When it comes to weight loss transformations, Gayle King is a name that stands out. The renowned journalist and co-host of CBS This Morning has been very transparent about her journey to shed 25 pounds, and it’s safe to say that her fans couldn’t be prouder. Gayle, now 69, has been embracing her wellness journey with dedication and persistence, and her results have been nothing short of inspiring. In this article, we’re diving into her weight loss journey, her struggles, and, of course, her secrets to success.
Gayle’s Honest Beginning: “The Weight Struggle is Real!”
One thing we love about Gayle King is her honesty. She has always kept it real with her audience, and her weight loss journey was no exception. Back in 2020, Gayle took to her Instagram and admitted, “The weight struggle is real! Fatter than I’ve been in a long time…” It was a moment that many could relate to—a shared experience of frustration over unwanted weight gain. Her post, complete with her signature sense of humor, showed the world that even a celebrated TV personality like Gayle faces the same challenges as anyone else.
Gayle’s openness continued as she shared her journey from 172.2 pounds down to 165 pounds, documented through before-and-after photos on social media. It wasn’t about a quick fix but about making lasting changes.
Finding Her Balance: Diet, Exercise, and WW (Weight Watchers)
So, how did Gayle King lose the weight and keep it off? It all boiled down to finding balance and making sustainable changes to her lifestyle. In 2016, Gayle made headlines for shedding nearly 30 pounds, and she did so by focusing on a few key elements—healthy eating, consistent workouts, and a lot of determination.
Gayle signed up with WW (formerly Weight Watchers), a program she said helped her stay accountable while enjoying her favorite foods in moderation. She emphasized that she didn’t completely cut out the things she loved; instead, she learned how to enjoy them in a balanced way. “I feel really good,” she said after dropping the weight, showcasing that portion control and understanding food were crucial to her success.
“For me, it’s not about deprivation,” Gayle shared in an interview. “It’s about understanding my body and what works for me.”
The Workout Routine: “Sweating It Out Like a Pro!”
But weight loss isn’t all about diet, and Gayle knows that better than anyone. Her workout routine has been an integral part of her transformation. According to her, Gayle works out five to six days a week, splitting her time between cardio and strength training. For 30 minutes, she typically hops on the treadmill or takes a brisk walk, followed by another 30 minutes of strength training.
“I love mixing it up,” Gayle said about her exercise routine. “Sometimes it’s a treadmill, sometimes it’s cycling. And strength training has become my secret weapon. It keeps everything tight and toned.”
She also emphasized that working out wasn’t just about the physical benefits. Gayle has often talked about how exercise helps her mentally, especially when dealing with the daily stresses of being a public figure. “Exercise is my therapy,” she added, and it seems that dedication has paid off—both physically and emotionally.
The Role of Motivation: Oprah Winfrey’s Influence
It would be impossible to discuss Gayle’s weight loss journey without mentioning her best friend, Oprah Winfrey. Oprah herself has faced public struggles with weight, and she and Gayle have often cheered each other on throughout their respective wellness journeys. In fact, Oprah has been a big motivator for Gayle, particularly when it came to joining WW.
“Seeing Oprah take control of her health inspired me,” Gayle admitted. The two powerhouses have openly discussed their ups and downs, showing their audiences that the journey to wellness is full of both triumphs and setbacks.
During a recent interview, Oprah jokingly said, “Gayle and I aren’t in competition, but it’s hard not to feel inspired when your best friend is out here crushing her goals.”
Flaunting the Results: The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover
In a moment that truly celebrated her hard work, Gayle King appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue at age 69, showing off her incredible transformation. She looked stunning, flaunting the 25-pound weight loss she had worked so hard to achieve. It was a bold move, and one that Gayle said was as much about self-love as it was about celebrating her physical progress.
“I did it because I wanted to prove to myself that age is just a number,” she said. “I feel better now than I did in my 40s, and I’m proud of that.”
Struggles Along the Way: The Real Talk
Gayle has also been upfront about the struggles she faced along the way. From dealing with hectic schedules to the temptation of comfort foods, Gayle never sugarcoated the challenges. “I’m not gonna lie—there were days I wanted to quit,” she shared. “There were days I did quit, but I always got back on track.”
One of the biggest struggles she opened up about was her relationship with food. Gayle talked about how stress eating had impacted her and how finding healthier outlets, like exercise and mindfulness, helped her overcome those obstacles. “Food used to be my comfort,” she said, “but now I find comfort in knowing that I’m taking care of myself.”
Keeping It Off: The Secret to Gayle’s Long-Term Success
It’s one thing to lose weight, but keeping it off? That’s where the real work begins. For Gayle, the key to maintaining her weight loss has been consistency and keeping her health a priority. She’s been careful not to let old habits creep back in and has been a firm believer in mindful eating.
“I don’t deprive myself,” Gayle said. “If I want cake, I have cake. But I know my limits now.” This approach—allowing room for indulgences while staying mostly on track—has been vital in helping her maintain her 25-pound weight loss.
Gayle’s Advice for Those on Their Own Weight Loss Journeys
When asked what advice she’d give to others struggling with their weight, Gayle had a few powerful words: “Start small and be kind to yourself.” She encourages everyone to make small, manageable changes rather than trying to overhaul their lifestyle overnight. “You don’t have to do everything all at once. Maybe start by just moving your body for ten minutes a day, or swapping out one unhealthy meal. It all adds up.”
She also stressed the importance of having a support system. Whether it’s a best friend, a family member, or a weight loss community, Gayle said that having someone in your corner can make all the difference. “Oprah was my cheerleader, and I hope everyone finds their Oprah,” she joked.
Conclusion: It’s About Wellness, Not Just Weight
In the end, Gayle King’s weight loss journey wasn’t just about shedding pounds—it was about embracing a healthier, happier version of herself. Through her openness, honesty, and perseverance, Gayle has shown that it’s never too late to take control of your health. Whether it’s through WW, exercising, or just being more mindful of her choices, Gayle’s transformation is a powerful reminder that age is just a number, and it’s always possible to become your best self.
So, if you’re looking for some motivation, take a page out of Gayle King’s book. Remember her words: “It’s not about deprivation, it’s about understanding what works for you.” And that, perhaps, is the best weight loss advice of all.