Fat Joe Discusses 200-Pound Weight Loss and Diabetes Management with Ozempic: “We Aim for the Lowest Carbs Possible”

Joseph Antonio Cartagena, widely known as Fat Joe, has shared insights into his impressive transformation and weight loss story. During a recent interview with US Weekly on October 10, 2024, the acclaimed rapper revealed that modifications to his diet, along with the medication Ozempic, have played a significant role in his success. He mentioned:

“We focus on eating foods with the fewest carbs possible… So we steer clear of bread, pasta, and rice. That’s the smartest eating strategy.”

The artist behind the hit “All the Way Up”also highlighted that Ozempic, which he uses to manage his type 2 diabetes, assists him in maintaining the 200 pounds he shed (the medication is recognized for its appetite-suppressing effects). He humorously remarked:

“Ozempic suggests you can only indulge in two pieces of your favorite treats.”

Originating from the Bronx, Fat Joe began his journey in hip-hop as a member of the group Diggin’ in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.) in 1992. The following year, he launched his solo career with the album Represent, featuring the hit single Flow Joe, which topped Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart. Other popular tracks by the rapper include We Thuggin, What’s Luv, Make It Rain, and Another Round.

“My wife would kill me”- Fat Joe jokes about keeping his rapper moniker due to his spouse

During his conversation with US Weekly, Fat Joe acknowledged that while he still consumes carbs, the secret lies in portion control. He elaborated:

“This morning, I had breakfast with some toast. I trimmed a corner off, ate that, and moved on. In the past, I would have eaten the whole slice. But now, we focus on reducing carbs and making smarter choices.”

Despite his weight loss achievements, Joseph expressed that he has no plans to alter his rapper name, primarily because of his wife, Lorena Cartagena. He joked:

“My wife would be furious. She enjoys me as a big guy… She seems to still see me as that big boy. She loves that image.”

Fat Joe and Lorena tied the knot in 1995 and are parents to their daughter, Azariah, who is now 18. He also has two sons from previous relationships: Joey, 33, and Ryan, 27.

Fat Joe has been committed to his weight loss journey for several years. During an interview with Men’s Health in 2023, he opened up about the inspiration behind his decision to embrace a healthier lifestyle. He recalled the profound impact of losing his friend and collaborator, Big Pun, to a heart attack in 2000 when Big Pun was only 28. He reflected:

“Attending his funeral felt like a wake-up call. Seeing his young daughter, who was the same age as mine, made me realize, ‘You need to lose weight; or you won’t be here long.’”

In another part of his discussion with US Weekly, Fat Joe talked about his music career, including his latest single “Paradise,”created in collaboration with DJ Khaled and Anitta using a sample from Stevie B’s “Spring Love.”He shared that the song is performing exceptionally well on radio and Spotify, remarking that it’s a track people will cherish for a lifetime.

The rapper expressed interest in collaborating with Mary J. Blige in the future and commended the emerging country artist Jelly Roll.

Recently, Fat Joe took the spotlight as the host of the BET Hip Hop Awards 2024, which aired on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

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