“Unveiling Oprah: A 50-Year Odyssey Through Weight Loss Triumphs and Trials”

Over the years, one constant source of inspiration has been Oprah Winfrey’s candid exploration of her personal journey towards weight loss.

Having battled weight issues for decades, the 70-year-old star has been transparent about her journey and notably contributed to Weight Watchers’ board for nearly a decade. Recently, Winfrey disclosed her use of semaglutide injections for weight management, aiming to diminish the stigma surrounding such treatments.

During Monday evening’s ABC special titled “An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution,” Oprah Winfrey continued to advocate for the use of medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound to assist in weight loss, as reported by HuffPost.

In the program, Winfrey emphasized the importance of ending the cycle of shame and blame directed towards individuals struggling with weight gain, likening it to battling a food addiction “disease,” akin to alcoholism.

“The paramount message I hope resonates with people is understanding that [obesity] is a disease, deeply rooted in the brain,” Winfrey asserted.

Reflecting on her personal struggle with weight management, the talk show host shared, “I must acknowledge the burden of shame imposed upon me by society. For 25 years, my weight became a national spectacle.”

She recounted the notorious 1988 incident when she displayed 67 pounds of animal fat on television to represent her weight loss. However, Winfrey now acknowledges that she didn’t shed weight healthily back then; instead, she resorted to “starving” herself.

“Following a 67-pound weight loss on a liquid diet, the weight began to creep back on the very next day,” she recounted.

In the special, Winfrey engages in interviews with individuals who have utilized semaglutide drugs for weight management. Additionally, she consults with medical professionals to evaluate the long-term safety considerations associated with these medications.

“Throughout all these years, I believed that those who never had to diet were simply relying on their willpower, somehow stronger than me,” Winfrey shared during the special, according to Time. She noted that the use of such medications had alleviated her constant preoccupation with food. While Winfrey acknowledges her use of medication, she has not publicly disclosed the specific brand.

This class of medication, typically prescribed for Type II diabetes treatment, has surged in popularity due to its ability to slow gastric emptying, resulting in prolonged feelings of fullness. Many users attest to experiencing sustained satiety, effectively reducing their appetite and fostering weight loss.

Reports indicate potential adverse effects of taking the medication, including a risk of thyroid tumors and cancer linked to Ozempic, based on studies conducted with rodents. Common side effects encompass nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation, while more severe reactions include gastroparesis, allergic responses, changes in vision, and pancreatitis.

While some physicians may prescribe Ozempic to aid weight loss in individuals without diabetes, this application is deemed “off-label” because the drug lacks FDA approval for weight management. Additionally, research suggests that users who discontinue the medication may regain lost weight within three to five years.

Concluding the special, Winfrey emphasized that semaglutide drugs may not suit everyone. She expressed, “For those who believe this could offer the relief, support, and liberation you’ve been seeking your entire life… bless you.”