HGTV star Tarek El Moussa has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, battling cancer, overcoming addiction, and achieving his best physical shape in years. Join us as we explore his inspiring health journey and the secrets to his success.
Tarek El Moussa's Health Journey: From Cancer Survivor to Fitness Icon
In the realm of home renovation and reality television, Tarek El Moussa has become a household name. However, behind the glamorous facade lies a remarkable story of resilience, perseverance, and a transformative health journey.
El Moussa's health struggles began in 2013 when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, followed by a diagnosis of testicular cancer. These diagnoses marked a turning point in his life, igniting a determination to prioritize his health.
Shortly after his cancer went into remission, El Moussa sustained a debilitating back injury while playing golf. The injury plunged him into a cycle of chronic pain and opioid dependence. Desperate for relief, he underwent back surgery, but it was followed by a severe complication that left him hospitalized.
"For four years, I just lived through hell," El Moussa recalled in an interview with People. "I got my first cancer in 2013. I was fighting cancers in ’13 and ’14, and I had surgeries, and then for a few months I got better. And then in ’15, I hurt my back. For a year I could barely work. And then after that I had that awful surgery with complications."
Amidst these physical challenges, El Moussa also grappled with mental health issues. His marriage to Christina Hall crumbled, and in a moment of despair, he left their home with a gun. This incident led to a police intervention and a public outcry.
"That was the very last time we were together as a family: with Christina walking down the driveway, crying, and me sitting there in handcuffs, asking myself, ‘What in the world is going on?’" El Moussa wrote in his book.
Despite the setbacks and adversity, El Moussa refused to give up. He sought help for his opioid addiction, began working out regularly, and made significant changes to his diet. The results were transformative.
"I’m almost 43 years old, I feel better and I look better than I have in 30 years, so it’s working pretty well," El Moussa said at the Alzheimer’s Association California Southland Chapter’s Magic of Music Gala.
El Moussa credits his wife, Heather Rae El Moussa, with playing a vital role in his health journey.
"Heather has been a huge part of that, cleaning up my diet and really motivating me to take better care of my health," he said.
When asked about the key to maintaining his new look, Heather said, "Wake up early, take vitamins, limit alcohol, eat really healthy."
"I’ve become very used to doing things I don’t want to do," El Moussa added.
In a recent Instagram post, El Moussa shared a shirtless photo showcasing his hard-earned physique.
"Sooooo….it’s been a few years since I posted a knockoff male model photo but hey….I’m finally in shape!" he wrote in the caption. "No joke, 3 years ago I bought a scale and when I saw my health metrics I freaked out and went to the gym the next day!"
El Moussa's journey serves as an inspiration to those facing health challenges. It demonstrates that even after adversity, it is possible to regain health, happiness, and a renewed sense of purpose.
