Oprah Winfrey, the beloved media mogul, has recently stepped out, displaying her latest transformation, drawing significant attention from the public. Dressed in workout attire, the 71-year-old television icon was seen in Santa Barbara during a weekday fitness session. Captured by Page Six, Oprah sported a long-sleeved black top with stripes, white trainers, and a blue hooded sweatshirt in hand as she made her way to her vehicle post-workout.
Her appearance comes in the wake of her candid revelations regarding weight loss, shared during an episode of The Oprah Podcast. In January, Winfrey made waves when she acknowledged a long-held misconception about weight management.
“All these years, I thought that thin people — those people — just had more willpower,” Oprah confessed. “And then I realized the first time I took the GLP-1 that they’re not even thinking about it. They’re only eating when they’re hungry and stopping when they’re full.”
Her statement confirmed what had long been speculated: Oprah had turned to a weight-loss drug to aid in her fitness journey. In December 2023, she disclosed that she was just seven pounds away from her goal weight of 160 pounds, crediting a weight-loss medication for helping her achieve it. While she refrained from naming the specific drug, she described it as a tool for “maintenance control” following years of battling weight fluctuations.
“It feels like a relief, like redemption, like a gift,” she told People magazine at the time. “I’m done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself.”
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In May 2024, during a Weight Watchers special, Oprah took a moment to address her past involvement in promoting diet culture, offering a heartfelt apology to her fans.
“I cannot tell you how many weight-loss shows and makeovers I have done,” she admitted. “They have been a staple since I’ve been working in television.”
Winfrey’s stance on weight loss medications has evolved significantly over time. Once skeptical, she previously referred to them as the “easy way out.” However, she now embraces them as a legitimate tool for individuals struggling with weight management.
Oprah is not alone in her journey. Several other celebrities, including Kelly Clarkson and Sharon Osbourne, have openly acknowledged using medications originally designed for type 2 diabetes to aid in weight loss. Their admissions have ignited conversations surrounding the ethics, accessibility, and long-term effects of such treatments.
Winfrey’s transformation and her willingness to discuss her experience continue to fuel debates on weight loss, self-acceptance, and the shifting cultural perception of body image. With her influence, Oprah’s openness may help destigmatize medical interventions for weight management and redefine societal norms surrounding health and wellness.
