Mindy Kaling recalls Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's supportive response to body image concerns

Mindy Kaling says a conversation with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler about 20 years ago changed how she viewed herself.

Speaking on Tuesday's episode of Amy Poehler's Good Hang podcast, Kaling recalled telling Fey and Poehler in 2005 that she wanted to lose 30 pounds while the three were working around Saturday Night Live. She said they immediately told her that amount of weight loss was unnecessary.

Kaling said their reaction boosted her confidence at a time when weight loss and beauty standards were a major focus in popular culture. She noted that programs like Weight Watchers were widely discussed, making pressure to be thin especially strong.

Poehler said conversations about body image were common among women working on camera, adding that many women regularly discussed their bodies with one another.

Kaling thanked Fey and Poehler for responding with kindness instead of dismissing her concerns. She said their support meant a great deal because attitudes toward body image were less empathetic at the time.

Kaling also reflected on her more recent weight-loss journey, which she discussed publicly in May. She said her motivation has shifted from appearance to long-term health, explaining that she wants to reduce her risk of diabetes, which runs in her family, and stay healthy for her three children.