In a candid and unexpected moment on live television, the TODAY Show co-host shared a personal health battle that surprised both viewers and her co-hosts.

During a segment on the popular morning program, the 39-year-old journalist opened up about her recent diagnosis of coeliac disease.

This revelation has brought both challenges and a newfound awareness to her life.

The discussion initially focused on preparing delicious gluten-free meals.

Still, it took a heartfelt turn when Sarah disclosed her condition to co-host Karl Stefanovic and celebrity nutritionist Dr Joanna McMillan.

Co-host Sarah Abo revealed on TODAY show that she has been diagnosed with coeliac disease. Credit: Facebook

'I was recently diagnosed as a coeliac. This is devastating because I love pasta, pizza and all bread,' Sarah explained, expressing the emotional impact of her diagnosis.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive process of the small intestine and is triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

When individuals with coeliac disease eat gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the lining of the small intestine, which can lead to a variety of health issues and nutrient deficiencies.

To prevent further complications and manage symptoms, strict adherence to a gluten-free diet is required.

For Sarah, the diagnosis meant a significant lifestyle change, as she lamented the loss of her favourite foods.

However, Dr McMillan quickly reassured her that many delicious and nutritious gluten-free options are available.

She highlighted that fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, dairy, and certain grains are all safe for those with coeliac disease to enjoy.

Coeliac disease affects approximately 1 in 70 Australians, though around 80 per cent remain undiagnosed, according to Coeliac Australia.

‘When I go to restaurants, I have to ask if they have gluten-free options. I can even make my flourless chocolate cake,’ Sarah shared.

Dr McMillan emphasised the importance of researching and being prepared to maintain a varied and enjoyable diet.

Beyond her health, Sarah Abo has been known for her professionalism and privacy, especially when it comes to her personal life.

She became co-host on the TODAY show in January 2023 and has since been a fresh face on the morning circuit.

Despite her public persona, Sarah has consciously decided to keep her decade-long marriage to Cyrus Moran out of the spotlight, a stance that her colleagues and the network respect.

Sarah's approach to privacy starkly contrasts the openness of her co-host, Karl, who often shares anecdotes about his family life.

This difference in personal boundaries reminds us that public figures, no matter how visible, have the right to delineate what aspects of their lives remain personal.

Key Takeaways

• TODAY's show co-host Sarah Abo revealed she has been diagnosed with coeliac disease live on-air.
• Sarah is devastated as she can no longer enjoy her favourite foods like pasta, pizza, and bread, which contain gluten.
• A celebrity nutritionist, Dr Joanna McMillan, reassured her that many delicious gluten-free options are still available.
• Sarah is private about her life and marriage, choosing not to discuss her husband, Cyrus Moran, on camera.

How have you adapted your lifestyle and diet to accommodate these changes? We invite you to share your experiences and tips in the comments below.

 

[Penny4]

That can happen at any age, and sorry to hear about Sarah. My SIL was diagnosed at 60 with coeliac disease. It's not a nice thing. Sometimes she has to get iron infusions, which is a side effect with the disease.

 

[Littleboy8]

That can happen at any age, and sorry to hear about Sarah. My SIL was diagnosed at 60 with coeliac disease. It's not a nice thing. Sometimes she has to get iron infusions, which is a side effect with the disease.

My sister and her daughter both suffer from this coeliac disease.
Sorry her husband suffers crohns disease not coeliac.

 

[Witty]

I have a friend who has this. You now get so many gluten free products that you can almost eat the same as everyone else. My friend is always making various slices and no-one can tell that it is all gluten free. It is not disastrous - you just need to be very aware of what you are eating that my contain gluten - breads, pastas, sauces etc. Everything else is usually OK.

 

[stepcar]

It can be very hard work. I was recently diagnosed, so having to re-learn what you can and can't eat to avoid gluten. To add salt to the wound, I also have a dairy intolerance, can'teven have a decent cup of tea. Takes twice as long to do the shopping, every label needs to be checked. Finding I am having to do two different shops, as Hubby can eat what he likes. It is depressing.
I have found one silver lining to my health problems - have lost 10kgs in the last few months.

 

[Penny4]

It can be very hard work. I was recently diagnosed, so having to re-learn what you can and can't eat to avoid gluten. To add salt to the wound, I cannot have any dairy either. Takes twice as long to do the shopping, every label needs to be checked. Finding I am having to do two different shops, as Hubby can eat what he likes.
I have found one silver lining to my health problems - have lost 10kgs in the last few months.

Dairy doesn't contain gluten, unless you have a milk allergy with a reason to avoid it. My SIL was diagnosed after having a colonoscopy. The lining of the bowel is different, but repairs itself when avoiding gluten. I think it would be beneficial if you could get a plan from your GP to see a dietitian. Otherwise, check out Coeliac Australia website for info.

 

[Jennylolo]

cooked roast chicken has wheat, as does Vegemite, most frozen meals, sauces. You really have to check. Can't see why wheat is added to so many products.

 

[Suzanne rose]

My sister and husband and daughter all suffer from this

 

[Suzanne rose]

One of my daughters and a son inlaw suffer from coeliac disease and another son inlaw has Crohns disease both diseases are horrible.

 

[Penny4]

cooked roast chicken has wheat, as does Vegemite, most frozen meals, sauces. You really have to check. Can't see why wheat is added to so many products.

Some products are sneaky!

 

[Smithsd]

This is not a condition to be treated lightly. Child was always tiny, refused many foods as a toddler, and had learning difficulties. Thirty years ago this child ( last of 4) had a tonic clonic epileptic seizure and was pronounced clinically dead. Paramedics resucitated her and our local hospital sent her home with panadol and no follow up. Two weeks later same thing occurred. I then stood my ground and demanded a referral to a neurosurgeon which, luckily, I could source having private medical insurance. In the meantime I followed my own gut instinct and went down the road of searching for food sensitivities and chemical reactions (pretty unheard of at the time). Through my own sourcing of an environmental doctor, she received a diagnosis of Coeliac Disease and multiple chemical sensitivities and food allergies, and the neurosurgeon confirmed that part of her brain had calcified due to undiagnosed Coeliac Disease. I also learned that there are 46 different types of cancer a person can be diagnosed with due to untreated Coeliac Disease, top of the pops being T Cell Lymphona. Cut a long story short, at the time I was also being investigated for some esoteric cancer, our GP decided to screen for Coeliac Disease and I also had it. Child is now nearing her fourth decade and doing well. Has two university degrees under her belt. My take home to others is, always read labels, and check for cross contamination when eating out. Many places now advertise gluten free but they are not. This disease can be deadly and managing requires constant diligence. Other conditions can also co-exist with it, in my case, lactose intolerance and haemochromatosis, plus food allergies. Eating out is a minefield that has to be constantly monitored. Still, I have got to 78 so doing well.

 

[Marilynne]

cooked roast chicken has wheat, as does Vegemite, most frozen meals, sauces. You really have to check. Can't see why wheat is added to so many products.

I feel the same way about Soy

 

[scanning 43]

I also am gluten free with added food allergies. By reading labels and mostly eating home cooked food I manage fairly well. As others have said eating out is a minefield. When I want to go out with friends I often end up with just a cup of tea and watch others enjoy their meal. I always explain that enjoying the company of friends is what it's about. I can eat when I get home.

 

[Diane S]

I too am a Coeliac and it's very hard to eat out.

 

[Towing]

My sister and her daughter both suffer from this coeliac disease.
Sorry her husband suffers crohns disease not coeliac.

I have a relative who has Coeliac Disease which is genetic but a lot of people don't know they have it. He only found out when he joined medical research trial. Oats have a very similar protein so should be avoided until an "oats challenge" is done under medical supervision and another colonoscopy is done afterwards. A lot of people are also lactose intolerant (in dairy products). Even some sauces and salad dressings have gluten in them as does some alcohol.

 

[Towing]

I too am a Coeliac and it's very hard to eat out.

Cross contamination is a huge problem. As you would know a lot of places are not aware of it or the dangers of it and don't take precautions in their kitchens. You have to ask a lot of questions - often to the chef, cooks etc. Some places that advertise gluten free are not safe.

 

[Towing]

This is not a condition to be treated lightly. Child was always tiny, refused many foods as a toddler, and had learning difficulties. Thirty years ago this child ( last of 4) had a tonic clonic epileptic seizure and was pronounced clinically dead. Paramedics resucitated her and our local hospital sent her home with panadol and no follow up. Two weeks later same thing occurred. I then stood my ground and demanded a referral to a neurosurgeon which, luckily, I could source having private medical insurance. In the meantime I followed my own gut instinct and went down the road of searching for food sensitivities and chemical reactions (pretty unheard of at the time). Through my own sourcing of an environmental doctor, she received a diagnosis of Coeliac Disease and multiple chemical sensitivities and food allergies, and the neurosurgeon confirmed that part of her brain had calcified due to undiagnosed Coeliac Disease. I also learned that there are 46 different types of cancer a person can be diagnosed with due to untreated Coeliac Disease, top of the pops being T Cell Lymphona. Cut a long story short, at the time I was also being investigated for some esoteric cancer, our GP decided to screen for Coeliac Disease and I also had it. Child is now nearing her fourth decade and doing well. Has two university degrees under her belt. My take home to others is, always read labels, and check for cross contamination when eating out. Many places now advertise gluten free but they are not. This disease can be deadly and managing requires constant diligence. Other conditions can also co-exist with it, in my case, lactose intolerance and haemochromatosis, plus food allergies. Eating out is a minefield that has to be constantly monitored. Still, I have got to 78 so doing well.

Haemochromatosis is also genetic. We think my Grandma may have had it. My Uncle had it when very little was known about it. He almost died before they managed to diagnose it. He had to have blood "removed" regularly. When it was out of control he had heart problems and diabetes, both of which were not an issue when the Haemochromotosis was under control. My Mother had a mild case of it and had blood "removed" 3 or 4 times a year. I also have the gene but it is so low they don't think it will be "active" in me at all.

 

[Penny4]

I too am a Coeliac and it's very hard to eat out.

Yes, my SIL can't eat out. Only a pizza place that makes gluten free pasta due to the chef being a Coeliac.

 

[Penny4]

I have a relative who has Coeliac Disease which is genetic but a lot of people don't know they have it. He only found out when he joined medical research trial. Oats have a very similar protein so should be avoided until an "oats challenge" is done under medical supervision and another colonoscopy is done afterwards. A lot of people are also lactose intolerant (in dairy products). Even some sauces and salad dressings have gluten in them as does some alcohol.

I'm lactose intolerant with a couple of intolerances with foods. It's all good when we know.

 

[Jennylolo]

I feel the same way about Soy

agree- soy, wheat, and ther gluten grains, and dairy for me.