American actress Sheryl Lee Ralph of Abbott Elementary has opened up on her weight-loss journey.
According to her, she achieved the transformation naturally without using drugs like Ozempic.
In an interview with People, Ralph stated that she followed her doctor’s advice to embrace a healthier lifestyle, and it has contributed positively to where she is today.
“I don’t judge. If that would have worked for me, I would have,” Ralph said about weight-loss drugs. “I would do anything to have the best health I possibly could.” Instead, her doctor encouraged her to rely on “nature’s good medicines.”
“He said, ‘Change the way you eat, work out, drink water.’ When the doctors tell you that stuff, you’ve got to do it. Because there are certain things like fresh air, sunlight—those are very good medicines. Very good medicines,” Ralph said.
The movie star revealed that her journey began after she received a shocking revelation during a routine checkup.
“My doctor told me, ‘You are obese on the inside,’” she recalled. “I said, ‘What?’” That wake-up call was what inspired her to make these changes.
Ralph says people should prioritize their health and make it a fundamental routine of life. “Your health is your greatest wealth, and too many of us do not pay attention to it until it’s gone.”
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One of Ralph’s motivations for her transformation was her on-screen presence in Abbott Elementary. “On Abbott, the cameras are all around. One time, I got a shot of my behind, and I was like, ‘Oh, hell no!’” she said while laughing.
Ralph says her youthful appearance comes from more than just physical health, revealing that having a holistic approach is the best answer.
“The idea of being forever young is mental, physical, and spiritual,” she said.
When asked about plastic surgery, the Dreamgirls actress stated that she actually hasn’t ruled it out but is comfortable with her natural look for now.
“My face is my face. That’s my choice,” she said. “Anybody else wants to do anything to their face, and it works for you? Do you.”
“I tell anybody, ‘Do what you need to do for yourself. You want that filler, baby? Get filler. You want that shot, baby? Get that shot. You need that facelift, honey? Go on, get that facelift. You feel good about yourself? Good. That’s what matters.’ I’m not their judge”, she added.
Sheryl Lee Ralph stars as kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard on Abbott Elementary, a hit sitcom now in its fourth season.
The series is set in a fictional public school in Philadelphia and follows the lives of teachers and staff.
The show has a star-studded cast which includes Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, and William Stanford Davis.
Ralph’s performance continues to garner loads of praise from her fans. However, her health journey is also making an impact and serves as a reminder of her personal commitment to living well both on and off the screen at 68.
