Oprah Winfrey Reveals GLP-1 Diet Trip, Use Diabetes

JAKARTA - Oprah Winfrey has finally shared stories about her struggle to lose weight, including her decision to use weight loss drugs. In an interview with People, Oprah revealed that she uses drugs from the agonist GLP-1 group, which is known to help control her appetite.

Over the years, Oprah has always thought that thin people have a disciplined and stronger will in controlling their food. However, his views changed when he first tried the GLP-1 drug.

"So far I think thin people have a stronger determination, they are better at choosing food, and can refrain from eating food, like chips. But when I try GLP-1, I realize that they don't even think about food. They only eat when they're hungry and stop when they're full," Oprah said on The Oprah Podcast, quoted by VOI from the Today page on Friday, January 31.

His physical changes began to be in the public spotlight when he appeared on the red carpet for the premiere of The Color Purple in December 2023. In the same month, Oprah confirmed that she used weight loss drugs, although did not specify her brand.

Oprah admits that in the past she used to view the use of weight loss drugs as a shortcut. However, she later realized that medically approved drug use was not something she needed to hide or make her feel ashamed of.

"I feel that medically proven medicine can help manage weight and improve health is a gift, not something that must be hidden. I have finished with shame, both from other people and from myself," he said.

The drug GLP-1 works by mimicking the hormones the body releases after eating, making a person feel full longer and slows the emptying of the stomach. One of the most famous brands in this category is Ozempic, which was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but is also known to have side effects in the form of weight loss.

Oprah insists that she only uses this drug as a tool in managing her weight, not as the main solution.

"I use it as needed, as a tool to avoid the yo-yo effect in my body weight. This drug helps reduce the noise' in my mind about food," he explained.

The decision to use this drug is not easy for Oprah. In a discussion on Oprah Daily in September 2023, he expressed his feelings about the use of weight loss drugs.

"There is a part of me that feels like I have to do it in a difficult way. I have to keep climbing the mountain, I have to keep fighting, because if I don't, I feel like I'm cheating myself," he said.

However, after the discussion, Oprah has changed her perspective. He realized that so far he has blamed himself for his weight, even though there are genetic factors that cannot be controlled with merely strong will.

"I've spent five decades of my life feeling frustrated with my weight," he said.

Despite using weight loss drugs, Oprah emphasized that she is also living a healthy lifestyle with high discipline.

"I know a lot of people think I'm just relying on this drug, but I'm working really hard. If I don't exercise and don't keep other healthy habits, this drug won't work for me," he said.

He applies some healthy habits, such as:

- Last meal at 16.00

- Drink one gallon of water per day

- Using the WeightWatchers principle in calculating food intake

- Walking 35 miles every day

- Climbing 10 miles every weekend

According to Oprah, the combination of drugs, exercise, and healthy diet makes her feel stronger and fitter than in previous years.