Oprah Winfrey Reveals She Uses Weight-Loss Medication as a ‘Maintenance Tool': ‘I’m Absolutely Done with the Shaming’ (Exclusive)
Originally posted on People's Magazine by Elizabeth Leonard. Edited for reading on Jevitty App's Blog.
Oprah Winfrey, a constant target of public scrutiny for her weight, reflects on her decades-long journey with body image in a recent interview with PEOPLE. The media mogul shares past moments of shame, including a hurtful critique by fashion critic Mr. Blackwell. Despite enduring blame and self-shame, Winfrey, now turning 70, expresses optimism about her current approach to maintaining a healthy weight.
Winfrey's holistic strategy involves regular exercise, lifestyle adjustments, and the addition of a weight-loss medication to her routine. After knee surgery in 2021, she committed to hiking and achieved significant weight loss over the last two years. She credits a shift in mindset, stating, "It's not about willpower — it's about the brain," and acknowledges obesity as a disease.
The turning point in Winfrey's perspective occurred during a panel discussion on weight loss, where she realized she had been unfairly blaming herself. Accepting the scientific understanding of obesity, she consulted her doctor and now uses medication as a tool for weight management. Despite public speculation and the popularity of weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic, Winfrey emphasizes the importance of her comprehensive health and fitness routine.
She shares that the medication helps control "food noise" and recounts a successful Thanksgiving experience with minimal weight gain. While she's close to her goal weight of 160 lbs., Winfrey prioritizes progress and vitality over a specific number on the scale. Reflecting on her journey, she feels a sense of redemption, particularly after conquering a mountain in Hawaii that symbolized a renewed lease on a more vibrant life.
Citations:
Oprah Winfrey Reveals She Uses Weight-Loss Medication as a “Maintenance Tool”: “I’m Absolutely Done with the Shaming” (Exclusive). (n.d.). Peoplemag. https://people.com/oprah-winfrey-reveals-weight-loss-medication-exclusive-8414552
Photo by Andres Ayrton: https://www.pexels.com/photo/plus-size-woman-measuring-belly-6551068/
