When we think of Norah O’Donnell, the face that’s graced the CBS Evening News desk for years, it’s hard not to picture her poised, polished, and confident. But behind the scenes, Norah was facing a personal battle—a struggle that was not only physical but deeply emotional. It wasn’t just about fitting into a certain dress size or looking good on television. It was about reclaiming her health, finding her true sense of well-being, and ultimately, feeling good in her own skin.

In 2024, Norah O’Donnell embarked on a transformative weight loss journey that saw her shed 40 pounds, dropping from 172 pounds to 132 pounds. But her journey was more than just about the physical transformation. It was a journey that intertwined her work-life balance, her personal health, and her emotional well-being. By focusing on mindful eating, regular exercise, and the power of self-care, Norah proved that it’s possible to achieve a life-changing transformation without resorting to extreme measures.

In this conversation, we take an intimate look at Norah’s journey, the motivations behind her decision to lose weight, the struggles she faced along the way, and the lessons she learned that helped her become not just healthier, but more confident and empowered.

The Turning Point: A Wake-Up Call for Health

For many people, it takes a turning point—a moment of self-realization—to prompt a change. For Norah, it wasn’t a dramatic event that pushed her to make a decision. It was the cumulative effect of years of balancing the high demands of her career, motherhood, and personal life, which had taken a toll on her body.

“I wasn’t feeling like myself,” Norah shares. “I had been working nonstop, juggling everything, and I started to realize that I had neglected my health for so long. It wasn’t a sudden thing. It was more like a slow realization that I wasn’t taking care of myself the way I should have.”

As a prominent anchor, her life was under constant scrutiny, and while many would imagine the pressure to be always camera-ready, it wasn’t the external judgment that motivated her to change. It was internal—a desire to feel better, to have more energy, and to embrace self-love.

The Struggles: Fighting Old Habits

Like many people, Norah’s weight loss journey wasn’t without its difficulties. She had grown accustomed to old habits—working long hours, eating out frequently, and dealing with the emotional toll of her demanding career. But as she began her transformation, she realized that it wasn’t about just losing weight—it was about changing her relationship with food and her body.

“I’ve always been a busy person, and I’d use food as comfort. That was something I had to break,” she explains. “I wasn’t emotionally eating, but I definitely wasn’t making the best choices either.”

The path wasn’t about extreme dieting or cutting out the foods she loved. Instead, Norah chose to embrace a balanced approach to nutrition. She made mindful choices, focusing on whole foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and eliminated processed foods. She practiced portion control and even took the time to slow down, savoring her meals instead of rushing through them.

The Breakthrough: Finding a Sustainable Routine

For Norah, the key to success was sustainability. “I knew I didn’t want to try a fad diet that would leave me feeling deprived or frustrated,” she says. Instead, she adopted a lifestyle change—something that would fit seamlessly into her busy life. This included:

  1. Mindful Eating: Norah learned to listen to her body and make conscious food choices. “Instead of mindlessly snacking, I started to be mindful about when I ate, how much I ate, and what I was eating,” she says.

  2. Exercise: While Norah was no stranger to physical activity, she incorporated yoga into her routine, which became a key factor in her weight loss. Yoga not only helped her manage stress but also gave her the flexibility and strength she needed to feel stronger both physically and mentally.

  3. Self-Care: “The journey wasn’t just about food and exercise,” Norah shares. “It was about how I was taking care of myself mentally and emotionally. I started prioritizing self-care, like getting more sleep and finding time for relaxation.”

By weaving these practices into her daily routine, Norah created a sustainable lifestyle that wasn’t about short-term goals, but about long-term well-being.

The Emotional Transformation: From Self-Doubt to Confidence

For Norah, one of the most powerful aspects of her weight loss journey was the shift in her emotional and mental health. Losing weight wasn’t just about changing her body; it was about rediscovering confidence and self-worth.

“I can’t tell you how empowering it feels to look in the mirror and feel proud of the person I’ve become—not just for how I look, but for how I feel,” she says. “I don’t feel tired anymore. I don’t feel like I’m dragging through my day. And that makes such a huge difference.”

Her transformation gave her a renewed sense of empowerment, not just as a professional woman juggling multiple roles but as someone who was committed to taking control of her health. This newfound confidence had ripple effects across every aspect of her life—from her career to her relationships.

The Result: 40 Pounds Down, Confidence Up

By 2024, Norah had lost a total of 40 pounds, bringing her weight down from 172 pounds to 132 pounds. But what she gained in return was much more valuable than the number on the scale. The weight loss gave her freedom—the freedom to enjoy life without feeling weighed down by poor health.

“I feel like a new person,” Norah reflects. “Yes, the weight loss is a big part of it, but the real change is how I feel every day. I have energy. I have confidence. And I feel like I’m finally the best version of myself.”

Norah’s weight loss was not just about the physical transformation—it was about empowering herself and embracing a life of health, joy, and balance. She didn’t just want to look great for the cameras; she wanted to feel great in her life, in her body, and in her mind.

Norah O’Donnell’s Top Tips for Sustainable Weight Loss

  1. Mindful Eating: Pay attention to what, when, and how much you eat. Slow down, savor your meals, and make thoughtful choices.

  2. Incorporate Exercise You Enjoy: For Norah, yoga became a staple in her routine. Find a form of exercise that makes you feel good and stick with it.

  3. Focus on Self-Care: Prioritize your mental and emotional health. Take time for yourself, whether it’s through meditation, sleep, or simply enjoying a quiet moment.

  4. Sustainability Over Restriction: Adopt a balanced, healthy lifestyle that you can maintain in the long run. Avoid extreme diets or quick fixes.

  5. Celebrate Small Victories: Weight loss is a journey, not a race. Celebrate each milestone along the way, and be kind to yourself during the process.

Norah O’Donnell’s Legacy: More Than Just Weight Loss

Norah’s story is an inspiring one—not just because she lost 40 pounds but because of how she went about it. She embraced a journey that was deeply personal, rooted in self-care, and grounded in a desire for long-term health.

Through her transformation, Norah showed the world that health isn’t about achieving a perfect body; it’s about feeling good in your skin, taking care of your mind, and embracing a sustainable, balanced lifestyle.

Her weight loss is a symbol of self-love, empowerment, and resilience—a reminder that the real goal is not just about looking a certain way but about becoming the healthiest, happiest version of yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How much weight did Norah O’Donnell lose? Norah O’Donnell lost 40 pounds, going from 172 pounds to 132 pounds.

  2. What was Norah O’Donnell’s approach to weight loss? Norah adopted a balanced approach, focusing on mindful eating, exercise (including yoga), and prioritizing self-care.

  3. Did Norah O’Donnell follow a specific diet? No, Norah didn’t follow a restrictive diet. She focused on whole foods and portion control while eliminating processed foods.

  4. What role did yoga play in Norah’s transformation? Yoga became a key part of her fitness routine, helping her manage stress and build strength and flexibility.

  5. What advice does Norah O’Donnell have for others looking to lose weight? Norah emphasizes the importance of mindful eating, finding enjoyable exercises, and focusing on sustainability rather than restrictive diets.