Al Roker, the beloved 70-year-old weather anchor of NBC’s Today Show, has been a source of inspiration for millions throughout his career. Known for his charismatic presence, humor, and resilience, Roker has now opened up about one of the biggest personal battles of his life—his struggle with food addiction and the secret behind his lasting weight loss success.
Just months after discussing his lifelong challenge with food dependence, Roker has now finally confirmed what many have speculated for years—his go-to method for staying healthy and fit. And it’s not what most people expected.
The Simple Yet Powerful Secret to Al Roker’s Health Transformation
During a special event for NBC’s new Start Today health and wellness app, Roker shared the key to his fitness success—walking.
While many celebrities promote intense workouts and complex diets, Roker’s approach is refreshingly simple.
“I try not to go hog wild,” he told DailyMail.com. “I just like to work things in. That’s why I like to walk. You can walk to do other things.”
For Roker, walking isn’t just an exercise—it’s a lifestyle.
He commits to walking more than 10,000 steps every single day, no matter what.
He starts his mornings with a mile on the treadmill before heading to work.
He walks to and from his appointments, the subway, and even inside the NBC building to keep moving.
He even has a treadmill desk in his office, so he can stay active while working.
On the day of his interview, Roker had already walked 15,000 steps—proving his dedication to movement and long-term health.
A Personal Battle with Food Addiction—The Truth Roker Had to Face
For years, Roker struggled with his weight, facing the highs and lows of dieting, emotional eating, and public scrutiny.
His wake-up call came in 2002, when he weighed 340 pounds and made the life-changing decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery.
But despite the surgery’s success, his real battle wasn’t just with food—it was with addiction.
Unlike other addictions, food is something you can’t just quit.
Roker admits it’s one of the hardest struggles because you have to eat to survive.
He refuses to judge those who turn to weight-loss medications or other interventions, saying, “If it’s safe and effective, good for you. Who are we to say, ‘Oh, don’t do that’?”
Roker’s honest approach to health and wellness has resonated with many who struggle with their own weight-loss journeys.
The Philosophy That Keeps Him Going: “Something Is Better Than Nothing”
Unlike strict diets or high-intensity workouts, Roker’s approach is based on one simple rule:
“Something is better than nothing.”
For him, the key isn’t perfection—it’s consistency.
Even on busy days, he makes sure to get some form of movement in.
If he can’t get a long workout, he focuses on short bursts of activity.
He believes that small, daily habits add up over time—and that’s what keeps him on track.
This realistic, sustainable approach is why Roker has been able to maintain his health for decades.
A New Chapter: The Launch of the Start Today Health & Wellness App
Roker’s personal commitment to health and fitness aligns perfectly with NBC’s new Start Today app, which aims to help people track their fitness, nutrition, and wellness goals in a simple, actionable way.
The app includes:
Weekly & monthly fitness challenges
Custom meal plans by registered dietitians
Daily inspiration & wellness tips from experts
Tools to track progress, save meal plans, and create grocery lists
For Roker, the Start Today movement is about more than just fitness—it’s about helping others take control of their health in an achievable way.
Why Al Roker’s Revelation Matters
At 70 years old, Roker is proof that it’s never too late to take charge of your health. His honest, practical approach to weight loss and wellness has made him a relatable and inspiring figure for millions.
He has shown that:
✅ You don’t need extreme workouts to stay fit—just consistent movement.
✅ Health is a lifelong journey, not a quick fix.
✅ Overcoming food addiction requires a compassionate, personal approach.
✅ It’s possible to maintain long-term weight loss with small, sustainable habits.
His story is a testament to resilience, self-acceptance, and the power of making small changes that lead to big results.
What’s Next for Al Roker?
As he continues his health journey, Roker remains committed to inspiring others, encouraging them to find what works for them and stick with it.
The legacy he is creating isn’t just about his work on Today—it’s about his message of perseverance, balance, and self-care.
One thing is certain: Al Roker isn’t slowing down anytime soon.