Issa Rae is an American actress, writer, producer, and director, best known for creating and starring in the HBO series Insecure, which follows the lives of four black women in Los Angeles. Rae has been open about her struggles with weight loss and body image. Moreover, she has also proven that everyone can lose weight and be healthy in a positive and sustainable way. Read on to discover her journey of positive transformation.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT ISSA RAE
Personal Life:
- Born: Jo-Issa Rae Diop on January 12, 1985, in Los Angeles, California.
- Married to Louis Diame, a Senegalese businessman, since 2021.
- Has four siblings: 3 brothers and 1 sister.
- Fluent in French.
Career Highlights:
- Gained initial recognition for her YouTube web series “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl” (2011-2013).
- Created, co-wrote, and starred in the HBO series “Insecure” (2016-2021), receiving critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.
- Author of the New York Times bestselling memoir “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl” (2015).
- Founded Issa Rae Production Company, which develops film and television content focusing on diverse voices and stories.
Other Interesting Facts:
- Studied African and African-American Studies at Stanford University.
- Began writing and acting while in college.
- Was the second Black woman (after Wanda Sykes) to create and star in her own primetime series, and the first on premium cable (HBO).
- Advocate for social justice and representation in the entertainment industry.
- Received numerous awards and accolades, including Golden Globe nominations and Peabody Awards.
Bonus:
- Her father is a physician from Senegal, and her mother is an educator from Louisiana.
- She spent part of her childhood in Senegal.
- Is known for her witty and relatable sense of humor.
WHY SHE DECIDE TO LOSE WEIGHT?
At 34 years old, she revealed that as soon as opportunities began to flood in with the increasing popularity of the YouTube series, she began to experience weight gain.
“When the Web series started, I was very, very broke. Then more opportunities began to come,” she said. “I was gaining New Money Weight. When you get a good job, you’re like, ‘I can afford to eat at restaurants all the time!’”
However, she mentioned that it was only when she saw herself on camera (presumably referring to her popular HBO series Insecure, as she noticeably looked different a few episodes after the pilot aired) that she made the decision to make changes.
ISSA RAE WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY
ISSA RAE DIET PLAN
She mentioned that in addition to making use of her free time, she’s delving into the world of Senegalese cooking. Her mom, who hails from Louisiana, learned to whip up Senegalese delicacies from her dad. Watching her parents, Issa felt inspired to give it a shot herself.
Preparing your own meals can be a simple and effective way to support weight loss. When you cook your own food, you have more control over the ingredients and portion sizes. It allows you to choose wholesome, nutritious options and avoid excessive amounts of unhealthy additives.
To start, focus on incorporating a variety of fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your meals. These foods are not only good for your health but can also aid in weight management. Instead of relying on processed or fast food, which may contain hidden calories and sugars, opt for homemade dishes prepared with love and care.
On the food front, she has adopted a “paleo-leaning” diet now. This means she leans towards a paleolithic-style way of eating. Interestingly, she has rediscovered her love for bacon after being a vegetarian for a remarkable 15 years. This shift in her eating habits reflects a change in her culinary preferences and lifestyle.
ISSA RAE EXERCISE ROUTINE
While working on the packed schedule of filming Insecure, Issa faced challenges in maintaining a regular workout routine. However, after some trial and error, she discovered a regimen that suited her. To ensure she gets her exercise in, she sets her alarm for the early hour of 4:55 a.m. Interestingly, she opts for outdoor workouts on the streets instead of hitting the gym.
Exercising is a straightforward and effective way to lose weight and improve overall health. You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated routines to get started on your fitness journey. Firstly, incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine can make a significant difference. Simple activities like walking, jogging, or cycling are accessible and can be done almost anywhere. Find an activity you enjoy to make it more sustainable and fun.
Opening up about her fitness journey, Issa confessed that being consistent with daily exercise didn’t come naturally to her. In the past, she used to come up with excuses and would attempt to adopt a healthy lifestyle in short bursts. If she ever slipped off the fitness track, she would postpone getting back on it until the next year, often making it a New Year’s resolution. This candid acknowledgment reveals her personal struggles and highlights the common challenges many people face in maintaining a regular exercise routine.
ISSA RAE BEFORE AND AFTER WEIGHT LOSS
Issa Rae’s appearance has transitioned to a healthier form after prioritizing her well-being, reflecting a personal weight loss journey that many can relate to. It’s a personal achievement for her, and she seems to be embracing a healthier lifestyle.
ISSA RAE’S EARLY LIFE
Jo-Issa Rae Diop, known as Issa Rae, is one of five kids. Her mom, Delyna Diop, is a teacher from Louisiana, and her dad, Abdoulaye Diop, is a pediatrician from Senegal. They lived in Dakar from 1988 to 1990, then moved to View Park-Windsor Hills in Los Angeles. Abdoulaye started a pediatric clinic in Inglewood, and Issa went to King/Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science in South Los Angeles. This school had lots of Black and Latino students. Issa took part in the drama department’s plays about race and class, like the 1939 play called On Strivers’ Row.
WHO IS ISSA RAE’S HUSBAND?
Issa Rae keeps her personal life very private. That means she doesn’t share a lot about it with the public. So, when she got married to businessman Louis Diame in July 2021, it surprised many people. The wedding happened in the south of France and was a small gathering with family and close friends. Issa Rae spoke about the experience, saying it was beautiful and felt like a big party that went by quickly. She did mention, though, that she worked a lot before and after the wedding, which made it a bit tough.
Even though she usually keeps things private, Issa shared pictures from her wedding, including ones with her Vera Wang wedding dress. Some people wondered why she shared these pictures if she likes to keep her personal life private. Issa explained that she still tries to keep her personal life private, but she knew the wedding pictures would be shared eventually. So, she decided to share them on her terms, in her own way.
HOW MANY LANGUAGES DOES ISSA RAE SPEAK?
Issa Rae can speak more than just English. She also knows Wolof, the main language in Senegal, and French. Once, while walking in New York City, she overheard some French guys talking about her behind her back. They were being rude, commenting on her walk and her butt. Issa decided to surprise them. She turned around and warned them in French, saying, “Be careful what you say, because everyone here understands every language.” Then, she confidently walked away.
FAQ
1. How much is Issa Rae net worth?
$8 million.
2. How much did Issa Rae make from Barbie?
$90,000.
3. What businesses does Issa Rae own?
She’s part of Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, a coffee shop with stores in South Los Angeles. She also owns Hooray, a production company, and Radio, her record label.
CONCLUSION
Issa Rae’s weight loss journey, comparing her before and after, shows a positive transformation. It’s clear she made changes to lead a healthier lifestyle, and the results are visible. Her journey is a reminder that with dedication and healthy choices, anyone can achieve their personal goals. Issa’s story is inspiring for those on a similar path, showing that small changes can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being.
