Media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who turns 72 on January 29, 2026, has shared candid details about her experience with GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, a class of drugs commonly used for weight management that includes brands like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. In a recent exclusive interview with People magazine, Winfrey discussed how the medication, which she began taking over two years ago, has transformed not only her relationship with food but also led to unanticipated changes in her habits, including a complete cessation of alcohol consumption.
Winfrey first publicly confirmed her use of a weight-loss medication in December 2023, describing it as a "maintenance tool" to prevent weight yo-yoing, combined with diet and exercise. At the time, she emphasized that the drug felt like "relief, like redemption, like a gift" after years of public scrutiny over her weight struggles. She has never specified the exact brand but has credited it with helping her lose significant weight—previously reported as more than 40 pounds—and silencing the constant mental "food noise" that plagued her.
In her latest interview, published in late December 2025, Winfrey elaborated on unexpected benefits. One of the most surprising was the elimination of her desire for alcohol. "I was a big fan of tequila. I literally had 17 shots one night," she recalled, noting that she once could "outdrink everyone at the table." However, since starting the medication, "I haven’t had a drink in years. The fact that I no longer even have a desire for it is pretty amazing." This aligns with emerging research on GLP-1 drugs, which suggest they may dampen cravings by influencing dopamine reward pathways in the brain, potentially reducing alcohol consumption. Medical studies have indicated that these medications can lead to lower cravings for alcohol, nicotine, and even opioids.
Winfrey also described a profound shift in her approach to exercise. Previously viewing workouts as punishment, she now exercises up to six days a week, incorporating hiking, weight training, cardio on the treadmill, side-planking, and deadlifting. "I don’t recognize the person who feels sluggish when she doesn’t work out," she said, adding that she feels "more alive and more vibrant than I’ve ever been." This increased energy and motivation may be linked to the drugs' effects on blood sugar regulation and overall metabolic health.
The 71-year-old icon reflected on how the medication has reshaped her mindset around food and body image. "I’m not constantly punishing myself. I hardly recognize the woman I’ve become. But she’s a happy woman," she told People. Winfrey, who at her heaviest weighed 237 pounds in 1992, has long battled public and personal shame over her weight fluctuations, including extreme diets and calorie restriction. She previously set a goal weight of 160 pounds but now emphasizes health over numbers, noting she no longer obsesses over food or blames herself for past struggles.
However, Winfrey acknowledged the challenges of these medications. She revealed that after pausing the drug for about 12 months, she regained some weight, underscoring the potential need for long-term use. "Whatever was happening needed to happen to get me to this point. And I rejoice at feeling liberated from the struggle because I had a real public struggle. And I am healthier now," she said. Her side effects have been mild, primarily digestion issues managed with hydration and magnesium.
Winfrey's revelations come amid the release of her upcoming book, "Enough: Your Health, Your Weight and What It’s Like to Be Free," co-authored with obesity expert Dr. Ania M. Jastreboff, set for publication on January 13, 2026. In it, she delves deeper into her journey, aiming to destigmatize obesity and medication use.
She stressed that obesity is a disease influenced by genetics, not merely a lack of willpower. "If you have obesity in your gene pool, I want people to know it’s not your fault," Winfrey said, encouraging informed decisions about treatment options. Her story highlights the broader implications of GLP-1 drugs, which have been taken by an estimated 30 million Americans at least once, though many discontinue due to side effects or cost.
Scientific backing for reduced alcohol cravings includes animal studies showing semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) halved alcohol intake in rats, and human observations of diminished reward from substances. Experts note these effects stem from the drugs' impact on brain pathways associated with addiction and reward.
Winfrey's openness continues to spark conversations about weight management in an era of rapidly evolving pharmaceuticals. As one of the most influential figures in media, her endorsement of these tools as part of a holistic approach—rather than a shortcut—may help reduce stigma for millions facing similar challenges. She hopes her experience empowers others to seek accurate information and prioritize health without self-blame.
