Oprah Winfrey, a global media icon, is no stranger to the spotlight — and her weight loss journey has long been part of the public narrative.
In 2025, she made headlines once again after opening up about the type of medication that helped her shed pounds and regain control over her health.
In a candid conversation on “The Oprah Podcast”, Oprah disclosed that she used a GLP-1 agonist, a class of medications known for their powerful appetite-regulating effects. Though she didn’t name the exact brand, this category includes popular drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Trulicity.
What is a GLP-1 Agonist?
GLP-1 agonists mimic a natural hormone the body produces after eating. This hormone slows digestion, reduces hunger, and helps people feel full sooner. These drugs are typically self-injected weekly and are approved by the FDA for treating Type 2 diabetes or obesity.
Oprah described her first experience with a GLP-1 drug as an eye-opener:
“All these years, I thought thin people had more willpower. I realized they’re not even thinking about food. They eat when they’re hungry and stop when they’re full.”
Oprah Winfrey’s Weight Loss Journey Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Medication Type | GLP-1 Agonist (e.g., Ozempic, Trulicity – brand not disclosed) |
| First Revealed Use | People Magazine interview, December 2023 |
| Health Goal | Vitality, strength, fitness, not focused on number |
| Daily Routine | Last meal at 4 p.m., gallon of water, WeightWatchers points |
| Exercise Regimen | 3–5 miles daily, 10-mile hikes on weekends |
| Key Quote | “I now use it as I feel I need it, as a tool to manage not yo-yoing.” |
Oprah’s Fitness and Nutrition Strategy
While the medication played a role, Oprah emphasized holistic wellness. She combines the drug with strict routines:
- Eating Schedule: Last meal by 4 p.m.
- Hydration: One gallon of water daily
- WeightWatchers Points: Still follows point-counting principles
- Workouts: Hikes 3–5 miles every day, and 10 miles on weekends
“It’s not one thing, it’s everything,” Oprah said, adding that she never stopped exercising and staying vigilant.
Changing Mindset Around Weight Loss Medication
Initially skeptical, Oprah once believed that taking weight loss medication was “the easy way out.” However, a panel discussion in September 2023 changed her perspective. She realized she had blamed herself for decades for what was essentially a medical and biological challenge.
“There’s a predisposition that no amount of willpower is going to control,” she said.
How Do GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic Work?
These medications reduce appetite by mimicking the body’s GLP-1 hormone, released when we eat. Newer drugs like Tirzepatide (used in Mounjaro and Zepbound) also target GIP, leading to greater weight loss.
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
Weight loss is most effective when combined with a healthy lifestyle, not used alone.
Oprah’s Decades-Long Weight Battle
From a 67-pound loss in 1988 via a liquid diet to her heaviest at 237 pounds in 1992, Oprah’s battle with weight has been lifelong. She’s previously tried WW (WeightWatchers) and was once diagnosed with pre-diabetes before losing 42 pounds on the program.
Now nearing age 70, Oprah says her health is her top priority, focusing on vitality and strength rather than scale numbers.
Oprah Winfrey’s 2025 weight loss journey offers an honest, relatable perspective on using modern medication responsibly.
By embracing a medically backed tool like a GLP-1 agonist and combining it with dedicated lifestyle changes, she achieved significant results — not just physically, but emotionally.
Oprah’s message is clear: obesity is a disease, not a character flaw, and overcoming it requires the right tools, support, and self-compassion.
FAQs
What kind of weight loss drug did Oprah take?
Oprah used a GLP-1 agonist, a class of drugs including Ozempic and Wegovy, but didn’t reveal the specific brand.
How does the weight loss medication work?
It mimics hunger-regulating hormones, helping you feel full faster and eat less by slowing digestion.
Did Oprah rely solely on medication for her weight loss?
No, she combined medication with diet, exercise, hydration, and discipline, including daily hikes and WW point tracking.