Acclaimed journalist Don Lemon's weight loss and how he takes care of himself inspire those who strive to become the best version of themselves. For years, Don Lemon, one of the most celebrated broadcast journalists in the world, has maintained his unwavering self-confidence in the face of social media critics who often comment on his physical appearance. The CNN star has revealed several times his secrets to staying fit and healthy despite the demanding workload of his career in the media industry. He also spread a message of self-love and accepting your body as it is.
Have you noticed how different Don Lemon looks these days? The veteran CNN news anchor has undergone quite a transformation over the past few years, shedding an impressive 30 pounds and completely revamping his approach to health and fitness.
Don Lemon's 40-pound weight loss isn't just a headline-it's a story of grit, heart, and real change. From battling health issues to strutting his stuff on a beach, he's shown that transformation is possible, no matter how busy or stressed you are. His secret? Consistency, accountability, and a whole lot of self-love.
The Turning Point
"I honestly didn’t set out to lose a specific amount of weight. It all started because I just wasn’t feeling like myself anymore,” Don reveals, reflecting on his journey. For years, Don Lemon was the picture of a busy news professional-long hours in the studio, irregular eating patterns, and the constant pressure of breaking news. “There was a moment when I caught a glimpse of myself on camera and barely recognized the person I was looking at,” Don admits.
Picture this: Don Lemon, the sharp-witted journalist, sitting at his heaviest-over 230 pounds, dealing with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even sleep apnea. Sounds rough, right? He’s been open about how those extra pounds started creeping up, affecting not just his health but his whole vibe. “I was carrying it well, but it was time for it to go,” he once tweeted, responding to a fan who noticed his slimmer frame back in 2016. Don’s wake-up call wasn’t some dramatic movie moment. It was the slow realization that his health issues were piling up, and he wasn’t feeling like himself. At over 280 pounds at his peak, he was battling physical ailments that made him rethink everything.
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The COVID-19 pandemic became an unexpected catalyst for change. “When everything shut down, I suddenly had this moment to pause and really look at my life. I was stress eating, not exercising, and generally just not taking care of myself. That realization kicked off what would become a significant transformation. Before his weight loss journey, Don tipped the scales at approximately 210 pounds. “I never thought numbers on a scale defined me, but I couldn’t ignore how I was feeling,” Don explains.
The Transformation
Through consistent effort and lifestyle changes, Don managed to lose 30 pounds, bringing his weight down to about 180 pounds. “Losing the weight changed everything-how I sleep, how I move, even how I think. What’s particularly impressive is that Don didn’t rely on any trendy diets or extreme workout regimens.
Fast forward to today, and he’s down to around 190 pounds, looking leaner and fitter than ever. His 2023 Thanksgiving post from St. Barts had fans doing a double-take-shirtless, smiling, and practically glowing next to his fiancé, Tim Malone. But it’s not just about the numbers. Don’s said he feels more mindful, relaxed, and less anxious. “I have a greater appreciation for life and my relationships,” he’s shared, and you can tell it’s not just talk. His energy’s up, his cholesterol and triglycerides are down, and he’s even tackled sleep apnea. When he showed up at Candace Bushnell’s birthday bash in New York City in December 2023, guests barely recognized him. “He’s lost 25 to 30 pounds,” a source told OK! Magazine, and the room was buzzing.
Diet Overhaul
Don’s approach to eating underwent a complete overhaul during his weight loss journey. “I used to grab whatever was convenient-a lot of takeout, processed foods, you name it. “Intermittent fasting was a game-changer for me,” Don shares. This approach helped Don control his calorie intake naturally without having to meticulously count every calorie. “The first few days were tough, I’m not going to lie. But once my body adjusted, I actually started to feel better. “I didn’t completely eliminate any food groups or go on some super restrictive plan. “It’s funny-when you start eating real food, you actually taste it more.
He teamed up with a trainer named Brian Jagger, who helped him craft a plan that fit his life. “I started eating nutrient-rich foods-organic veggies, fish, lean proteins,” Don has shared. He ditched the processed junk, cut back on sugar and carbs, and focused on whole foods.
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He said he used to want big muscles, but now he prefers leanness. Although he stated that he eats whatever he wants, Lemon said he would only consume clean food to help him maintain a lean physique. As a result, he has lost about 12 pounds simply by being reasonable with his eating habits. Lemon said he needed to cut himself off from eating fried foods, which included his favorites like catfish, hush puppies, french fries, crab cakes, gumbo, and crawfish bisque.
Embracing Exercise
Exercise played a crucial role in Don’s transformation, but his approach might surprise you. “I’m not a fitness fanatic and never will be,” Don laughs. “Walking became my therapy during the pandemic,” Don explains. “I started with just 20 minutes a day, and eventually worked up to an hour or more. What started as a mental health practice soon became a cornerstone of his physical transformation as well. “People underestimate walking, but it’s been crucial for me. “I work with weights about three times a week now. “The best part is that I actually enjoy my workouts now.
Exercise was a game-changer too. Don didn’t just stroll around the block-he went hard. We’re talking two hours a day, four to five days a week, mixing high-intensity cardio, strength training, and stretching. “I love boxing and HIIT,” he’s mentioned, and you can see why. Those workouts burn calories like nobody’s business while building muscle. He also made morning walks a habit, which helped clear his mind and kickstart his day.
As for his workout, he said it consisted mainly of plyometrics, cardio bursts and stretching. He used to be intimidated by going to the gym, but he gained confidence after focusing on his routine. He stated that he runs every day, which benefits him not only physically but also mentally. According to Lemon, running helps him to come up with all the best ideas for his shows.
Mental and Emotional Well-being
“Losing weight isn’t just physical-it’s deeply mental and emotional too,” Don reflects. For Don, stress had been a significant trigger for unhealthy eating patterns. “In our line of work, you’re constantly consuming negative news. “Now instead of reaching for comfort food when I’m stressed, I might go for a walk, practice meditation, or just take a few minutes to breathe. “I used to survive on 4-5 hours of sleep, thinking that was fine.
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Lemon works to maintain good mental health by talking to his therapist for an hour each week and avoiding watching the news.
The Ozempic Speculation
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room. If you’ve been scrolling through X or flipping through tabloids, you’ve probably seen the buzz about Don possibly using Ozempic, the weight-loss drug that’s been all over Hollywood. Sources close to him have said he “joked” about taking it during his St. Barts vacation in 2023, where he showed off his 30-pound weight loss. “Don was showing off his new slim figure,” one insider spilled to Page Six, noting he’d lost 25 to 30 pounds at that point.
Here’s the thing: Don’s been super open about his diet and exercise changes, so the Ozempic chatter feels more like speculation than fact. Another source pointed out that he’s been focused on fitness for years, way before Ozempic became a trend. “I’ve been watching what I eat for over eight years,” Don has said, referencing his 2011 transformation when he lost 12 pounds by sticking to clean, lean foods. So, while the rumors are juicy, the evidence points to good old-fashioned hard work-though I’ll let you decide what you think.
Maintaining the Change
Losing weight is one thing-keeping it off is another challenge entirely. “This wasn’t a ‘diet’ with a start and end date. “I don’t aim for perfection-I aim for consistency,” Don says. “If I’m traveling or have a special occasion, I enjoy myself. “I’ve found that it’s much easier to address a 3-pound gain than a 15-pound gain. “I actually look forward to my morning walks now. I enjoy cooking nutritious meals.
His routine includes hair care, wearing fashionable clothes, lots of sleep, and occasional naps.
Lessons Learned
“Yes, looking better on camera is nice,” Don acknowledges. “But what really matters is how I feel. My energy is through the roof. I sleep better. My mood is more stable. “It’s been incredible to receive messages from people who say they’ve been motivated by my journey. “I wish I hadn’t waited so long to take my health seriously. But I’m also grateful that I made these changes when I did. “I’ve tried crash diets before, and they never worked long-term,” Don admits. The lesson? “I think there’s this misconception that after a certain age, your metabolism is shot and you just have to accept weight gain. That’s simply not true,” Don insists. “Losing the weight was just the beginning,” he shares. “Men often don’t talk about health struggles or weight issues, but we should. Don’s journey shows that with consistency and the right approach, significant transformation is possible.
Don’s story isn’t just a celebrity glow-up-it’s a roadmap for anyone who’s ever felt stuck. Think about it: how many times have you promised yourself you’d “start tomorrow,” only to get derailed by life? Don’s been there. He’s juggled a high-pressure job, public scrutiny, and personal challenges, yet he made it work. “It’s about small changes,” he’s said, emphasizing that you don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. What I love about Don’s approach is how real it is. He didn’t go for a quick fix or a crash diet. He built habits that stuck, like eating smaller portions and hitting the gym consistently. “I’m not trying to be bulky,” he’s said, explaining his preference for staying lean and fit. And that accountability partner? That’s a gem. Whether it’s a friend, a trainer, or even a fitness app, having someone in your corner can make or break your progress.
A Message of Inspiration
Sharing his views on television is something that Lemon is familiar with. In 2017, he replied to CNN reporter Sara Sidner, who referred to herself as "chunky" during a live broadcast for the news show. He quickly assured Sidner that she was a beautiful woman regardless of her size and that there was nothing wrong with having a few curves. His heartwarming remark won online fans' hearts.
Don’s journey also reminds us that health isn’t just about the scale. It’s about feeling good in your skin, having energy to chase your dreams, and knowing you’re doing right by your body. “I’m in a better mental space,” he’s said, and that’s the real win. If a guy like Don, with all his deadlines and drama, can pull this off, maybe-just maybe-you can too.
Key Takeaways from Don Lemon's Weight Loss Journey
Weight Loss: Don Lemon lost approximately 30 pounds, going from about 210 pounds to around 180 pounds.
Timeline: Don’s weight loss has been gradual over years. He lost 12 pounds in a few months back in 2011, 25 pounds by 2016, and another 25 to 30 pounds by 2023.
Diet: Don didn’t follow a specific branded diet plan. Instead, he practiced intermittent fasting (typically 16:8 method), focused on whole unprocessed foods, increased his protein intake, and reduced processed carbohydrates and sugar. Don adopted a diet rich in whole foods-organic vegetables, fish, and lean proteins-while cutting out processed foods, sugary drinks, and fried foods. "I’m a Southern guy at heart,” he’s said, reminiscing about his love for fried chicken and catfish. But he knew those comfort foods were holding him back.
Exercise Routine: Don’s exercise routine centered around daily walking (10,000-15,000 steps per day), combined with strength training 3 times per week. Don worked out four to five days a week for about two hours, combining high-intensity cardio, strength training, boxing, and HIIT.
Maintenance: Don maintains his weight by continuing the same habits that helped him lose weight initially, but with slightly more flexibility.