We all have that moment when we realize, “Okay, something’s gotta change.” Maybe it’s after a diagnosis, a health scare, or a tough conversation with a loved one. For Anthony Anderson, that moment came after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and then losing his father to complications from the same disease.
Recently I had the opportunity to sit down with Anthony Anderson and hear his wellness journey, how he ended up becoming a wellness advocate—and how you can take control of your health too.
The Wake-Up Call: From Cake to Commitment
“That aha moment came after I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and then after I lost my father to complications from diabetes. I didn’t want to do that to my children,” Anthony Anderson shared. His diagnosis came six years before he fully committed to a lifestyle change. At first, he tried to follow his doctor’s advice, making small adjustments—eating in moderation—but those small changes didn’t stick.
“I was using it as an excuse to still eat cake, ice cream, pies—things I shouldn’t have been eating,” he admitted. But the tipping point came when he decided enough was enough. “I said, ‘Okay, let me make this change,’ and that’s where the transformation started.”
Getting Started: Seeking Support and Educating Himself
The journey didn’t happen overnight. It took time and effort, but one of the biggest catalysts for change was finding the right support. “[At the time] I was living in New York working on Law and Order, and Al Roker connected me with his nutritionist,” Anthony Anderson recalled. His health coach introduced him to clean eating and diets like paleo, which sparked the beginning of his transformation.
The Challenges of Staying On Track
Making big changes isn’t easy, especially when you’re walking away from foods and habits you’ve loved for years. But as Anthony Anderson points out, the benefits far outweighed the challenges.
“At first, you miss the old stuff. It’s challenging. But the key is not to eliminate everything all at once,” he explained. “If you do that, it becomes too hard to sustain. For me, it was about slowly getting rid of things, so I didn’t miss them as much.”
A Community of Support
Like many people in his situation, Anthony Anderson was surrounded by a community that had been affected by diabetes. His father’s 25-year struggle with the disease and eventual passing from complications was a constant reminder of what was at stake.
“I lost my father to complications from diabetes. We saw his health deteriorate over the years. That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing my story and showing others that it’s possible to make a change,” he said. His mission is to inspire others to take control of their health before it’s too late.
He’s using his platform to inspire others, especially in the Black community, to take action before it’s too late. It’s about raising awareness and showing that change is possible. Anthony partnered with Novo Nordisk for the “get real about diabetes” campaign. “We’ve created a website: GetRealAboutDiabetes.com where people can go and get information and have some answers to the questions that they may have. Most importantly it’s about encouraging people to go to the doctors and their healthcare providers to get screened and to have checkups so they can find out if anything is wrong with them if there is and there may be preventative”.
One key takeaway is to lean on your community. If you don’t have a strong support system, build one. It might be a group of friends, a fitness class, or even an online group. The more people who are rooting for you, the easier it will be to stick with it.
If He Could Go Back: What He Wishes He’d Known Sooner
Looking back, Anthony Anderson says he wishes he’d committed sooner. “The earlier you get started, the sooner you’ll see results. I wish I’d known that six years ago,” he admits. But thankfully he’s on the right track now! Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. Start where you are and build from there. Every small step adds up.
Anthony’s Wellness Tips to Jumpstart Your Journey:
Now, that you’ve heard Anthony’s story, here are some of his actionable tips that you can use to get serious about your health and wellness:
- Get Screened. Seriously.
- “Go to the doctor and get a check-up. Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Get the tests done so you know where you stand health-wise,” he advises. Early detection can make all the difference.
- Find Your People.
- Don’t go at it alone. Seek out professionals, whether it’s a doctor, nutritionist, or even a fitness trainer. You don’t have to go broke doing this either. There’s tons of free information online—use it! Just make sure you’re talking to the right people.
- Slow and Steady Wins the Race.
- “I didn’t quit everything all at once. I started slow, so it didn’t feel like I was punishing myself,” says Anthony Anderson. YDon’t try to change everything overnight. Start small. Swap out one unhealthy snack a day or replace one sugary drink with water. Slowly get used to the changes, so you don’t feel deprived. Start with small, sustainable changes.
- Educate Yourself.
- “If you don’t know what’s going on with your body, you’re setting yourself up for failure,” he says. Read up, talk to your doctor, and get informed. Knowledge is power.
- Find Your Why.
- Whether it’s your family, your community, or just your future self, having a reason to stick with your wellness journey is key. Find what motivates you and hold onto that.
Anthony Anderson’s journey proves that change is possible—even if you’ve been dragging your feet for a while (or indulging in a little too much cake). It’s not about making one huge leap. It’s about the little steps you take every single day to improve your health.
For more information on preventing and managing diabetes, visit GetRealAboutDiabetes.com.
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