Raul de Molina, the charismatic host of Univision's "El Gordo y la Flaca," has been a prominent figure in the Hispanic media landscape for decades. Known for his energetic personality and entertaining coverage of pop culture events, de Molina has also been very open about his struggles with weight. His journey towards a healthier lifestyle has been a long and winding road, marked by significant weight loss, health scares, and a commitment to raising awareness about kidney health. This article delves into Raul de Molina's weight loss journey, exploring the various strategies he has employed, the challenges he has faced, and his inspiring efforts to promote health and wellness within the Hispanic community.
Early Struggles with Weight
Raul de Molina's history with weight issues dates back to his childhood. In an interview, he mentioned being "fat since I was 5 years old" and fondly recalled eagerly awaiting weekends as a child to dine at restaurants with his mother. He admitted to being chubby as a boy, which later ballooned into a more significant weight problem. By the time "El Gordo y la Flaca" premiered, he weighed 374 pounds.
The South Beach Diet and Initial Weight Loss
De Molina's weight has been an ongoing issue for the TV host, who revealed he had lost nearly 90 pounds in 2009 thanks to the South Beach Diet.
SlimFast® Partnership and Continued Efforts
In March 2016, SlimFast® proudly announced a partnership with Raul de Molina to support his weight loss efforts. At the time, de Molina had already lost 47 pounds in 16 weeks on the SlimFast® plan, exceeding his initial goal of 30 pounds. He enthusiastically endorsed the program, stating, "Everyone who knows me knows I love to eat, but I wanted to lose weight fast! The SlimFast® plan is not only simple, but with the AMAZING TASTE I've never had this much fun losing weight."
The campaign included a commercial featuring de Molina showcasing his new physique and favorite ways to use the SlimFast® plan. SlimFast®'s social media channels also documented his weight loss journey, providing followers with a personal account of how he integrated the plan into his hectic schedule.
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Health Scare and a Wake-Up Call: Blood Sepsis
Despite his efforts to manage his weight, Raul de Molina faced a serious health scare that served as a wake-up call. After undergoing surgery to remove 15 pounds of fat and skin, a seemingly minor infection escalated into blood sepsis. He confessed on his show, visibly moved, "I was miraculously saved." Blood sepsis is a silent, lethal infection that can lead to multiple organ failure in a matter of hours. Although it usually passes through various pathways, De Molina's blood sepsis occurred after she underwent intensive surgery to remove 15 pounds of fat and skin, the result of her most recent weight-loss effort.
De Molina's experience highlighted the importance of early detection and swift medical intervention in combating sepsis. He was fortunate to recover, but he shared that sepsis has claimed the lives of several well-known figures, including Christopher Reeve, Jim Henson, Patty Duke, and Hugh Hefner.
Battling Kidney Cancer and Prioritizing Kidney Health
Adding to his health challenges, Raul de Molina is also a kidney cancer survivor. In 2004, he experienced lower back pain, which he initially dismissed. However, when the pain persisted and worsened, he sought medical attention. A CT scan revealed a large tumor inside his right kidney.
"I had a tumor inside my right kidney the size of a head, around 15 centimeters. I thought I was going to die in that emergency room," said Raúl. He underwent surgery in February 2005 to remove the cancerous mass, and thankfully, it has not returned or spread since then.
Living with one kidney, de Molina has become an advocate for kidney health awareness. He emphasizes the importance of monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar, as high blood pressure and diabetes can lead to kidney disease. He also avoids anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, which can damage the kidneys.
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De Molina acknowledges that obesity is a significant risk factor for kidney disease, and he has made it a priority to manage his weight through a healthy lifestyle. He is partnering with the National Kidney Foundation to raise awareness about kidney disease and encourage people to assess their risk through the NKF's Minute for Your Kidneys quiz.
Lifestyle Changes and Dietary Adjustments
Raul de Molina has implemented various lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments to support his weight loss and overall health. He shared that while at a rehabilitation center, his diet consisted of approximately 80% vegetables, with limited meat, chicken, or fish. He also significantly reduced his intake of sweets and bread.
To manage cravings, he consumes small portions of 80% cacao chocolate bars with low sugar and no sodium. For breakfast, he typically has oatmeal with berries. When dining out, he tries to avoid bread. He also swims for 45 minutes daily and incorporates more physical activity into his routine, such as walking an hour or more each day and taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
He said that his daughter helped to motivate him, enthusiastically pushing him to lose the pounds. “I am eating very healthfully with salads and vegetables in every meal,” de Molina said. “I eat about every three hours to keep my metabolism working. I include protein shakes, and I can’t skip my exercise - at least an hour a day.”He admitted that his biggest weakness is a sweet tooth. To help not succumb, he drinks an espresso without sugar to satisfy his appetite.
Panicunlectomy and Recent Return to "El Gordo y La Flaca"
After a significant weight loss of over 110 pounds in recent years, Raul de Molina underwent a paniculectomy to remove excess skin and abdominal fat. Following a period of recovery, he made a triumphant return to "El Gordo y La Flaca," sporting a slimmer figure and renewed energy. The affection from colleagues and fans was palpable, with Lili Estefan and others joking about his oversized pants.
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