If you’ve ever struggled with weight loss, chances are you’ve seen Oprah Winfrey’s emotional journey unfold over the decades. From her infamous talk show moment in 1988, when she wheeled out 67 pounds of fat in a red wagon after losing weight on a liquid diet, to her candid revelations about her latest transformation in 2025, Oprah has been at the forefront of the weight loss conversation. But what’s different this time? How did Oprah, at 70 years old, finally crack the code to losing weight—and keeping it off?
The Turning Point: “I Finally Got It”
Oprah’s weight loss in 2025 didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it came after years of trying every diet, exercise plan, and weight loss program available. “I have been on this journey my entire life,” Oprah confessed in a recent interview. “For as long as I can remember, my weight has been a struggle. But this time, I finally got it.”
This “aha” moment for Oprah didn’t involve an extreme crash diet or a quick-fix pill. Instead, it was a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, a more compassionate approach to her body, and—yes—embracing medical advances in weight loss.
The Role of Ozempic: “Not a Magic Bullet, But a Tool”
Much has been speculated about the role of weight loss drugs in Oprah’s transformation. After much public scrutiny and secrecy, Oprah finally admitted to using a weight loss medication—thought to be similar to Ozempic—to aid in her journey. She revealed that while she initially resisted the idea of weight loss drugs, viewing them as an “easy way out,” her mindset shifted after a frank conversation with a doctor.
“I always thought it was a cop-out,” Oprah said. “But I now see it not as a magic bullet, but as a tool—a tool that, when combined with healthy eating and exercise, made a difference for me.”
Oprah credits the drug with helping her manage cravings and break the cycle of emotional eating that had plagued her for decades. However, she is adamant that the medication alone wasn’t the answer. “It’s not about the drug. It’s about the mindset and the choices you make every day.”
A Shift in Mindset: “This Is About Health, Not Thinness”
What’s most striking about Oprah’s 2025 weight loss journey is not just the physical transformation—40 pounds lost in about a year—but the emotional shift that accompanied it. Oprah has long spoken about the shame and stigma attached to weight, and how she often equated her self-worth with the number on the scale. This time, she approached weight loss differently.
“I stopped focusing on getting thin and started focusing on getting healthy,” Oprah shared. “I’ve spent so much of my life obsessing over my weight, and I realized that’s not the point. The point is to feel good in my body and be able to live the life I want to live.”
This new approach involved ditching restrictive diets and embracing a balanced lifestyle that includes:
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Mindful Eating: Oprah has worked with nutritionists to create a sustainable eating plan rich in whole foods—lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats—while still allowing for occasional indulgences.
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Regular Movement: Following knee surgery in 2021, Oprah began to enjoy exercise again. From daily walks along the beach to low-impact strength training, movement became a joyful part of her life.
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Mental Health: Oprah has always advocated for mental well-being and now emphasizes therapy, mindfulness practices, and self-compassion as crucial elements in her weight loss journey.
“It’s Not Just About Willpower—It’s About Science”
Oprah has been vocal about dismantling the myth that weight loss is simply a matter of willpower. She’s advocated for understanding obesity as a complex medical condition—one that involves genetics, hormones, and the environment. “We’ve been told for so long that it’s just about self-control, but that’s not true. There’s real science behind why people struggle with weight,” she said.
Her documentary special, Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution, dives deep into the emotional and scientific aspects of obesity, challenging the stigma and encouraging a more compassionate conversation. “We need to stop shaming people for their bodies. We need to start supporting each other in this journey.”
The Emotional Milestones: “I Feel Free”
For Oprah, the most profound change has been emotional. “I feel free in a way I never have before,” she revealed. The freedom isn’t just about fitting into smaller clothes; it’s about feeling unburdened by the constant battle with her body.
She shared a touching story from her 70th birthday, when she finally allowed herself to eat cake without guilt. “It was a small piece of cake, but it was a huge moment for me. I wasn’t obsessing over calories or worrying about what it would do to my weight. I enjoyed it. That’s freedom.”
What’s Next for Oprah?
Oprah’s weight loss journey in 2025 is far from over. She continues to focus on her health and well-being, emphasizing that this is a lifelong process, not a destination. “There’s no finish line for me,” she says. “This is about maintaining a healthy lifestyle that supports my body and my soul.”
She’s also using her platform to spark important conversations about obesity, weight stigma, and the need for better access to healthcare and resources for those struggling with their weight.
Oprah’s Advice for Others: “Be Kind to Yourself”
When asked what advice she would give to others struggling with their weight, Oprah’s response was simple yet profound: “Be kind to yourself. It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. And remember, you’re not alone in this.”
She encourages people to seek support, whether through friends, family, or professional help, and to focus on small, sustainable changes rather than drastic measures. “Celebrate every victory—no matter how small.”
FAQs About Oprah Winfrey’s Weight Loss in 2025
Q: How much weight did Oprah lose in 2025?
A: Oprah lost about 40 pounds over the course of a year through a combination of healthy eating, regular exercise, and weight loss medication.
Q: Did Oprah use Ozempic to lose weight?
A: Oprah has confirmed that she used a weight loss drug similar to Ozempic, which helped her control cravings and manage her weight. She emphasizes that it was just one part of a larger lifestyle change.
Q: What is Oprah’s diet plan?
A: Oprah’s diet focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats, while allowing room for occasional treats.
Q: What exercise does Oprah do?
A: Oprah enjoys regular walks, strength training, and low-impact exercise to stay active and maintain her health.
Q: What advice does Oprah have for others trying to lose weight?
A: Oprah encourages people to be kind to themselves, focus on progress over perfection, and seek support when needed.
Q: Is Oprah planning more special interviews about weight loss?
A: Yes, Oprah continues to use her platform to raise awareness about obesity, weight stigma, and the importance of a holistic approach to health.
Oprah’s 2025 Weight Loss: A Journey of Transformation
Oprah Winfrey’s weight loss in 2025 is more than just a story of shedding pounds; it’s a story of transformation—physical, emotional, and spiritual. By embracing a holistic approach that includes medical intervention, a healthier lifestyle, and a shift in mindset, Oprah has shown that true change comes from within.
At 70, Oprah is living proof that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself—and that health, not thinness, should be the ultimate goal.