Comedian Lil Rel Howery, at 44, has recently captivated fans with his remarkable weight loss, openly sharing the lifestyle changes that have fueled his transformation and brought him immense happiness. This article delves into the multifaceted journey of Howery, exploring the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of his pursuit of a healthier and happier self.
From On-Screen Realization to Humble Beginnings
For Lil Rel Howery, the path to fitness began unexpectedly at the 2017 premiere of "Get Out," the Oscar-winning thriller where he played a role. Seeing himself on screen prompted a moment of self-reflection: "Did I get that big?" It wasn't just about aesthetics; it was a wake-up call about his health. Howery, now 45, recalls thinking, "I gotta figure this out."
Initially, his efforts were modest, incorporating a Peloton bike and a gospel playlist into his routine. But what began as exercise evolved into a daily ritual. "I wasn’t just working out; I was letting things go," Howery explained. The music evoked memories of family and faith, transforming each workout into a therapeutic experience. “It ain’t the airy gospel playlist I’m playing. I’m playing Reverend James Cleveland, Reverend Milton Brunson,” says Howery, who was practically raised in churches all over Chicago. “I remember getting tired on the bike. I was like, ‘Okay, what’s my motivation?’ That’s when I started having my conversations with God, manifesting my ideas.”
Intensifying the Routine and Finding Motivation
By 2020, Howery had shed some weight, though he intentionally avoided fixating on the numbers. He intensified his routine, transforming his home into a gym equipped with weights and a boxing bag. This led him to Sloan Baptiste, a former college basketball player and a Hollywood boxing trainer known for his no-nonsense approach. Howery quickly became engrossed in the sport's intensity.
True to his character, he involved his family in his fitness journey, including his cousin Rashida. "I looked forward to working out with Rashida. She was pushing us.” Rashida's own transformation, losing over 100 pounds, served as further motivation for Howery.
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The Role of Faith
Faith played a crucial role in Howery's consistency. Prophet Katara Hull, his spiritual mentor for over a decade, recalls meeting a man who was struggling but possessed an undeniable spark. She assured him that God had great plans for him. Her words resonated with him, and his faith became integral to every workout. Howery views workouts as "active meditation," connecting each punch to a purpose beyond himself. “Standing up for your kids, standing up for Black women-that’s what this is about,” he says.
Addressing Mental Health and Past Trauma
Despite his improving physical health, Howery realized that true well-being required addressing his mental and emotional state. In 2021, he experienced a panic attack in his home, despite being surrounded by the material possessions he had always desired. "I had a panic attack. I got my cars outside, got all the stuff I want, and I was crying uncontrollably, and I didn’t know why,” he says. His assistant found him unable to move, weighed down by unprocessed pain.
Howery realized that faith alone couldn't resolve the issues he had buried. Growing up in a time and culture where mental health, particularly for Black men, was not prioritized, he wasn't aware of the trauma he was carrying. Therapy became the missing piece. Through therapy, Howery confronted the unacknowledged grief surrounding his mother's death in 2009. “We started dealing with the passing of my mother and how I didn’t grieve for real,” he says. “It just tied everything together.”
Cutting Out Alcohol and Embracing a Holistic Approach
In 2023, Howery made the transformative decision to quit drinking. He had spent years attempting to moderate his alcohol consumption, but it wasn't until he completely abstained that he witnessed significant results. “As soon as I stopped drinking, I saw that six-pack start to show up,” he joked. “Turns out, all those years I was blaming my 40s, it was just the drinks.”
Addressing Ozempic Rumors and Promoting Hard Work
Howery has addressed rumors about his transformation, clarifying that he did not use Ozempic. “This ain’t no Ozempic, everybody,” he said with a laugh. “That’s not what I did.” He emphasized the importance of hard work and dedication, stating, "I’ve worked really hard on myself the last five years physically, mentally, spiritually, professionally, and personally." On Instagram, he humorously declared that he was "on that Godzempic, Happyzempic, Hardworkzempic."
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A Renewed Sense of Self
Now, Howery feels sharper, more energized, and ready to embrace life fully. He is committed to being present in all aspects of his life, from his work on set to spending time with his children. “I want to be present for everything…on-set, at premieres, with my kids,” he says. “I want to feel what this really feels like.”
Inspiration and Engagement
The comedian shared an image on Instagram of himself looking toned to share the story behind his new look. “This is my own appreciation post for myself,” his caption began. “I’ve worked really hard on myself the last 5 years physically, mentally, spiritually, professionally, and personally. I’m so proud of myself. This is the best I’ve ever felt and looked in my whole life." For those who have been watching the comedian over the last few years, his new frame may not completely shock them. Lil Rel has been transparent with fans about his journey and shared his progress over the years. Lil Rel also advised people not to take shortcuts on their wellness journey, sharing video of himself boxing at home with weights in hand. “Really put the work in this is a whole just straight hard work nothing else and that’s the honest to God Truth,” he added. He ended the caption by promoting his new movie, Harold And The Purple Crayon, which lands in theaters August 2. In 2022, Lil Rel discussed his weight loss on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen and thanked Beyoncé, of all people, for her encouragement. “When I started going on my weight-loss journey, Beyoncé, I think, gave me one of my nicest compliments,” he said. We second that-the comedian does look great, and it’s good to know he also feels great on the inside. We wonder if he may have found some extra inspiration as he prepares to marry his partner, Dannella Lane. He proposed to Lane, interesting enough, at a Beyoncé concert in September of 2023. “We are not going to say it yet, and I’ve been sitting on the date, but it’s going to be whatever she wants to do,” he shared with PEOPLE. “[Also what] I want to do, this is both of our second time being married and this is our last time. There’s no better time to look and feel your best! Congratulations to Lil Rel!
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