Al Roker has candidly spoken about his lifelong struggle with food addiction, 

acknowledging the complexities of the battle while offering support for those who choose medical interventions like weight loss medications. 

The 70-year-old Today show host, who underwent a gastric bypass in 2002 after reaching 340 pounds, 

reflected on his journey toward a healthier lifestyle and the lessons he has learned along the way.

A Lifelong Battle with Food Addiction

In a recent interview, Roker revealed that his perspective on food changed dramatically after learning about portion control. 

He explained that unlike other addictions, where complete abstinence is possible, food addiction requires a different approach since eating is a necessity.

“I’m not gonna judge anybody. Listen, it’s unlike any other addiction or dependence. You can live without alcohol, you can live without cigarettes, whatever that drug of choice is… but you’ve got to eat, and so for some people, it’s just difficult,” Roker said.

Acknowledging the rise in popularity of weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Roker emphasized that everyone’s journey is personal. “If this is what works for them, I mean, who are we to say, ‘Oh, don’t do that.’ As long as it’s safe and effective, good for you. I think everybody’s journey is their journey.”

The Ongoing Challenge of Healthy Eating

When asked what advice he would offer to those struggling with their relationship with food, Roker was hesitant to provide a one-size-fits-all solution.

“I am very loath to give people advice about that because it’s like anything—you have good days and not so good days, you still have emotions, things like that. So I tend not to go down that road because it’s tough, and everybody’s got to face that and they’ve got to figure out their path.”

Despite his own weight loss success, Roker acknowledged that social media and modern habits make maintaining a healthy relationship with food even more challenging. He pointed out that distractions like scrolling through a phone during meals can lead to mindless eating, saying, “You could finish a plate of food reading and not realize that you ate. Well, today, everybody’s on their phones and doom scrolling and eating or having snacks, and so I think the trick is to try to be more present.”

To combat this in his own household, his wife, Deborah Roberts, has enforced a strict “no phones at the table” rule. “They get left in a basket and that’s that,” Roker confirmed.

Learning the Art of Moderation

Roker’s latest book, Al Roker’s Recipes to Live By: Easy, Memory-Making Family Dishes for Every Occasion, which he co-wrote with his daughter Courtney Roker Laga, reflects his evolving relationship with food. While the cookbook features a mix of indulgent and healthy recipes, Roker emphasized the importance of portion control.

“I guess what I’ve come to realize with my relationship with food, which has happened over a period of time, is that I’ve learned about portions,” he explained. He also drew inspiration from his daughter Leila, who lives in Paris, where portion sizes tend to be much smaller than those in the U.S.

“Look, it’s not low fat—it’s sauces and bread, carb-loading, and cheese—but they’re small portions, so that this way, you don’t have that guilt. If you compare our cookbook to even 10 years ago, the portion sizes are smaller.”

Indulgence in Moderation

While Roker believes in moderation, he acknowledged the challenges of resisting temptation, particularly when it comes to sweets.

“A little is okay, unless there’s some medical issue I suppose. The problem had been for a long time, for me, it’d be one thing if you stopped at a scoop of Häagen-Dazs, but no, we finished the pint! That’s where you get in trouble.”

Roker also shared that he doesn’t let online criticism about his food choices bother him when he posts about meals on Instagram.

“Listen, [if] you want to comment, good for you. The gratification of clapping back to somebody is hard to resist, but at the end of the day, if you want to comment on it, good for you.”

Family, Food, and Looking Ahead

With the holidays approaching, Roker is looking forward to spending quality time with his loved ones. He also revealed that his granddaughter, Sky, is already showing signs of having a sophisticated palate.

“It’s funny, she really does have her mother’s palate,” Roker said about his daughter Courtney’s child. “She leans more toward savory than sweet. She’ll gnaw on a lemon like anybody’s business! She likes chicken, she likes shrimp, she’s had some eel sushi—she’s got a good palate, this one.”

Despite the ups and downs of his journey, Roker remains focused on leading a balanced life. His openness about his struggles and triumphs continues to resonate with many, proving that when it comes to food addiction, progress—not perfection—is the key.

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