Cholesterol signs as Will.I.am's diagnoses was a 'wake up call' (2025)

The Black Eyed Peas frontman has opened up about his health struggles, which were brought on by a number of factors, including his lifestyle

During an appearance on Loose Women, the celebrity shared some concerning news about his health struggles.

Despite keeping it under wraps and continuing with his professional commitments, he disclosed that his blood pressure had shot up following a significant weight gain, which was then followed by a troublesome infection, reports the Express.

The Where Is The Love singer revealed that his health took a nosedive when he hit 15 stone. Speaking to the Loose Women panel, he confessed: "Last year was tough for me.

"When we filmed The Voice I wasn't the healthiest. 2017 was ups and downs and I slipped.

"I weighed a whopping 210lbs, my blood pressure was really high, I had high cholesterol." He continued: "The high cholesterol was a wake-up call, then I had bronchitis for a month-and-a-half and I didn't know why I couldn't beat it. "

Bronchitis, an infection that inflames the lungs' main airways, can exhibit various symptoms as outlined by the NHS. Individuals typically experience a persistent hacking cough that may expel clear or yellow-grey phlegm.

Accompanying the cough, patients often suffer from a sore throat, headaches, runny nose, and general aches. For some, bronchitis becomes a chronic condition, with extended periods of symptoms including persistent shortness of breath.

Reflecting on his own battle with the illness, musician Will.I.am disclosed that his health issues were largely attributable to his lifestyle choices. He shared: "My immune system was weak and I was eating whatever I could eat for energy, my sleeping patterns were really off, I'd have two and half hours, wake up, go to work, have a nap.

"So I really had to get my life in check." With the guidance of his trusted doctor, the star successfully reduced his cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

He shared: "My blood pressure and cholesterol came down without having to take medicine, my nasal drip has gone, both my nostrils are working – as I always had one nostril that didn't work! No more nasal drip, no more acid reflux."

The singer credits his doctor for his improved health, stating: "I talk to my doctor all the time, he helped saved my best friend's life. Taboo in the Black-Eyed Peas had testicular cancer which he fought and beat, he helped Lance Armstrong, and he helped keep Steve Jobs stay alive for as long as he could."

He acknowledges the privilege of having access to quality medical care, saying: "We're blessed to have access to great professions." The singer also lives with tinnitus, a condition characterised by a persistent ringing in the ears.

In an interview with The Sun, he revealed: "I can't be quiet, as that's when I notice the ringing in my ears. There's always a beep there every day, all day.

"Like now. I don't know exactly how long I've had this, but it's gradually got worse." I don't know what silence sounds like anymore. Music is the only thing which eases my pain."

High blood pressure and high cholesterol can have severe consequences, and it's common for individuals with one condition to also have the other. When arteries become stiff and narrow due to deposits, the heart must work harder, leading to increased blood pressure.

Working overtime to pump blood can lead to an increase in blood pressure. Over time, this high blood pressure can cause damage to the arteries, creating tears where excess cholesterol can accumulate.

This, in turn, can lead to higher cholesterol levels. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of heart disease later in life, making it crucial to manage these levels.

To lower these levels without medication - a method similar to that adopted by Will.I.am - certain lifestyle changes are necessary. These include:

• losing weight
• regular exercise
• maintaining a healthy diet
• quitting smoking
• cutting down on caffeine
• reducing stress
• regularly monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol levels