After years of public scrutiny regarding her fluctuating weight, Oprah Winfrey has expressed genuine enthusiasm about the rise of weight loss medications.
In a recent hour-long special, she opened up about her battles with obesity and how these new treatments have instilled a sense of hope in her.
While she refrained from mentioning specific brands like Ozempic, her message was clear: it’s time to eliminate the stigma surrounding weight loss drugs.
Before a live audience, Oprah reflected on the relentless criticism she has faced throughout her career.
She candidly admitted, “I took on the shame that the world gave to me.” The media’s mocking tone has often turned her weight into a public spectacle.
She recalled a particularly harsh 1990 magazine cover that labeled her as “bumpy, lumpy, and just plain dumpy,” a memory that still stings.
The conversation took a deeper turn as Oprah read aloud some of the most derogatory headlines that have haunted her over the years, including “Oprah, fatter than ever,” and “diet or die, Oprah warned.”
These phrases not only highlight her struggles but also the societal pressures that many face regarding body image.
Reflecting on her past efforts, she revealed, “I starved myself for nearly five months” in a desperate attempt to escape the judgment.
Despite shedding an impressive 67 pounds through a liquid diet, Oprah shared the painful reality that she regained the weight almost immediately afterward.
“The very next day, you all, the extremely following day, I started to restore it,” she lamented.
It was a stark reminder of the challenges that come with weight loss and the emotional toll it can take.
In a surprising twist, Oprah expressed her astonishment at the availability of medications designed to help individuals like herself.
“In my life, I never imagined we would discuss prescriptions that would give hope to people like me,” she stated, highlighting a significant shift in the conversation around weight management.
These medications have not only aided in her weight loss but have also helped her shed the self-blame that has plagued her for years.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve blamed myself,” she said, emphasizing the mental battle many face when it comes to their bodies.
Learning that the struggle was more than just a personal failing was a revelation for her.
In addition to taking medication, Oprah maintains an active lifestyle, hiking three to five miles daily while also incorporating running and a healthy diet into her routine.
This holistic approach illustrates her commitment to health, not just weight loss.
The special featured interviews with medical professionals who discussed the effectiveness of weight loss drugs.
While some patients shared negative experiences, a significant number reported positive outcomes, reinforcing the notion that these treatments can be beneficial.
As the program wrapped up, Oprah extended her support to those who choose to embrace their bodies at any size.
“For individuals who feel happy and great in celebrating life in a larger body and don’t need the meds, I say, favor you,” she affirmed.
Her message was one of acceptance and empowerment, regardless of the path chosen.
Her journey took another turn when she resigned from the Weight Watchers board shortly before the airing of this special.
This decision followed her revelation that she had begun using an undisclosed weight loss medication, a move that sparked conversations among her online followers about her potential use of Ozempic or similar treatments.
