Oprah on Finding Freedom From Weight Shame

Over the course of her career, she has created an unparalleled connection with people and communities around the world. Oprah Winfrey is a global media leader, producer, philanthropist, actress, and author. Freedom from an endless cycle of losing and regaining weight, and freedom from shame. It serves as a catalyst for conversations about body image, the media’s influence, and the power of empathy in fostering healthier and more inclusive perceptions of weight loss. It’s not just about shedding pounds; it’s about embracing a healthier lifestyle and fostering a positive relationship with one’s body. Dieting is no easy feat, but just as the 62-year-old media mogul has done with books, celebrities and daytime television, Winfrey made losing weight look manageable and familiar by bringing fans along for every step of her journey via social media, commercials and Weight Watcher meeting visits. Oprah Winfrey’s journey to weight loss has been a mix of diet, exercise, and, as recently revealed, medication. One reason many people can gain weight after quitting weight loss drugs is due to a failure to change routine, meaning they're often still eating the same way they were before using such medications. By the time Oprah bought Weight Watchers and rebranded it as WW, focusing on the healthy lifestyle, pretending like it wasn’t entirely about watching our weight go up and down, I’d been on four or five WW journeys. At the premiere of the color purple, which she also executive produced, oprah touched on her weight loss journey and overall health in an interview with entertainment tonight. She had starved herself for months, she said, admitting that it "sent a message that starving yourself with a liquid diet and set a standard for people watching that I, nor anybody else, could uphold. The very next day, I began to gain the weight back. The backlash and discourse surrounding Winfrey’s weight is rooted in the belief among some critics that she has been hypocritical. Glad she found something that works for her to control her weight.” Another said, “She’s a size 8-10 looks much better.” Zooming in on her plate, another said, “And this shows you how little she has to eat to maintain even that weight.” The OWN founder often limits the comment section on her posts, but this time she turned her comments completely off after posting her leftovers. What stands out about Oprah’s weight loss journey is her commitment to a balanced lifestyle. Fast forward to 2024, and Oprah has found a more balanced and sustainable approach to weight loss, one that combines exercise, mindful eating, and the assistance of medication. Many remember the iconic moment in 1988 when Oprah famously wheeled a red wagon onto her show, filled with 67 pounds of fat—proof of her extreme weight loss after a liquid diet.

Dealing With Public Scrutiny

Oprah Winfrey’s weight loss journey is a story that has fascinated and inspired millions. Oprah’s endorsement of specific weight loss strategies, products, and lifestyle choices has the power to shape consumer behaviors on a massive scale. Her ongoing journey is not just about herself; it’s about inspiring others to embark on their paths to health and wellness. Oprah Winfrey showcased her slim figure in a sleek, long-sleeved white gown on Tuesday night as she joined her friend, Gayle King, and the co-author of her new book, Dr. Ania M. Jastreboff, in conversation. "Not one day, not tomorrow, not next Monday, not next week. Let today be our day one, OK? Goodbye bananas foster cake ... And, oh yeah, don't forget to hydrate." WW—which previously helped the television personality drop a whopping 40 pounds—breaks down food via a points system based on protein, carbs, fat, and fiber. Fans and the Hollywood elite alike have been gushing over the star—and her health transformation—all over Instagram. The talk show host and television producer accessorized her noticeably slimmer figure with a belted look at the Louis Vuitton Cruise Show at Isla Bella in Italy on Wednesday. Nutritionist and exercise scientist Amelia Phillips spoke to us about the side effects of weight-loss drugs. "You need to start slowly and gradually. If you start by taking too much at one time, you have more of a chance of messing yourself up." Oprah recognises the effect that her weight had on her physical as well as mental wellbeing.
  • In a world where the spotlight often falls on celebrity transformations, Oprah Winfrey’s journey stands as a beacon of authenticity and empowerment.
  • By making holistic health a priority, Oprah has set an example for others on how to approach weight loss in a sustainable, emotionally fulfilling way.
  • However, her weight fluctuated in the years following, and her recent journey is a testament to her ongoing commitment to health.
  • “Even when I first started hearing about the weight loss drugs, at the same time I was going through knee surgery, and I felt, I've got to do this on my own.
  • She would continue to explore the spiritual realms of body image during this era, too, shifting to a broader perspective of being in a body.
  • Promoting Healthy Body ImageOprah Winfrey has consistently promoted healthy body image and self-acceptance.
"People have a mixed feeling about interventions like this," Dr. Drew exclusively told E! "I was one of those people that felt so sick and couldn't play with my son," Schumer recalled. Schumer, who has been open about her past medical procedures, added, "Be real with people. When I got lipo, I said I got lipo." According to People, Winfrey recalled a moment from her national TV debut in 1985 when Joan Rivers publicly commented on her weight. “It’s that thing where people are like, ‘Would you like to look at the handbags? Oprah also spoke about the emotional toll of living in a larger body, from shopping experiences to career moments.
  • It’s about living life on their own terms.
  • It sounded so Draconian, like when I used to joke about padlocking my refrigerator to force myself to stop eating.
  • "She said, 'If you ever want to drop five pounds, this is good.'"
  • She recognizes that her influence extends far beyond her own life, shaping the industry and inspiring others to embark on their paths to health and wellness.
  • Whether it’s going on some fad diet, taking a GLP-1 or getting weight loss surgery, “it just speaks to how we can never be enough in the eyes of diet culture,” she added.
  • Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
"Let's do our day one together," she said on social media last year while cleaning out her post-holiday fridge contents. "If you've been waiting for the right day, the right time, or some kind of sign...this is it," she captioned the post. She has not publicly disclosed which GLP-1 helped her regain control of her relationship with food and her body, though many have speculated it is the wildly popular Ozempic. “I want to acknowledge that I have been a steadfast participant in this diet culture through my platforms, through the magazine, through the talk show for 25 years,” Winfrey said. At the start of the livestream, Winfrey took a moment to speak about her own role in “diet culture” over the years. Oprah Winfrey addressed the role she played in perpetuating diet culture over the years in a recent livestream. The Native Son star spent time with Maria Shriver at Spago in Beverly Hills, Calif. After confirming that she weighed 160 pounds in 2006, Winfrey donned a black silk kimono. Winfrey looked thinner when she attended the 54th annual Primetime Emmy Awards to receive the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award. 2008 In the January 2009 issue of “O,” Oprah Winfrey opens up about her struggle with weight and healthy eating. I tell people, if you’re underweight, go on a diet and you’ll gain everything you lost plus more. 1990 A little more than two years after the Calvin Klein jeans episode, Oprah had relapsed into her old eating habits and she told People magazine that she had gained most of the 67 pounds back. Oprah Winfrey is overcoming decades of shame attached to her body, and she's admitting taking weight-loss medication ... In December, she told People she had started taking a weight loss drug, saying she used it "as I feel I need it, as a tool to manage not yo-yoing. During this time, Oprah attributed the gain to various health issues and admitted feeling overwhelmed and on the brink of surrendering to her weight struggles. However, according to nutrition expert Danni Duncan,  the worry with celebrities like Oprah taking a drug to lose weight is that we continue to promote a quick-fix lifestyle. Oprah’s transformation is a reminder that it’s never too late to focus on health, and with the right tools, mindset, and support, anyone can embark on their own journey toward wellness. Oprah Winfrey’s weight loss journey is an inspiring testament to the power of commitment, self-love, and mindset shifts. "At 200 lbs., I was OK. I have never, ever, ever been at that point. And then at 190 lbs., I was OK. If I don't lose another pound right now, I'm still OK," she said. "Both he and I now say, 'If we had married, we would not be together,'" she told People. The couple credits their decision to not marry as the reason they are still together today. "I wanted to know he felt I was worthy of being his missus, but I didn’t want the sacrifices, the compromises, the day-in-day-out commitment required to make a marriage work," she added. "Haven’t been raided, or arrested. Just sanitising and self distancing with the rest of the world. Stay safe everybody." The public reaction to her 2025 weight loss journey has been both supportive and critical. She’s been open about her struggles with mental health, especially how stress and emotional eating used to affect her weight. She’s had to commit to a healthy lifestyle—one that she believes can work for everyone, no matter their body type. “I feel liberated, not just from the weight, but from the pressure to conform to society’s impossible standards,” Oprah reflected. In the past, Oprah had endorsed the Weight Watchers program (now WW), shedding 42 pounds with its support. She shared with her audience, “I’ve stopped focusing on the scale and instead on how I feel—how my body feels after movement, after nourishment.” It was a telling moment that exposed not only the dangers of extreme diets but also Oprah’s vulnerability. For decades, Oprah has openly discussed her battles with weight, candidly sharing her fluctuating numbers and the emotional toll it took on her. Oprah Winfrey shared she used to be treated 'differently' when she was over 200 pounds. While she was at first hesitant to try the medication, she eventually "released her own shame about it." "I realized I’d been blaming myself all these years for being overweight, and I have a predisposition that no amount of willpower is going to control. Obesity is a disease. It’s not about willpower — it's about the brain." The television personality, who's been candid about struggling with her weight for years, has been displaying her weight-loss transformation often in recent months. “You all have watched me diet, and diet, and diet, and diet, it’s a recurring thing, because my body always seems to wanna go back to a certain weight.” A number of weight loss and obesity specialists joined Winfrey on stage to help dispel the “stigma” and misinformation surrounding obesity and weight loss medications. The 71-year-old has long publicly struggled with her weight and often connected with fans over the frustrations of yo-yo dieting and the desire to make healthier lifestyle choices. However, we'd later get a behind-the-scenes look at the icon's inner struggle with body image and early fans will also recall her 1988 on-stage moment, where she wheeled out a wagon of animal fat, 67 pounds to be exact, to represent the weight she had lost on a liquid diet.

People & Culture Overview

Though her exact weight is unknown, based off her weight loss she experienced a couple years later, one can surmise that Winfrey was at or around 200 pounds by the time she was hosting on “AM Chicago” in 1984. Whether they used the good ol’ fashion diet and exercise or opted for a new school approach (looking at you Ozempic and Mounjaro), Oprah’s weight loss journey has been one for the books. Some people claimed in the comments of Gayle’s post that this was related to weight loss medication, but Oprah made it clear that she has a virus. However, it came just a few months after the she shared that she used weight loss medications as part of maintaining her health. During the show, Oprah shared her personal weight loss journey and her experience taking a weight loss medication. Oprah’s All White Outfit Television talk show host Oprah Winfrey has shown off her slimmed-down figure at a fashion event after a major diet reset. For Oprah, it's not about the number on the scale, "It's in the way you see yourself fitting into your life. Embracing your life. Honoring your life. Having reverence and appreciation for your life." "Intention is the most powerful principle that rules my world. It's the principle by which I rule my company and every action in my life. I do nothing without first thinking about why I'm doing it. "It was frustrating to promise myself 'I'm going to do it today, I'm going to do it today,' and then not stick to my plan," Oprah said. "The fullness of life, the fullness of being, the self-acceptance — I'd never done that before. I'd always beaten myself up because I was tied to a number."

Oprah Winfrey showcases ultra-toned physique in latest outing after 50-lb weight loss

But now, the Emmy and Tony winner is sharing how her journey has evolved — and how she’s finally found a sense of peace. Throughout the 25-season run of “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, her body was relentlessly scrutinized. The first was Amy, a diabetic mother whose A1C, cholesterol and liver enzymes have all reached normal levels since losing a significant amount of weight on Mounjaro. “For all those people who came side-by-side and took on the behavior change, some of them walked away without the success,” Sistani continued. It is also important to recognize that other people’s bodies should never be a subject of conversation –– even if you think talking about their weight loss is a compliment, Conason added. She noted that it also adds another way society can scrutinize how people lose weight. Even when people are perceived to be losing weight, they may still be losing the diet culture game. And with increasing changes in access to food, exercise and health care, people’s weight is becoming more out of their individual control, she added. "I've been active my entire life. I have never lifted a 40-pound weight, lifted a 50-pound." Having slid from the first few months of postpartum into the free-for-all that was 2020 "eating 100 percent s---ty food" had taken a toll and she missed feeling good about her body. "Fitness has become a part of my lifestyle. I've been disciplined and committed to working out on a regular basis and investing in my health." "I'm really proud of my journey," the star told People in 2023.
Oprah Winfrey’s massive weight loss since taking Ozempic, she’s now a size 4!
Oprah Winfrey says she had one big main side effect from taking a GLP-1 weight-loss drug. Most people will benefit from limiting sweetened beverages, sweets, fast food, processed and fatty meats, and processed food. Counting calories will work for some people but will be untenable for others. A gallon of water is fine when spread throughout the day. Many of us do not have everyday access to hiking trails, although there may be an added mood benefit of being outdoors in nature. When US News and World Report ranked 35 of the most popular diets, Weight Watchers tied for fourth place overall – and No. 1 for weight loss. After struggling to lose weight for years, Nidetch began hosting weekly meetings at her home with friends, to discuss their difficulties with dieting and exercise. Although it dominated for decades, it recently faced challenges from Nutrisystem and free apps and sites designed to track health and weight loss. The media mogul, who turns 72 on Jan. 29, 2026, opened up about how the medication she began two and a half years ago has transformed her eating and exercise habits. Oprah’s journey into mindful eating highlights the power of a holistic approach to weight loss. A significant part of Oprah Winfrey’s weight loss journey revolves around her mindful eating practices. Beyond her dietary choices, another pivotal element of Oprah Winfrey’s weight loss journey is her dedicated fitness regimen. Her journey towards achieving remarkable weight loss results has not only transformed her own life but also left an indelible mark on the industry. For many people, Oprah’s transparency is a reminder that weight loss isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach and that it’s okay to seek help. Oprah Winfrey Reveals Her Exact Weight When She Decided To Go On Diet
Oprah Winfrey celebrated her 70th birthday with a run on beach
The self-made billionaire has come a long way, both personally and professionally, since she got her first media job at age 17. It should not be regarded as a substitute for professional guidance from your healthcare provider. The Oprah Daily curriculum is a bid to mainstream the science and psychology behind this epidemic, giving its uniquely diverse audience all the tools they need to manage their own medical care and mental health. Another fan replied by referencing Winfrey’s penchant for giving away cars to her audience on her former daytime talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” It turns out Oprah likes her tequila, and she claimed she used to be able to “outdrink everyone at the table” before giving up alcohol due to the weight-loss medication. However, she shared something else related to her weight loss that is surprising to many.

Love Island All Stars first look sees Charlie's behaviour called out in fiery rant

Through the years, Oprah has tried a variety of diets, from strict liquid cleanses to more balanced eating plans, yet the cycle of losing and gaining weight persisted. Oprah’s public weight loss journey began with drastic methods. While the drugs can cause rapid weight loss - up to 20% in some cases - many people, like Oprah, are left shocked by the speed of their weight gain when they come off them. They lower your ‘enough point’ so that your brain is like, ‘Hey, body, you are not starving. However, she had an issue and the weight “came back.” That stops with medication.” Endocrinologist Dr. Ania Jastreboff defined an “enough point” as “how much energy, how much fuel, how much fat your body wants you to store.” Oprah Winfrey confessed the exact number on the scale that led her to go on a diet. I could hold downward dog for minutes at a time. Over the next year and a half, I lost 150 pounds. It sounded so Draconian, like when I used to joke about padlocking my refrigerator to force myself to stop eating.
  • And talking about celebrities and their weight doesn’t make such observations any better.
  • "I had the biggest 'aha' along with many people in that audience," Winfrey told People.
  • This journey has taught me that it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being better each day.”
  • Oprah Winfrey is once again using her platform to spark honest dialogue, this time about body image, shame, and the complex path to weight loss.
  • She continued, "I'm absolutely done with the shaming from other people, and particularly myself."
  • “Broadly, reality not meeting expectations is what trips people up,” said Foster.
  • "It's about my life being out of balance, with too much work and not enough play, not enough time to calm down. I let the well run dry."
But the duo later cleared up that it wasn't from weight loss medication; rather, the talk show host had the stomach flu! Essentially, the move was was linked to her upcoming special on weight loss medications, Oprah shared during a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! “And after losing 67 pounds on a liquid diet, the next day, y'all, the very next day I started to gain it back.” "I come to this conversation with the hope that we can start releasing the stigma and the shame and the judgment, to stop shaming other people for being overweight or how they choose to lose–or not lose–weight and, most importantly, to stop shaming ourselves," she said. "I had an awareness of weight loss medications, but felt I had to prove I had the willpower to do it. I now no longer feel that way." The conversation helped her understand that weight gain wasn’t entirely within her control. I don’t know if there’s another public person whose weight struggle has been exploited as much as mine.” My highest weight was 237 lbs. “There’s a sense of urgency for me about living well.” Before surgery, Winfrey admitted she had trouble doing everyday tasks. The public’s fascination with her journey underscores the influence of celebrities on body image and health. The Significance of Her TransformationOprah’s weight loss journey extends beyond personal achievement; it has a significant impact on the public. Beyond her illustrious career, Oprah’s weight loss journey has been a topic of interest and conversation. In the realm of celebrity transformations, Oprah Winfrey’s weight loss journey has not only been notable but also inspiring to many. Oprah incorporates stress-reduction techniques into her daily routine to mitigate the effects of stress on her body and mind. To address this, Oprah engages in practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and therapy, which support her emotional health. She recognizes that setbacks are a natural part of any journey and uses them as stepping stones to greater success. “I come to this conversation with the hope that we can start releasing the stigma and the shame and the judgment – to stop shaming other people for being overweight or how they choose to lose or not lose weight – and more importantly to stop shaming ourselves.” It’s been nearly 13 years since “The Oprah Winfrey Show” came to an end, but for viewers of her weight loss special on Monday night, it likely felt like Winfrey’s talk show was back. “Most weight-loss doctors and dieticians say it’s one of the strongest programs out there,” said Jampolis. “In the end, weight loss isn’t what people are pursuing anymore,” said Foster. She showed – not just told – her audience how much weight she lost by wheeling 67 pounds of fat on stage in a bright red Radio Flyer wagon. As Oprah put it, "I'm absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself." "I now use it as I feel I need it, as a tool to manage not yo-yoing," she told People in an interview published Dec. 13, opting not to reveal the drug she's been using. Oprah Winfrey is opening up about her body transformation. Oprah first turned to WW (formerly Weight Watches, of which she is an ambassador) for help with her diet in August 2015 and lost more than 40lbs in 15 months. She has combined hiking with resistance training and weight-loss drugs as part of her health journey. And now she wants everyone to know that the diet, exercise, and discipline she once used to get to a healthy weight is no longer necessary. With her latest slim down the result of GLP-1s, Winfrey is using the book and promotional tour for it to reframe the narrative (again) about her weight loss journey. Winfrey has been open about her weight loss journey for decades, often making it part of her public image. Obesity causes overeating.” She also admitted that stopping the GLP-1 medication caused her to gain 20 pounds in a year, making it clear she now sees the drugs as a long-term necessity. She admitted to becoming "immediately invested" in Ozempic in 2022, but explained that it was not "livable" for her to take the Type 2 diabetes drug as it hindered her ability to spend time with her son Gene. "Everyone and their mom is gonna try it. Everyone has been lying saying, 'Oh, smaller portions,'" she told Andy Cohen, who has also publicly weighed in on the Ozempic craze multiple times. The Trainwreck star did not hold back when she called out celebrities for not being honest about using Ozempic as a weight loss tool during her June 8, 2023 appearance on Watch What Happens Live. “Unless you are of the 5% of people who can go into a caloric deficit for a long period of time (more than five years), increase your movement and keep weight off, your weight loss doesn’t count,” she said. In the hierarchy of what society perceives as the most “moral” ways to lose weight, medication ranks toward the bottom, said Bri Campos, a body image coach based in Paramus, New Jersey. Related article The questions eating disorder experts have about weight loss medications "I have to say, it really helped me with cravings," he continued, "which I was having a very hard time with, and really forcing myself to be more disciplined with my diet and with working out." "I did, this summer, lose a good chunk of weight by micro-dosing a GLP-1," the 57-year-old revealed in September 2025 during an episode of his SiriusXM Andy Cohen Live radio show. The Bravo host detailed his health and fitness journey using an Ozempic-like drug. Her close friend, Gayle King, also dismissed the rumours about Oprah having plastic surgery. While non-invasive body contouring and fat removal treatments have become popular, it remains unclear if Oprah has explored these options. Aside from her diet, Oprah exercises regularly, including cardio and strength training. She eats around 1,700 calories a day, spread over three meals and two snacks. Oprah lost over 40 pounds through Weight Watchers and returned to the program whenever she felt it was necessary. In the past, Oprah revealed her goal weight was 160 lbs., but now she has refrained from sharing her current weight. "While the fat loss is beneficial for health, the drop in muscle mass is concerning because muscle supports metabolism, strength, mobility and glucose regulation, helping to prevent frailty, chronic disease and age-related decline." While the drugs can lead to significant fat reduction and improved metabolic health, experts say there are important nuances to understand about how they affect muscle, metabolism and overall strength. Oprah’s journey reminds us that individuals have the potential to shape industries and promote positive change in the world of health and wellness. In exploring the ninth of Oprah Winfrey’s remarkable weight loss secrets in 2024, we gain insights into the far-reaching impact of her choices and endorsements. In exploring the eighth of Oprah Winfrey’s remarkable weight loss secrets in 2024, we gain valuable insights into the power of continuous growth and self-improvement. While Oprah combines the medication with a healthy lifestyle and nutrient-rich diet, the TV personality shared that there was nothing to be ashamed of when it came to shedding the pounds with the help of medication. "The fact that there's a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift, and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for. I'm absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself," she declared. Winfrey pointed out that it’s a combination of exercising, healthy eating habits, and the medication that helps keep her weight. In an interview with People, Winfrey said, "The fact that there's a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift, and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for. I'm absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself." According to recent reports, Oprah has lost about 40 pounds since she started incorporating exercise and medication into her routine. She wasn’t just struggling with the physical aspect of weight loss, but also with the emotional toll that came with public scrutiny. But when I went off the diet, the weight came right back. She famously lost 67 pounds in 1988 using the Optifast liquid diet. For many, Oprah’s weight loss struggles are as famous as her television career. Oprah Winfrey has spoken candidly about what happened when she quit using weight-loss injections for a year in a bid to 'beat the medication'. In an interview with People magazine, Oprah opened up about how she internalised decades of public scrutiny and how her relationship with her body evolved over time. I had entire closets full of clothes I’d never worn that I’d dreamed of fitting into for years, trying to make the best of my fat body, artfully draping it in the paltry options available to larger women. I tried her recipes, followed her workout regimens, soaked up the advice of every weight loss guru. It is fighting a tidal wave of cravings and genetics, of physical and emotional needs, of a deep, animal desire for food, to maintain your weight, to stave off the pounds. Oprah Winfrey has had one of the most drastic body transformations over the last few years, and now, she’s opening up about it more than ever. One user commented that oprah was "looking fab," as another added she was "gorgeous" in her outfit. She noted people could opt to "use them or not use them," but that they should "just know," that through glp-1s, "the struggle doesn't have to be the struggle that you've had." The dress had a turtleneck top and a flowing long skirt, and she paired it with some closed-toed high-heeled boots. Oprah winfrey wearings a slimming white sweater dress for a live talk at the 92nd street ymca "I've had a lot of people ask me about my weight loss and i'd suppose, performance on stage," he acknowledged in an April 2023 Instagram post. Responding to speculation that she had undergone a dramatic body transformation, the My Big Fat Fabulous Life star responded in a February Instagram post, "I hate addressing this, but no, I have not had medical intervention to lose weight." "I weighed almost 300 pounds when I made Till," she said on the March 19 episode of the daytime talk show. Oprah isn’t the only star who has been candid about their weight loss journeys. “A lot of people tell me they can be overweight and healthy,” Oprah continued. During the primetime special, experts claimed that new medications like Ozempic or Wegovy can silence "food noise" and help people lose weight. In December, Oprah shared with PEOPLE that she was close to her “goal weight” of 160 pounds, but emphasized that her journey was not about a number but rather about living a more vibrant life. Let’s explore Oprah Winfrey’s weight loss secrets, from her diet to her fitness routine, and how you can apply her tips for a healthier life. For Oprah, the medication has played a crucial role in curbing cravings, which, in turn, made it easier to stick to a healthy diet and maintain her weight loss. Oprah Winfrey closed out 2022 by going on a long hike with Gayle King and some other friends. "I realized I'd been blaming myself all these years for being overweight, and I have a predisposition that no amount of willpower is going to control." During the panel she said that the weight-loss drug Ozempic was "the easy way out," but she said she had an epiphany as she spoke to the panelist. "I felt stronger, more fit, and more alive than I'd felt in years," she told People. "I didn't feel angry," she told People.

A New Approach to Weight Loss: Oprah’s Commitment to Healthy Living

  • Instead, she focuses on nourishing her body with whole foods, fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  • “If you're on blood pressure medication, if you stop your blood pressure medication, your blood pressure is going to go up.
  • I could hold downward dog for minutes at a time.
  • "There are a million ways to lose weight, why not do it through something that isn't as boring as working out?"
  • Essentially, the move was was linked to her upcoming special on weight loss medications, Oprah shared during a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
  • But the media being what it is, all the pertinent details got out.
  • The pair explore the issues of obesity, willpower and how everyone’s struggle with their weight is different.
"I saw results instantly," she told E! The Just Eat author has turned to her tried-and-true South Beach diet to feel more herself after the births of her older children. “When people heard that I was cast in this movie, I think most people’s reactions were ‘Huh? “I was peeing all day long, every day," he explained. "That part was a nightmare,” But for Pratt, the toughest part of his 60-pound transformation from Parks and Recreation's Andy Dwyer to Guardians of the Galaxy superhero was all the water—drinking an ounce a day for every pound he weighed.
  • Though the fitness influencer does a fair amount of sweating, it's never about the small stuff.
  • “The whole idea of this hike is gratitude for the year you’ve had, the life you live, the lessons you’ve received,” Oprah explained.
  • Her close friend, Gayle King, also dismissed the rumours about Oprah having plastic surgery.
  • Her vulnerability and willingness to speak openly about her weight loss struggles have made her even more relatable to her fans.
  • The inclusion of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains became the cornerstone of her eating plan.
  • It’s estimated that around 1.5 million people in the UK are on weight loss medication, with many buying drugs like Mounjaro or Wegovy privately.
  • Oprah revealed that her exercise routine combines "side-planking and deadlifting" and she trains six days a week for about two hours, hiking or doing cardio or resistance training.
  • Winfrey has been open about her weight loss journey for decades, often making it part of her public image.
  • Now, thanks to the medication, Winfrey hasn’t had a drink “in years.”
Comments and criticisms you make about other people’s bodies also influence the way you feel about your own body, Conason said. If it’s not your weight, it is going to be aging. Campos said she has women, transgender and nonbinary people who come to her for coaching on their body image. Winfrey is one of the most influential people in the world and still has had her body scrutinized — a reminder to powerful women that their body size, clothing, hairstyle and adherence to beauty standards will stay a priority, she added. Having that realization, not just having the realization but actually having it penetrate, was life-enhancing for me. When we did “State of Weight” here on Oprah Daily back in September, the big revelation that I got in a moon-sized aha moment was that obesity is a disease and has been declared so for the past 10 years—since 2013. Well, all of you who are Insiders know this is true—the weight struggle, for me, has been… It’s been real, y’all. This partnership was pivotal, inspiring Oprah to embark on a transformative journey. This period in her life was fraught with feelings of shame and defeat. "And I am Oprah Winfrey and I know all that comes with that and I get treated differently if I am 200 plus pounds versus under 200 pounds..." Lessons from Oprah’s Journey Winfrey revealed in the 2002 essay that she had a wakeup call on Dec. 19, 2001, when—after experiencing heart palpitations for six months—she wrote in her journal that "'having palpitations at night makes me more aware of being happy to awaken in the morning, more grateful for each day.'" "Around 1995, after years of yo-yoing, I finally realized that being grateful to my body, whatever shape it was in, was key to giving more love to myself," Winfrey wrote in 2002. "When I first met Bob and he asked me why I was overweight, I thought he was being a smart-ass," Winfrey wrote for O in 2007. But it was around this time that she met trainer Bob Greene.
  • While diet and exercise played a significant role in Oprah’s weight loss, she has always emphasized the importance of mental health in her journey.
  • It serves as a catalyst for conversations about body image, the media’s influence, and the power of empathy in fostering healthier and more inclusive perceptions of weight loss.
  • Throughout her career, Oprah’s body image was often scrutinized.
  • During the primetime special, experts claimed that new medications like Ozempic or Wegovy can silence "food noise" and help people lose weight.
  • Oprah’s journey reminds us that the pursuit of a healthier, happier life is an ongoing adventure, and each day is an opportunity to embrace positive change.
  • Aside from her diet, Oprah exercises regularly, including cardio and strength training.
  • Oprah has tried everything over the years, but this time the results are insane.
She recognizes that adequate rest is essential for overall health and weight management. She understands that emotions can play a profound role in eating behaviors and weight management. Oprah’s journey reminds us that cultivating a resilient mindset is just as crucial as physical strategies in achieving lasting success in weight management. In exploring the fifth of Oprah Winfrey’s remarkable weight loss secrets in 2024, we gain insights into the power of mental resilience.
  • She likely used drugs like Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Ozempic, a popular type 2 diabetes injection shot being used for short-term weight loss.
  • Oprah first turned to WW (formerly Weight Watches, of which she is an ambassador) for help with her diet in August 2015 and lost more than 40lbs in 15 months.
  • For many, Oprah’s weight loss struggles are as famous as her television career.
  • The talk show host and television producer accessorized her noticeably slimmer figure with a belted look at the Louis Vuitton Cruise Show at Isla Bella in Italy on Wednesday.
  • She emphasized that exercise and a balanced diet were crucial elements in her journey.
  • "Not one day, not tomorrow, not next Monday, not next week. Let today be our day one, OK? Goodbye bananas foster cake ... And, oh yeah, don't forget to hydrate."
  • She famously lost 67 pounds in 1988 on a liquid diet but gained it all back once she started eating normally again.
  • She remarked, "I felt more alive, fit, and strong than I had in years." Winfrey acknowledged that she currently takes a GLP-1 medication that was prescribed by her doctor.
Oprah Winfrey opened up about using a weight-loss medication in a new cover story interview with PEOPLE. If someone has achieved weight loss successfully and is no longer overweight or obese, there is no data that shows how safe or efficacious weight loss drugs are to maintain weight loss achieved. They also slow down the movement of food through the stomach and curb appetite, thereby causing weight loss. "I had an awareness of weight-loss medications, but felt I had to prove I had the willpower to do it. I now no longer feel that way." GP Dr Crystal Wyllie also spoke to us about how muscle loss is not unique to Ozempic users, it’s a known side effect of rapid weight loss in general. "I was not healthy at 211 lbs. A lot of people tell me they can be overweight and healthy. I was not. I was pre-diabetic, and my cholesterol numbers were high," she shared. "I’ve always been confident in whatever I was doing, but I was at the same time disappointed in my overweight body," she said. Creating Social Connections “I’m mad at myself,” confesses Oprah, who currently weighs 200 pounds. “At the end of May, I was so exhausted I couldn’t figure out what was going on in my life,” said Oprah on her show. 2006 In 2006, Oprah weighed 160 pounds. “For more than 25 years, making fun of my weight was national sport,” she said. She also challenged viewers — as well as Hollywood and the news media — to lay off the fat jokes. Cautionary Tales of Today's Biggest Scams Obesity causes you to have all of that ‘food noise.’ And what the GLP-1s have done for me – and I know a number of other people – is to quiet that noise.” “Now, I understand that if you carry the obesity gene, if that is what you have, that is what makes you overeat,” Winfrey added. “I want to acknowledge that I have been a steadfast participant in the diet culture that contributed to some of this shame,” Winfrey wrote in Enough. Oprah Winfrey’s struggles with her weight have been a story just about as long as Oprah Winfrey has been in the public eye, and that’s largely because she has made it a topic of conversation. Share your thoughts in the comments if you agree with Megyn that “food noise” is just human nature or with Oprah that obesity is a disease requiring medical intervention. Dollar Tree Kitchen Finds Shoppers Love The star is an executive producer of the new movie musical version of The Color Purple and also produced the Broadway show on which it’s based. Winfrey also said that she “was on that treadmill” earlier that day. Oprah Winfrey has spoken openly about her weight throughout her during her decades-long career in entertainment, including addressing it in interviews, publishing a book on the topic, and being a spokesperson for WeightWatchers. Oprah has also spoken about the stigma she’s faced due to her weight. Still, she insists medication is just one part of a much larger picture. She called it a "tool" to help her avoid the cycle of yo-yo dieting. “I could eventually hike three to five miles every day. "Some people take small things for granted," Slaton explained in a February TikTok. “I have cheated a couple times, but basically no carbs, not even a cracker. “No carbs,” he told Entertainment Tonight of his winning formula that also included a lot of daily cardio. "It's a life of rehab," he admitted to Men's Health. With obesity on the rise, drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, both designed for people with Type 2 diabetes, have surged in popularity over the past year, as they can help people lose weight. In November, the FDA approved Zepbound as a weight loss management treatment for people with obesity, or those who are overweight with at least one related underlying condition, such as high blood pressure -- the same prescribing guidance as Wegovy. The landscape of obesity medicine has changed over the past year as medications that can lead to weight loss, including Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy and Mounjaro, have become more widely available and have skyrocketed in popularity. "The fact that there's a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier in my lifetime feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift, and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for." As part of that conversation, Winfrey spoke with some of the nation's leading medical experts about the latest breakthroughs in obesity medicine research, specifically medications for weight loss that have spiked in popularity over the past year.
  • "There is a sense of knowing that there isn't as much time left, and I am at peace with that knowing," she continued.
  • “If you don’t believe obesity is a disease and you’re a policy plan, what are you going to say to convince your members?
  • Exercise, weight training, and nutritional education aid this maintenance.
  • Oprah shared on CBS Mornings that she felt shame about taking weight loss drugs, as it was often viewed as a shortcut.
  • "I realized I'd been blaming myself all these years for being overweight, and I have a predisposition that no amount of willpower is going to control."
  • In this exploration, we will delve into the significance of unveiling her weight loss secrets this year and shed light on the remarkable journey that has captivated the world’s attention.
  • “It’s that thing where people are like, ‘Let me show you the gloves.
  • Winfrey's new look comes after a 26-pound weight loss that marks a success for her and for Weight Watchers.
"It was my idea to share the cover with other women who are on the same journey that I am," Winfrey explains in the issue. On the April fold-out cover of O, Winfrey shares the spotlight with nine other women, each ready to celebrate her own "best body." Gayle is there, of course,” one observer noted, referencing Winfrey’s longtime partner Stedman Graham’s notable absence while her best friend Gayle King was clearly visible among the wedding guests. Oprah Winfrey has spoken openly about using GLP-1s to lose weight in the last few years "Other potential side effects of weight-loss medications, like nausea, dizziness and fatigue, can make physical activity feel harder, especially in the first few weeks of treatment or when increasing your dose." "These effects lead to an overall reduction in calorie intake and weight loss, primarily from fat, especially visceral fat. However, we do see a loss in lean muscle tissue as well."
  • While there are valid arguments about the role of metabolism and genetics, it’s also important not to dismiss the role of lifestyle choices.
  • Her commitment to fitness traces back to 1994 when she ran the Marine Corps marathon to commemorate her 40th birthday.
  • “Beyond the weight, WW has helped me make healthier choices and understand the real numbers that matter most,” she said.
  • Winfrey has tried many extreme weight loss diets in the past, all while changing in the public eye.
  • During the panel discussion, doctors and experts weighed in alongside Winfrey on the antiquated theory that weight loss is all about willpower.
  • "My doctor prescribed medication and warned me that I must 'learn to embrace hunger' or I would immediately gain weight," Winfrey wrote.
  • The 70-year-old star, whose up-and-down struggles with her body image have been tabloid fodder for decades, recently said that she’s been taking a weight loss medication and subsequently quit her seat on the board of Weight Watchers.
  • The Jon & Kate Plus 8 alum told Page Six in April 2024 that he lost 32 pounds in two months after taking injections of semaglutide, the generic form of Ozempic.
What makes Oprah’s journey so impactful is not just her success in losing weight, but how open she is about the ups and downs she’s faced. Oprah’s fitness regime is all about finding joy in movement, which is a refreshing change from the idea of working out purely for weight loss. Oprah has also spoken about the importance of portion control, and how she’s learned to listen to her body’s hunger cues rather than eating out of habit or emotion. While Oprah doesn’t follow a rigid “diet,” she does follow a balanced eating plan that works for her. "I know everybody thought I was on it, but I worked so damn hard. I know that if I’m not also working out and vigilant about all the other things, it doesn’t work for me." "It’s everything," she said, referencing her health and fitness routine. "Shouldn't we all just be more accepting of whatever body you choose to be in? That should be your choice," she said. “They’ve had these medications for the past 20 years. “I did not want to have the appearance of any conflict of interest and so, I resigned from the board and I donated all of my shares to the National Museum of African American History… so nobody can say, ‘Oh, she’s doing that special, she’s making money and promoting’… No, you cannot say that.” This comes after the media mogul recently exited the board of Weight Watchers. Oprah Winfrey is hosting a television special on Monday about a topic that’s personal to her. I literally had 17 shots one night,” she told People. "And more importantly, to stop shaming ourselves. I have to say that I took on the shame that the world gave to me, for 25 years making fun of my weight was a national sport." "I'm absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself." Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The shots are done weekly, except when she feels like she can go 10 or 12 days. Oprah Winfrey’s BFF Gayle King says the media mogul has been in the hospital because of a stomach virus. She isn’t even sharing her current weight with the public. When she started using the injectable, Winfrey told People she welcomed the arrival of a tool to help her get away from the yo-yo path she’d been on for decades. The same month, she confirmed to People magazine that she was taking a weight loss drug, though she didn't share which type at the time. The media mogul's weight loss first caught the public's attention when she walked the red carpet at the premiere for the remake of “The Color Purple” in December 2023. Oprah Winfrey has been turning heads this year after revealing that she’s lost nearly 50 lbs (22.7kg) through a combination of fitness, lifestyle changes and an undisclosed type of GLP-1 medication. In addition, Weight Watchers offers a wide range of products, publications and programs for those interested in weight loss and weight control. Weight Watchers holds more than 36,000 meetings each week where members receive group support and learn about healthy eating patterns, behavior modification and physical activity.