Missy Elliott, the iconic rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actress, has been a prominent figure in the music industry since the 1990s. Her innovative music and vibrant personality have garnered her a dedicated fanbase and numerous accolades, including her recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November 2023, where she became the first female hip hop artist to be inducted. Beyond her musical achievements, Missy Elliott's health journey has also been a subject of public interest, particularly her battle with Graves' disease and her remarkable weight loss.
Graves' Disease Diagnosis
In 2008, Missy Elliott received a life-altering diagnosis: Graves' disease. This autoimmune disorder causes the thyroid gland to overproduce thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism. The exact cause of Graves’ disease is still unknown. However, researchers know it is an abnormal immune response that leads the thyroid gland to overproduce the thyroid hormone. Researchers believe some people have a genetic predisposition to the condition, Yale Medicine says. Symptoms develop after exposure to one or more external triggers. Possible triggers for the disease include a variety of viral and bacterial infections, shifting hormone levels, and elevated iodine levels. The disease is most common in women over age 20, but can occurr at any age-and affect men as well.
Missy Elliott first went public with the diagnosis three years later in 2011.
Graves' disease can manifest in various ways, with common symptoms including:
- Weight loss, despite an increased appetite
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Shaky hands
- Trouble tolerating heat
- Hair loss
- Bulging eyes
The Impact of Graves' Disease on Missy Elliott's Health
The diagnosis had a significant impact on Missy Elliott's life and career. Her friend, rapper Sharaya J, noted that Graves' disease "started to change her way of life." Missy herself revealed that she experienced an "extreme" amount of weight loss, hair loss, and bulging eyes. In 2011, she also shared that she began having tremors due to her condition. And she nearly got into a car accident because of them. “I couldn't keep the brake down and almost crashed," she said, per CBS News. Missy added that the tremors were so bad at one point that she “couldn't even use a pen." She's also struggled with high blood pressure, telling Billboard, "My blood pressure was always up from just overworking."The disease even took her ability to physically write songs, she told Good Morning America last year. "I remember Monica coming to the house one day, and I couldn't even hold a pencil," she said. "She wrote the lyrics out for me…I felt helpless."
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These symptoms made it difficult for her to write music and perform, forcing her to take a break from the spotlight to focus on her health. As she told The Guardian, "I couldn't write because my nervous system was so bad."
Missy Elliott's Weight Loss Journey
While Graves' disease contributed to Missy Elliott's initial weight loss, she also made conscious efforts to improve her health through diet and exercise. Her weight loss journey has been a topic of much discussion, with some fans speculating about weight loss surgery. However, Missy Elliott has not confirmed undergoing any surgical procedures.
Diet and Nutrition
Missy Elliott has emphasized the importance of a balanced diet in her weight loss journey. She focuses on eating smart, choosing nutritious foods, and controlling portion sizes. This approach helps her burn more calories than she consumes, leading to weight loss.
In 2018, Missy Elliott shared some of her dietary changes on Instagram, including:
- Drinking more water
- Cutting out juices and soda
- Limiting sugary treats, such as cupcakes
She also likely watched her portion sizes to control her calorie intake. Eating less than you burn is key to losing weight. But listen up! Dr. Allen Conrad warns, “Don’t go too low on calories. Eating less than 1500 a day can make you feel dizzy.
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Exercise and Fitness
In addition to diet, Missy Elliott incorporates regular exercise into her routine. She has mentioned working out to Shaunt Fitness T25 videos in the past. Regular physical activity helps her burn calories, build muscle, and improve her overall fitness level.
Managing Graves' Disease
Missy Elliott currently manages her Graves' disease with medication, diet, and exercise. While there is no cure for Graves' disease, these strategies can help control the symptoms and improve quality of life. Surgery is also an option for those with Graves' disease, but can permanently affect one's voice. This rules out a surgical treatment for someone like Missy.
Other Celebrities with Graves' Disease
Missy Elliott is not the only public figure to struggle with Graves' disease. Wendy Williams announced her diagnosis in 2018, and former President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush also battled the condition.
Missy Elliott Today
Despite the challenges posed by Graves' disease, Missy Elliott has made a remarkable comeback. She is feeling healthier than ever and is preparing for her first headlining tour in 16 years, "Out of This World - The Missy Elliot Experience," which kicks off on July 4. She told People that she is “hanging in there,” preparing for the tour as she fights symptoms of Graves’s disease, an illness she was diagnosed with in 2008. “It’s full days, then I go home, and the work continues. But I feel good," Missy Elliott told People. This is Missy’s first time headlining a show. She's going to be joined by long time friends and collaborators Ciara and Busta Rhymes.
Missy Elliott's story is an inspiration to many. She has demonstrated resilience and determination in the face of health challenges, proving that it is possible to live a full and successful life while managing Graves' disease. Her weight loss journey is a testament to the power of healthy lifestyle choices and a reminder that everyone's path is different.
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