The View's Sherri Shepherd on Preconception Weight Loss

The Scoop

Comedian and co-host of ABC's The View, Sherri Shepherd, has been very public about her efforts to trim down and get in shape before her upcoming nuptials to TV writer Lamar Sally. But looking fabulous in her wedding photos is not the only reason why the funny lady is trying to reach her goal weight. In an interview with People magazine, Shepherd admits that the weight loss is an important part of her post-wedding plans to become pregnant.

"I have to lose as much weight as possible for me to be healthy to carry [a baby]," Shepherd tells People. The talk show host struggled with infertility before becoming pregnant with son Jeffrey, born in April 2005, who was premature as a result of pregnancy complications. Shepherd has since been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and now understands that being at a healthy weight when she conceives will boost her chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby.

So what's she doing to get fit? According to People, she has added personal training sessions to an already rigorous health and fitness regimen that includes Zumba dance classes and adhering to the South Beach Diet.

"I go at 7 in the morning, four times a week to see my trainer over at the Reebok Club," she revealed at the Spring Gala honoring Stevie Wonder at the Apollo Theater recently (via People). "She's doing a lot of interval training with me, and these things called suicides. Those are really tough."

Your Fertility

Should you lose weight before becoming pregnant? Making a preconception checkup appointment with your doctor or midwife is a good way to find out—and can put in place those supports needed to help with sensible weight loss (including an idea of how much you really do need to lose and a referral to a nutritionist for weight-loss meal planning).

Why should you take time to reach a healthy goal weight? According to the March of Dimes, a woman who is at a healthy weight before pregnancy is less likely to have serious complications during pregnancy, like high blood pressure or diabetes, or during childbirth. Her baby is also less likely to be born preterm, have birth defects, or face childhood obesity. For someone who already has type 2 diabetes, like Shepherd, losing weight can help with diabetes management and blood sugar control.

We can't wait to hear Shepherd's pregnancy oneliners!