Oprah Winfrey Opens Up About Her Weight-Loss Journey and Challenges Diet Culture

Oprah Winfrey is on a mission to shift diet culture entirely, as she shared in a recent WeightWatchers event on May 9. The 70-year-old media mogul, who has been open about her weight loss journey, spoke candidly about setting unrealistic standards for the public around dieting.

During a live YouTube event called “Making the Shift: A New Way to Think About Weight,” Oprah hosted a panel of experts and celebrities, including Rebel Wilson and Busy Phillips, to discuss their experiences with weight loss. She acknowledged her past role in promoting diet culture through her show, magazine, and online platforms.

In a recent interview on CNN’s King Charles, Oprah revealed her shift in perspective, acknowledging that obesity is a disease rather than a moral flaw. She also shared that she had struggled with self-blame and unrealistic expectations when it came to managing her weight.

Oprah’s weight loss journey included a knee surgery in 2021, which jumpstarted her commitment to hiking and exercise. She shared that regular exercise, nutrition, and weight-loss medications have helped her live a healthier life.

Despite her dedication to her health, Oprah has also been open about her struggles with self-acceptance and overcoming societal standards of beauty. She emphasized the importance of owning one’s weight loss journey and not being shamed for the methods one chooses to adopt.

Oprah’s decision to step down from the board of WeightWatchers was driven by her desire to speak freely about weight loss medications in an upcoming special. She emphasized the need to release the shame, stigma, and judgement surrounding weight issues and advocate for health equity.

Overall, Oprah’s message is clear: she is done with diet culture and hopes to inspire others to embrace their own unique journeys to better health and self-acceptance. With her openness and honesty, Oprah continues to shift the conversation around weight, health, and body image.