Famous American media personality Oprah Winfrey revealed unexpected side effects she experienced as a result of taking popular weight loss drugs such as "Ozempic" and "Wegovi".
Oprah Winfrey reveals unexpected effects of using popular weight loss drugs
Winfrey, 71, began her journey with these drugs from the class of "glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists" (GLP-1), in December 2023, describing them as an aid in weight management, along with modifications to diet and physical activity.
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Although she didn't reveal the specific medication she was taking, she acknowledged that it helped her lose at least 18 kilograms. One of the most noticeable early effects was the decrease in what she called "food noise"—those constant, intrusive thoughts about food that previously dominated her.
However, the experience brought other surprises beyond simply reducing appetite. In a recent interview, Winfrey stated that using the medication caused a series of unexpected side effects, the most significant being her complete loss of desire to drink alcohol. Winfrey said, "I haven't had alcohol in years. The fact that I no longer crave it is amazing." Emerging scientific research supports this effect, showing that these drugs suppress the brain's reward centers that release dopamine, thus reducing cravings for alcohol and even other behaviors such as gambling and junk food.
The effect did not stop there; it also generated the motivation to exercise regularly.
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Winfrey says she exercises six days a week for two hours each day, including hiking, weightlifting, and running. Scientific explanations suggest this is due to GLP-1 medications' ability to regulate blood sugar levels and improve energy, thus boosting the desire for physical activity. This exercise is also important for counteracting one of the known side effects of these medications: muscle loss.
On a psychological level, the medication brought about a radical transformation in her self-perception and her relationship with food. Winfrey says she has freed herself from the belief that obesity is solely a result of willpower, delivering a powerful message of support: "If obesity is in your DNA, I want people to know that it's not your fault... Stop blaming yourselves for genes and environment that you can't control."
However, the journey wasn't without its setbacks. Winfrey revealed that she regained some of the weight she had lost after taking a temporary break from the medication, leading her to the sobering conclusion that using these drugs can be a "lifelong commitment" for many people. Her experience reflects a broader reality, as statistics show that approximately half of GLP-1 users discontinue their medication after one year.
