. “Never say, ‘I will never have another piece of chocolate’ because it won’t happen. And as soon as you say never, there is a binge coming,” he told WebMDHe also said that he indulges in occasional chocolate with frozen yogurt to satisfy his sweet tooth.
The Journey bassist, who had his health back on track, wanted to help others. To do this, he founded Unify Health Labs in 2019. Jackson wrote in a blog post that he was able to get access to health specialists through his celebrity status.
“I was able to talk with top health experts: physicians, nutritionists, fitness experts, biologists, and more,” the session musician wrote. “They helped me a lot on my journey. And I wanted to share this expertise and information with as many people as possible.”
Jackson added, “Ive truly been blessed by life, but, next to my children, getting healthy was the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Scroll through to see his journey towards weight loss and overall health over the years.
