Al Roker, America’s favorite weatherman, has been a comforting presence on our screens for decades. His warm smile and cheerful demeanor are legendary, but so was his very public and lifelong struggle with weight. After years of yo-yo dieting and even a major surgery, many of us watched his journey with empathy. But in recent years, Roker has appeared healthier and more vibrant than ever, having finally found a sustainable way to manage his weight. So, how did Al Roker lose weight for good? It all came down to one simple trick he used to finally get control over his biggest obstacle: cravings.

A Lifelong Battle and a Major Wake-Up Call
Al Roker’s weight loss journey has been a long and challenging one. At his heaviest, he weighed 340 pounds. His struggle wasn’t for a lack of trying; he attempted numerous diets over the years, only to find the weight creeping back on. In 2002, he took a drastic step and underwent gastric bypass surgery, which led to a significant initial weight loss.
However, as is common with weight loss surgery, it wasn’t a permanent fix on its own. Roker has been open about the fact that the weight started to return because the underlying habits and, more importantly, the cravings, hadn’t been fully addressed. He realized he needed more than a surgical solution; he needed a fundamental lifestyle change that he could stick with for the long haul.
The “Simple Trick” That Changed Everything
After years of searching for what works, Al Roker finally discovered the key to his lasting success. The one simple trick he used to crush his cravings was adopting a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic (keto) diet.
This wasn’t just another fad diet for him. By drastically reducing his carbohydrate and sugar intake, Roker fundamentally changed how his body gets its energy. Instead of running on glucose (from carbs), his body switched to burning fat for fuel. This metabolic shift had a profound effect:
- It stabilized his blood sugar. Without the constant spikes and crashes from sugary foods and refined carbs, the intense, uncontrollable hunger pangs disappeared.
- It increased his satiety. A diet rich in protein and healthy fats is incredibly filling. Roker found he could go longer between meals without feeling hungry, which made it easier to avoid mindless snacking.
- It eliminated his “trigger” foods. By cutting out bread, pasta, and sugar, he removed the very things that used to set off his cravings.
“The great thing about the keto diet is I’m not starving,” Roker has shared. This simple but powerful shift from a carb-based diet to a fat-and-protein-based one was the game-changer that allowed him to finally crush his cravings and take control of his eating habits.

More Than Just a Diet: A Commitment to a Healthier Life
Of course, Al Roker’s weight loss success isn’t just about what he eats. His newfound energy has fueled a renewed commitment to fitness. He is a huge proponent of walking and low-impact exercise, often seen on social media getting his steps in, rain or shine. He proves that you don’t need an extreme workout regimen to see results—consistency is key.
His daily routine now typically includes a protein-rich breakfast, a simple lunch of salad with chicken or fish, and a dinner focused on lean protein and vegetables. He has successfully lost over 45 pounds with this approach and, more importantly, has maintained it, feeling more energetic and healthier than ever.
Al Roker’s weight loss journey is a powerful reminder that the best plan is the one that is sustainable. For him, the “trick” wasn’t a magic pill or a quick fix, but a simple dietary principle that addressed the root cause of his struggles—cravings. By finding a way to eat that kept him full and satisfied, he finally won the battle he had been fighting for decades.
FAQ: Al Roker’s Weight Loss Journey
1. How did Al Roker lose weight most recently?
Al Roker lost weight by consistently following a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic (keto) diet. This approach helped him control his hunger and eliminate cravings.
2. How much weight did Al Roker lose?
On his most recent keto plan, Al Roker lost approximately 45 pounds. Over his entire weight loss journey, including after his gastric bypass surgery in 2002, he has lost over 150 pounds from his peak weight of 340 pounds.
3. What is the “1 simple trick” Al Roker used?
The simple trick was switching to a keto diet, which changes the body’s primary fuel source from carbohydrates to fat. This stabilized his blood sugar and kept him feeling full, which effectively crushed the cravings that had previously sabotaged his efforts.
4. What does Al Roker eat in a day?
His diet primarily consists of lean proteins (like fish, chicken, and beef), healthy fats (like avocado and olive oil), and low-carb vegetables. He avoids sugar, bread, pasta, and other high-carbohydrate foods.
5. Did Al Roker have weight loss surgery?
Yes, Al Roker had gastric bypass surgery in 2002. While it helped him lose a significant amount of weight initially, he credits his recent and sustainable success to his keto lifestyle and consistent exercise.
6. What kind of exercise does Al Roker do?
Al Roker is a big advocate for daily walking and low-impact exercises. He emphasizes consistency over intensity as the key to his fitness routine.
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