Oprah Winfrey has publicly acknowledged her significant contribution to diet culture, expressing regret over the impact it has had on individuals’ perceptions of weight and health. In her latest book, titled Enough: Your Health, Your Weight, and What It’s Like To Be Free, released on October 31, 2023, Winfrey reflects on her past actions and their consequences.
The media mogul, now 71 years old, revisits a defining moment from her talk show when she famously showcased a red wagon filled with 67 pounds of fat to illustrate her weight loss journey. Over the years, Winfrey actively discussed her dieting experiences while serving on the board of WeightWatchers, a position she left in early 2024. In her new book, she admits that speaking about her dieting efforts has become one of her “biggest regrets.”
“I want to acknowledge that I have been a steadfast participant in the diet culture that contributed to some of this shame,” Winfrey writes. She emphasizes that her long-running television show, magazine, and online presence have all played a role in promoting unrealistic weight-loss standards. “It sent a message to the people watching that starving yourself with a liquid diet was a standard—one that neither I nor anybody else could uphold.”
Winfrey’s reflections highlight a broader understanding of obesity as a chronic disease rather than a moral failing. She expresses that recognizing this shift has been transformative for her. “I did not get the memo ten years ago, but now I know and I want to spread that information to as many people as I can,” she asserts.
In the lead-up to her departure from WeightWatchers, Winfrey revealed her decision to start taking a GLP-1 medication to assist with weight management. Initially hesitant, she once believed that her struggles were simply a matter of not trying hard enough. In December 2023, she admitted to previously denying the use of weight-loss drugs but stated she was “done with the shaming” associated with their use.
“The fact that there’s a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift,” Winfrey said, emphasizing that using GLP-1 should not be stigmatized. She clarified that her weight loss cannot be solely attributed to this medication, stating that it is just one of many tools she employs.
During an episode of her Super Soul podcast, Winfrey discussed a significant change she experienced after starting the medication. She described the reduction of “food noise” or intrusive thoughts related to hunger. “One of the things that I realized the very first time I took a GLP-1 was that all these years I thought thin people had more willpower,” she explained. “They’re eating when they’re hungry, and they’re stopping when they’re full.”
Winfrey’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the evolving conversation surrounding weight, health, and the societal pressures associated with dieting. Her candid reflections aim to foster a more compassionate understanding of obesity and encourage others to embrace healthier lifestyles without shame.
