Al Roker Tells Critics to 'Back Off' Judging Kelly Clarkson for Using Weight Loss Drugs

“There’s too much judgment going on,” the 'Today' show co-host said

Al Roker, Kelly Clarkson
Al Roker, Kelly Clarkson. Photo:

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Al Roker is defending Kelly Clarkson after she said her weight loss is a result of prescription medication.

On May 14, the longtime Today show weatherman, 69, had a message to those who are criticizing Clarkson for how she achieved her slimmed-down figure, telling them to “back off.” 

“There’s too much judgment going on,” the co-host said on the morning show’s third hour. “People, as long as they’re working with their doctors and being healthy about it, people ought to just back off and let them live their lives.”

Roker — who underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2002 after years of failed diets and health problems, and was able to drop more than 100 lbs. — said he “took a raft of stuff” back when he had the weight loss surgery.

“It’s not easy, whatever you do, so get off people’s backs,” he stressed.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Kelly Clarkson attends the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Kelly Clarkson.

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Clarkson, 42, revealed during the May 13 episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show that she was taking weight loss medication to help with her health journey and has since lost "a lot" of weight. 

"Mine is a different one than people assume, but I ended up having to do that too because my bloodwork got so bad," the singer said. "My doctor chased me for two years, and I was like, 'No, I'm afraid of it. I already have thyroid problems.”

“Everybody thinks it's Ozempic, but it's not,” she added. “It's something else."

Clarkson explained how the medication is "something that aids in helping break down the sugar," noting how her body "doesn't do it right."

The American Idol winner clarified that she is not on Ozempic — which is one of the FDA-approved prescription medications for people with type 2 diabetes. The medications work in the brain to impact satiety and are the latest Hollywood weight loss trend.

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