In a candid revelation, Oprah Winfrey has shared how taking weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy has reshaped her understanding of “thin people” 

and their relationship with food. 

The media mogul, who is well-known for her decades-long struggles with weight, admitted in 2023 

that she used a GLP-1 medication—a type 2 diabetes drug that can also promote weight loss—to shed nearly 50 pounds. 

This confession came as a surprise to many, especially since Oprah had previously dismissed weight-loss drugs as a shortcut for those looking to slim down.

Oprah, now 70, has spent much of her life yo-yo dieting, gaining and losing weight repeatedly. 

She was often in the spotlight for her fluctuating size, which was heavily scrutinized by the media. In the past, she had publicly opposed using weight-loss medications, even calling them an “easy way out.” However, after incorporating a GLP-1 medication into her regimen, Oprah’s perspective shifted dramatically, especially when it came to her views on what makes “thin people” different from those who struggle with their weight.

In a recent episode of her podcast, Oprah spoke with Dr. Ania Jastreboff about the function and safety of GLP-1 drugs. During their conversation, she reflected on her past misconceptions about thin individuals, revealing that she once believed they had superior willpower and made better food choices. “They ate better foods. They were able to stick to it longer. They never had a potato chip,” Oprah recalled, noting how this perception changed once she began using the medication. 

What Oprah discovered was that the seemingly unshakeable willpower of thin people was not simply about discipline but rather their ability to regulate hunger. GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy work by curbing appetite and reducing food cravings, thus eliminating what is often referred to as “food noise.” According to Oprah, people who don’t struggle with obesity often don’t think about food constantly—they eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full. “They’re not even thinking about it,” Oprah remarked, explaining that this natural balance is something she had never experienced until now.

For Oprah, the realization was profound. Having battled obesity for most of her life, she recognized that her struggle was not about a lack of willpower but rather the physiological challenges of living with obesity—a disease that, as experts explain, is often driven by metabolic factors that are difficult to control through sheer determination alone. 

Oprah’s newfound understanding of her body’s needs and limitations has also helped her move past the shame that had plagued her for years. Throughout her career, she was frequently mocked by tabloids and comedians for her weight, and she admitted that she internalized much of this humiliation, believing she deserved it. “I realized I’d been blaming myself all these years for being overweight,” Oprah confessed. “Obesity is a disease. It’s not about willpower—it’s about the brain.”

In December 2023, Oprah shared her weight-loss journey with the world, revealing that she had used a GLP-1 medication to lose 40 pounds (18 kg) as part of a broader commitment to better health. She also incorporated regular exercise, such as hiking, into her routine, emphasizing that fitness was an integral part of maintaining her weight loss. Oprah described the medication as a tool to help manage her weight, particularly after years of yo-yo dieting, and declared that she was “done with the shaming” that had so long defined her relationship with her body.

Her decision to speak openly about her use of weight-loss drugs also marked a shift in how she views the tools available to people who struggle with their weight. “The fact that there’s a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief,” she said. Oprah even expressed that she had recommended these weight-loss aids to others before deciding to use them herself, underscoring her belief that they could be a beneficial resource for those who need them.

Despite the challenges, Oprah now champions body acceptance and encourages others to embrace whatever body they choose. “Shouldn’t we all just be more accepting of whatever body you choose to be in?” she said, calling for an end to the stigma surrounding weight-loss drugs and the shame often associated with seeking help.

Through her candid conversations and personal reflections, Oprah Winfrey is helping to shift the narrative around weight, health, and self-acceptance. She is leading by example, not just as a media mogul but as someone who has come to terms with her own struggles, advocating for a more compassionate and understanding approach to weight management.

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