Dagen McDowell has never been one to shy away from speaking her mind, and her weight loss journey is no different. The Fox Business anchor, known for her sharp wit and honesty, recently revealed that she has lost an incredible 185 pounds, and fans everywhere are dying to know—how did she do it? In a candid conversation, Dagen opened up about the struggles, the breakthroughs, and the sheer determination that led to her transformation. Let’s dive into her journey of losing nearly half her body weight while maintaining her demanding public career.
Why Dagen Decided to Lose Weight
Dagen McDowell’s decision to tackle her weight didn’t come out of the blue. She has been open about her struggles, especially after the death of her mother from cancer—a deeply emotional period that impacted every facet of her life. “Losing my mom was one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through,” Dagen shared. “I knew I had to take better care of myself, not just for my career, but for my health and my family.” It was during this period of grief that Dagen had a realization: she needed to change her lifestyle and prioritize her well-being.
At her heaviest, Dagen weighed over 300 pounds. She mentioned feeling not only the physical toll of her weight but also the emotional burden. “I was tired of being out of breath just walking across the room,” she said. “It was time to make a change.” And change she did—Dagen embarked on a journey that would see her shedding 185 pounds over the course of a year.
The Secret to Her Success: Lifestyle Changes, Not Quick Fixes
Unlike many, Dagen didn’t turn to fad diets or extreme measures to lose weight. Instead, she focused on sustainable lifestyle changes. “There are no shortcuts,” she emphasized. “I did it the long way—clean eating, regular exercise, and most importantly, changing my mindset.” Dagen’s diet transformation was built around whole foods, portion control, and consistency. She worked with a nutritionist to develop a plan that prioritized balanced meals. “I cut out processed foods and started eating more vegetables and lean proteins. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it,” she explained.
Dagen also embraced exercise as an essential part of her routine. She started with simple activities like walking and gradually worked her way up to more intense workouts. “I remember the first time I ran a mile without stopping,” she said with a smile. “It felt like I had conquered the world.” Today, Dagen runs regularly and has even taken up strength training. “I can lift weights I never imagined I could handle before,” she added, clearly proud of how far she has come.
Mental Health: The Often Overlooked Component
One of the key factors in Dagen’s weight loss journey was addressing her mental health. “Losing weight isn’t just about diet and exercise,” she pointed out. “It’s also about dealing with the reasons why you overeat in the first place.” Dagen worked with a therapist to address her relationship with food, particularly how she used it as a coping mechanism during stressful times. “I had to learn new ways to handle my emotions—without turning to food,” she shared.
Dagen also emphasized the importance of self-compassion throughout her journey. “There were days when I slipped up, but I had to remind myself that it’s not about being perfect—it’s about progress,” she said. “I stopped beating myself up for every little mistake and instead focused on the bigger picture.” This mindset shift made all the difference, helping her stay motivated even during tough times.
The Role of Community and Support
Dagen credits a significant part of her success to the support system she built around herself. Her colleagues at Fox Business, her friends, and her family all played a role in keeping her accountable. “My husband has been my rock through all of this,” she said. “He’s been there every step of the way—cheering me on, cooking healthy meals with me, and even joining me for workouts. I couldn’t have done it without him.”
The community aspect didn’t stop there. Dagen also found motivation through social media, where she connected with others going through similar journeys. “Seeing other people share their successes and struggles made me feel less alone,” she said. “It reminded me that we’re all in this together.”
The Results: How Much Weight Has Dagen McDowell Lost?
The big question everyone has been asking: how much weight has Dagen McDowell lost? The answer—185 pounds—is nothing short of astounding. But for Dagen, it’s about more than just the numbers on the scale. “It’s about how I feel,” she explained. “I have more energy, I sleep better, and I feel more confident in my own skin.”
At 48 years old, Dagen is in the best shape of her life. She proudly shared that she can now run without getting tired, lift weights that challenge her, and keep up with her demanding career without feeling drained. “I feel like I’ve gotten my life back,” she said. “And that is priceless.”
What Keeps Her Going: Life After the Weight Loss
Maintaining such a drastic weight loss is often just as challenging as losing the weight in the first place, but Dagen is committed to staying the course. “I think the key to keeping the weight off is not viewing it as a temporary thing,” she shared. “This is my lifestyle now. It’s about making choices every day that support my health and well-being.”
Dagen’s routine includes regular exercise—she still runs and lifts weights several times a week—and she continues to follow a balanced diet. “I still enjoy my favorite foods,” she admitted. “But it’s all about moderation. I don’t feel deprived because I’ve learned how to have a healthy relationship with food.”
Dagen’s Advice for Anyone Looking to Start Their Own Journey
When asked what advice she would give to others looking to lose weight, Dagen didn’t hesitate. “Start small,” she said. “Don’t focus on the end goal—that can feel overwhelming. Instead, focus on the small changes you can make today, like going for a walk or swapping out a sugary snack for something healthier.”
Dagen also stressed the importance of patience. “I didn’t lose 185 pounds overnight. It took time, and it took effort. But if you stay consistent and keep pushing forward, you will get there,” she encouraged. “And remember to be kind to yourself along the way. Celebrate the small victories, and don’t let setbacks define you.”
A Journey Worth Sharing
Dagen McDowell’s weight loss journey is one of perseverance, resilience, and transformation. From losing her mother to taking control of her health, Dagen’s story is a testament to what can happen when you decide to put yourself first. “This journey has taught me that I’m stronger than I ever knew,” she said. “If I can do it, anyone can.”
So, how much weight has Dagen McDowell lost? The answer is 185 pounds—but the real weight she shed was the burden of doubt, fear, and self-neglect. Today, Dagen stands as an inspiration to others, proving that it’s never too late to take control of your health and live your best life.