Oprah Winfrey, a cultural icon, has faced public scrutiny over her weight for decades. In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, Winfrey, who turns 70 next month, reflects on her personal struggle with weight and her newfound path to health and self-acceptance.
Describing her weight journey as a “public sport,” Winfrey recalls hurtful media coverage and admits to internalizing this shame. A notable low point was when a magazine labeled her “Dumpy, Frumpy, and Downright Lumpy,” leading her to accept blame for her weight issues.
However, Oprah’s perspective shifted after knee surgery in 2021, which catalyzed a commitment to regular hiking and setting new fitness goals. This physical transformation, combined with a structured eating schedule and adherence to WeightWatchers principles, marked the beginning of a steady weight loss journey.
Winfrey’s approach evolved further after a panel discussion, where she realized that obesity is not a willpower issue but a medical condition. This epiphany led her to embrace weight-loss medication as an additional tool, releasing her from the shackles of self-blame and societal shame.
Today, Oprah stands as a beacon of health and self-acceptance, viewing medical assistance not as an easy way out but as a vital component of her holistic approach to well-being. She expresses gratitude for the medical advancements that aid in managing weight, seeing them as a gift rather than a source of shame. Winfrey’s story is one of resilience and empowerment, inspiring others to find their path to health and self-love.
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