Comedian Ian Karmel has transformed his life, shedding weight from a peak of 420 pounds to a healthier self. During a recent interview, he casually munched on an apple, a symbol of the lifestyle changes that helped him. Karmel, also an author and former co-head writer of *The Late Late Show with James Corden*, co-wrote the book *T-Shirt Swim Club: Stories from Being Fat in a World of Thin* with his sister Alisa, a nutrition and psychology expert. The book explores issues from childhood obesity to the harsh realities faced by overweight youth, including the cultural impact of the *Austin Powers* character Fat Bastard.
Karmel’s weight loss journey coincided with major life changes, including meeting and marrying Dana Schwartz, a writer and former GQ contributor, and becoming a father. His recent work includes the praised standup special *Comfort Beyond God’s Foresight* and hosting the podcast *All Fantasy Everything*. Karmel emphasizes that there is no single right way to lose weight. Whether through strict diets, medical treatments, or a combination, he believes the desire to live longer is nothing to be ashamed of.
Reflecting on his past, Karmel admits revisiting painful memories was challenging. Childhood bullying and the shock of early physical changes, like stretch marks, left a lasting impact. Now a father, he hopes his son will avoid the same struggles, but recognizes the vulnerability children face.
Karmel also discusses his troubled romantic history, marked by poor self-treatment and flippant behavior toward women. He acknowledges he was often caught in a self-defeating mindset as “the underdog” in relationships, which shaped how he treated others and himself. He connects this pattern to a wider issue many face—internalizing negative self-images created by society and personal experiences.
The comedian points out how self-doubt lingers even after gaining confidence, especially when dating someone perceived as highly attractive. Therapy and self-awareness, he says, help manage these insecurities by teaching how to recognize harmful thought patterns and take control.
Karmel shares a turning point when he thought he was having a heart attack. Panicking, he called 911 but later learned it was a panic attack. This scare pushed him to seek medical help, revealing dangerously high blood pressure. He had already started losing weight but lacked knowledge about how sugar and salt impact health. After this incident, he began regular doctor visits and medication, and even faced the prospect of bariatric surgery—something he chose to avoid by committing to his weight loss.
He also highlights common misconceptions about “health foods,” recalling how green packaging in the 1990s gave a false sense of wellness. Products like ranch dressing, despite their marketing, were far from healthy. Karmel still uses meal delivery services to stay on track, emphasizing practical steps over expensive trends.
Overall, Karmel’s story is one of struggle, self-discovery, and determination. His journey shows that weight loss is complex and personal, but with support and knowledge, it can lead to lasting change.
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