Oprah Winfrey shares her experience taking weight-loss medication
Photo: Oprah Winfrey shares her experience with weight-loss medication (GettyImages)
Oprah Winfrey has opened up about her decision to use weight-loss medication after a long struggle with weight and public scrutiny. In an interview with People magazine, she discussed her journey and how she came to view the medication as a helpful tool rather than an easy way out.
In the interview, Winfrey recounted her experiences of public ridicule over her weight for 25 years, including a magazine cover that derogatorily labeled her "Dumpy, Frumpy and Downright Lumpy." Her weight fluctuation has been widely documented, but her outlook improved following knee surgery in 2021, which led to a focus on hiking and fitness.
Winfrey has adopted a regimen that includes eating her last meal at 4 p.m., drinking a gallon of water daily, and following WeightWatchers principles.
Her perspective shifted after taping a panel discussion for "Oprah Daily's Life You Want" series, where she realized that obesity is a disease and not a matter of willpower. This epiphany led her to obtain a prescription for weight-loss medication, which she now views as a "gift" and an essential part of her health management.
Oprah Winfrey (Photo: Getty Images)
She emphasizes that the medication is not a singular solution but part of a comprehensive health and fitness routine.
Oprah's weight loss journey
Winfrey's struggle with weight and public perception dates back decades, characterized by periods of weight loss and gain. Her decision to turn to medication comes amid a surge in demand for semaglutide, a drug initially developed for diabetes treatment, which has shown effectiveness in weight loss.
Semaglutide enhances communication between the gut and the brain, reducing appetite and promoting a feeling of fullness. This drug induces weight loss and is remarkably effective. According to one doctor interviewed by CBS News, it can assist individuals in shedding approximately 15% of their body weight, a significantly greater result than earlier generations of weight loss medications.
Winfrey's openness about using such medication reflects a broader shift. Her shift to a holistic health approach represents a significant change in her mindset, moving from self-blame to understanding obesity as a disease and not just a matter of willpower.
This change has allowed her to find a balance that works for her, combining medication, diet, exercise, and a positive mental attitude to achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Also, we recently wrote about what teas help reduce belly fat and what happens to the body if you skip breakfast.
