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Oprah Winfrey Embraces GLP-1 Medication as Part of Lifelong Weight Management Journey
Longtime media mogul Oprah Winfrey has revealed her acceptance of weight-loss medication as an essential component of her health regimen, comparing it to other necessary medications for chronic conditions. In a recent interview with People Magazine, the 71-year-old talk show host disclosed her experience with GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) treatment, which she began in 2023.
After taking the medication for six months, Winfrey attempted to discontinue it while maintaining her diet and exercise routines. Despite her efforts, she gained 20 pounds after stopping the treatment.
“It’s going to be a lifetime thing,” Winfrey explained. “I’m on high blood pressure medication, and if I go off the high blood pressure medication, my blood pressure is going to go up. The same thing is true now, I realize, with these medications.”
The revelation comes as GLP-1 medications have gained prominence in weight management, with several pharmaceutical companies developing these treatments to address obesity, which affects millions of Americans. These drugs work by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.
Winfrey disclosed that her “default weight” of 211 pounds was accompanied by pre-diabetes and high cholesterol, representing serious health concerns. In contrast, she told CBS News that she now weighs 155 pounds, a figure she aims to maintain.
“The combination of the medication and hiking every day and resistance training has given me the body that I had when I was running a marathon,” she said. “So, I was 40 and feeling really good, but to be able to be 71 and feel that I am in the best shape of my life feels better than it did when I was 40.”
In a new episode of “The Oprah Podcast,” Winfrey welcomed Dr. Ania Jastreboff, an endocrinologist and associate professor at the Yale School of Medicine, to discuss GLP-1 medications. The two recently co-authored the book “Enough,” which addresses weight management and societal attitudes toward obesity.
Winfrey acknowledged her initial hesitation about using weight-loss drugs due to perceived stigma. “One of the reasons I was reluctant to use them in the beginning, when I was trying to lose weight after my knee surgery, [is] because I also felt it’s cheating, it’s the easy way out,” she admitted.
This reluctance reflects broader cultural attitudes about weight loss, where medical interventions are often viewed differently than treatments for other health conditions. The weight-loss medication market has expanded significantly in recent years, with drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro becoming household names as public figures discuss their use.
Winfrey’s openness about her weight management journey comes after decades of public scrutiny. “As one of the most influential figures in American media, Winfrey said she was ‘publicly humiliated’ for her weight for 25 years,” she revealed.
“Every time any comedian wanted to make fun or make a joke about it — they could make a joke about it. And I accepted it because I thought I deserved it,” she said. “Now I know they were so wrong.”
Dr. Jastreboff emphasized during their discussion that weight is largely controlled by brain function rather than willpower. “Somehow, in society, we think that how much we weigh is in our control. And it’s not. Our brain is in control,” she explained, challenging common misconceptions about obesity.
This scientific perspective represents a significant shift in how medical professionals approach weight management, with obesity increasingly recognized as a chronic medical condition rather than a lifestyle choice or moral failing.
Winfrey described her revelation after beginning GLP-1 treatment: “All these years, I thought that thin people… just had more willpower, they ate better foods, they were able to stick to it longer, they never had a potato chip. And then I realized the very first time I took the GLP-1 that… oh, they’re not even thinking about it. They’re only eating when they’re hungry, and they’re stopping when they’re full.”
The podcast also featured a guest named Amy who lost 160 pounds in one year using GLP-1 medication but still experienced public shaming. Dr. Jastreboff noted the impossible situation many patients face: “You’re shamed if you have obesity. You’re shamed if you don’t try to lose weight. You’re shamed if you lose weight. You’re shamed if you use the medicines, if you don’t use the medicines… there’s literally no winning.”
Health experts note that GLP-1 medications can cause side effects, primarily gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Less common effects include fatigue, dizziness, and injection site reactions. Medical consultation is recommended before starting these medications.
As one of America’s most recognized celebrities, Winfrey’s candid discussion about medical weight management may help normalize these treatments for millions struggling with obesity and weight-related health conditions.
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14 Comments
Interesting to hear Oprah’s experience with weight-loss medication. It’s good she’s being transparent about the challenges of long-term management. Medications can be an important tool, but lifestyle changes are crucial too.
Agreed. Oprah’s openness could help destigmatize the use of such treatments for obesity, which is a complex chronic condition.
It’s good to see public figures like Oprah discussing their experiences with weight-loss medications. This can help raise awareness and reduce stigma around these treatments.
Kudos to Oprah for sharing her story. Obesity is a major health issue, and if medications can help people manage it safely, that’s a positive development. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key too.
Well said. Comprehensive approaches combining medication, diet, and exercise tend to be most effective for sustainable weight management.
Oprah’s story highlights the complexities of weight management and the importance of finding the right combination of treatments and lifestyle changes. Kudos to her for sharing her experience.
Oprah’s transparency about her experience with weight-loss medication is commendable. Addressing obesity requires a range of tools, and it’s helpful to hear from public figures navigating this challenge.
Agreed. Openness around the realities of weight management can go a long way in destigmatizing the use of medications and other interventions.
Interesting to hear about Oprah’s journey with weight-loss medication. It’s a reminder that obesity is a complex, lifelong condition that requires a multifaceted management plan.
Oprah’s experience underscores the importance of finding the right combination of treatments and lifestyle changes for managing chronic conditions like obesity. There’s no quick fix, but open discussion can help.
Well said. Holistic, personalized approaches tend to be most effective for long-term health and wellness.
Oprah’s willingness to be transparent about her use of weight-loss medication is commendable. Obesity is a complex issue, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Oprah’s experience highlights the ongoing challenge of weight management. While medications can be helpful, a balanced approach focused on lifestyle is key for long-term success.
Absolutely. Sustainable weight loss requires a multifaceted strategy tailored to the individual.