Gayle King, 69, Stuns on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover After 25-Pound Weight Loss

At 69, Gayle King proves that age is just a number—and confidence is timeless. The CBS Mornings co-host has landed a spot on the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover, looking radiant in a stylish printed one-piece. Her toned arms and glowing presence took center stage, but her inspiring journey of self-discipline and wellness truly shines through.

After shedding 25 pounds and staying dedicated to fitness, Gayle’s transformation is both impressive and deeply motivating.

The Big Reveal: A Cover Moment She Never Expected

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During a live broadcast of CBS Mornings, fellow cover stars Kate Upton and Hunter McGrady revealed her Sports Illustrated cover on air—and her reaction said it all.

• “Ahh! I’m on the cover!” she exclaimed with disbelief and joy.
• Initially, she was told she’d only be featured inside the magazine.
• When she saw the actual issue: “It’s not a dummy cover? This is going to be on the newsstands? Oh my God! Oh my God!”

The moment was shared widely on social media, with fans and fellow celebs cheering her on. Ashley Graham wrote, “Gayle!! You got your cover girl!!!! Congratulations!!!!” while others praised the celebration of beauty across ages and sizes.

This surprise wasn’t just about the image—it was a celebration of hard work, healthy living, and aging with pride.

Gayle’s Weight Loss Journey: A 25-Pound Transformation with WeightWatchers

Gayle’s journey began back in 2015, when she decided to focus on her health.

By June 2016, she had dropped nearly 28 pounds, and she shared her milestone on Instagram with a side-by-side scale photo.

• “In 9 months, have a baby??? orrrr lose 27.7 lbs on @weightwatchers. I chose to count points—it all began 9-12-15…almost there,” she wrote.
• She chose WeightWatchers because it allowed her to make practical, sustainable changes without giving up the foods she loved.
• The program helped her stay accountable and build habits that stuck.

In an interview with E! News, Gayle reflected on her progress: “I feel really good. I know there’s more work to do, but I feel really good.”

Her transparency and positivity made her weight loss feel achievable, not extreme or out of reach.

With a Little Help From Her Bestie: Oprah’s Support and Influence

Gayle’s best friend, Oprah Winfrey, has long been associated with wellness and self-improvement, and she played a key role in Gayle’s transformation, too.

• Oprah was on the Weight Watchers board of directors for nearly a decade.
• She encouraged Gayle to try the program and supported her throughout the process.
• Oprah herself has recently shared her own evolving journey with weight, including using semaglutide to manage it.

Although Gayle has not publicly mentioned using any medications like Ozempic or Wegovy, her steady and consistent weight loss is a reflection of dedicated lifestyle changes.

Their friendship is a powerful reminder of how surrounding yourself with supportive people can amplify your own goals.

Gayle’s Fitness Routine: From Cardio Queen to Strength Training Advocate

Exercise is now part of Gayle’s everyday routine—even if she doesn’t love doing it.

In a feature for Oprah.com, Gayle explained how her workout strategy has evolved:

• She works out five to six days a week for an hour.
• Each session includes:
  • 30 minutes of cardio (usually treadmill walking or jogging)
  • 30 minutes of strength training (using free weights or resistance bands)
• She alternates focus:
  • Upper body one day
  • The lower body is next
• On weekends, she often combines both for a full-body workout.

Gayle also carves out time for ab-focused sessions at least three to four days per week.

“I was doing cardio, cardio, cardio,” she shared. “And I wasn’t losing weight the way I am now. My trainer told me building muscle burns calories faster—and he was right.”

Her results speak for themselves. More tone, better endurance, and increased confidence.

Mind Over Muscle: The Joy of Movement

While she admits that working out isn’t her favorite activity, Gayle has started to enjoy the benefits it brings, both mentally and physically.

She’s been influenced by the book The Joy of Movement, which explores how exercise can be uplifting rather than punishing.

• Movement improves her mood and energy levels.
• She finds joy in completing a workout—even if she has to push herself to start.
• Staying consistent has helped her shift focus from weight alone to overall well-being.

Her approach proves that exercise doesn’t have to be grueling to be effective. It can become something that enhances daily life, especially when paired with the right mindset.

What Gayle Eats: Inside Her Weight Loss Diet

Gayle’s diet during her transformation was centered around the WeightWatchers point system, also known as PersonalPoints.

This method focuses on:

• Tracking foods based on a personalized point value.
• Encouraging mindful eating and portion control.
• Building long-term habits rather than quick fixes.

She didn’t follow a restrictive or fad diet—instead, she ate balanced meals within her point range and made more thoughtful food choices.

Key highlights of her approach included:

• No food was completely off-limits—just moderated.
• She enjoyed occasional indulgences without guilt.
• Focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods to stay fuller longer.

This way, she built a relationship with food that was both practical and empowering.

Gayle King’s story is more than just a weight loss success—it’s a reflection of resilience, routine, and redefining what it means to age powerfully. With smart choices, strong support, and a positive mindset, she turned a personal goal into a public celebration. Her Sports Illustrated cover is more than an image—it’s a symbol of self-love, strength, and thriving at any age.
Gayle’s journey reminds us that it’s never too late to put your health first—and shine while doing it.