Hoda Kotb, the beloved co-host of NBC’s Today show, has always been known for her infectious personality and warm demeanor, bringing joy to millions of viewers every morning. But recently, Hoda has shared another side of her journey—a transformation not just of her body, but of her mindset, through her weight loss journey. In 2024, she revealed she lost 15 pounds, a feat she attributed to a mix of self-discipline, nutrition, and mental health awareness. Her story is one of persistence, self-care, and embracing a healthy, balanced approach to life.
Hoda Kotb’s Motivation: More Than Just a Number on the Scale
In an emotional interview, Hoda revealed that the motivation behind her weight loss wasn’t driven solely by wanting to look different but by the desire to feel better. “I needed a change,” she admitted. “It was about feeling healthier, more energized, and more present in my own life.” This new perspective came after years of struggling with her weight, despite her active career. Like many women in the public eye, Hoda had to contend with societal expectations and the pressures that came with being on TV every day. But her journey to wellness was more about finding peace with herself than chasing a particular body image.
Hoda’s weight loss story wasn’t one born out of extreme dieting or the pursuit of unrealistic standards. Instead, she focused on adopting healthier habits, improving her physical fitness, and learning how to take better care of her body.
Diet: The Foundation of Hoda’s Weight Loss
Diet was a central part of Hoda’s weight loss journey. While she had tried many diets in the past, the key to her success was finding something sustainable. “For me, it wasn’t about cutting out all the fun foods, it was about making better choices,” Hoda shared. She took a mindful approach to her meals, incorporating whole, nutrient-dense foods into her diet.
One of her main strategies was embracing a more balanced eating plan, filled with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. She cut back on processed foods and focused on managing portions. Hoda was also very vocal about her use of intermittent fasting, a strategy she used to help control her eating window. “We decided to stop eating between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m.,” she revealed. “It helps me avoid mindless eating in the evenings and gives my body time to rest.”
This dietary shift allowed Hoda to shed pounds while still feeling satisfied. She continued to enjoy her meals, but now with a greater awareness of the quality and quantity of what she was consuming. As she took this journey, Hoda made sure to note how important it was to stay consistent, reminding herself that slow and steady wins the race.
Exercise: Moving Her Body in New Ways
Along with improving her eating habits, Hoda made exercise a part of her routine, gradually incorporating it into her busy life. As a TV personality, her schedule is packed, but she found ways to prioritize her health. Her morning workouts became non-negotiable, as she committed to fitness before heading into the studio for her live show. Hoda’s routine includes cardio, strength training, and yoga. “It’s not about hitting the gym for hours. It’s about doing something every day,” she explained. “Even a 30-minute walk or a brief workout can set the tone for the day.”
Despite her busy lifestyle, she found a balance that worked for her, allowing her to make exercise a regular part of her day without overwhelming herself. Hoda emphasized that consistency was key, and little changes added up over time.
Mental Health: The Key to Hoda’s Success
While diet and exercise were important, Hoda also highlighted the importance of mental health in her weight loss success. “I realized that weight loss isn’t just physical; it’s mental,” Hoda said. She explained that her mindset around food, body image, and self-worth played a huge role in her transformation.
Over the years, Hoda has struggled with anxiety and self-doubt, but through her weight loss journey, she learned how to manage stress better and create positive habits around self-care. She practiced mindfulness and self-reflection, often turning to meditation to center herself before the start of her day. “Meditation helps me to stay grounded and approach challenges with clarity,” she shared.
She also mentioned how she’s had to let go of comparing herself to others. “You cannot measure your success by anyone else’s standards,” she stated, reflecting on how she had learned to embrace her uniqueness. Through this mental shift, Hoda learned to love her body at every stage of the process, focusing on health and happiness over just numbers on the scale.
Support System: The Importance of Family and Friends
One of the major driving forces behind Hoda’s transformation has been the support from her family and colleagues. Her co-host Jenna Bush Hager, who is a close friend, has been a pillar of support throughout Hoda’s weight loss journey. “We’re in this together,” Hoda said, adding that Jenna helped keep her accountable and encouraged her to celebrate small victories. Her family has also been incredibly supportive, always cheering her on as she prioritized her health.
Hoda often shares moments with her fans on social media, revealing the fun and real-life moments behind her transformation. Whether it’s a workout selfie or a post about her healthy meals, Hoda’s candid approach has made her fans feel like they’re a part of her journey. She frequently reminds her followers that it’s okay to have setbacks and that the path to health and happiness isn’t always linear.
Challenges and Triumphs: A Real-Life Journey
Throughout her weight loss process, Hoda encountered challenges. Like many, she had days where she felt like giving up or when her progress felt too slow. But she learned to embrace these challenges and view them as part of the journey. “There are ups and downs, but the key is not to be hard on yourself,” she advised. Hoda also acknowledged that her journey wasn’t a quick fix and that true change takes time. The success she’s experienced in 2024—a loss of 15 pounds—has been a source of pride, but it’s also a reminder that her health and happiness are ongoing pursuits.
A Healthier Future: Continuing the Journey
Looking ahead, Hoda remains committed to her health, but with a focus on longevity and happiness rather than perfection. She knows that the goal isn’t just to lose weight, but to create sustainable habits that will continue to serve her well into the future. “I want to be healthy, and I want to feel good every day,” she said, looking forward to maintaining a healthy balance in all aspects of her life.
As she continues her journey, Hoda’s story is a reminder that success isn’t defined by a number on the scale. It’s about feeling good in your own skin, making choices that nurture your body and mind, and embracing every step along the way.
The Power of Consistency and Mindfulness
Hoda Kotb’s weight loss journey is a testament to the power of consistency, self-compassion, and a balanced approach to health. By incorporating mindful eating, regular exercise, and mental health practices into her routine, Hoda has not only lost weight but also gained confidence and a renewed sense of well-being. Her candidness about her struggles, triumphs, and the reality of her weight loss journey has inspired many of her fans to embark on their own paths to health and happiness.
As Hoda continues to inspire others with her openness and dedication, her story shows that with determination, support, and a positive mindset, anyone can achieve their health goals.
