Media icon Oprah Winfrey has opened up about her personal journey with GLP-1 weight-loss medications during a Jan. 13, 2026, appearance on Today With Jenna & Sheinelle.
She shared candid details about the unexpected health challenges she encountered while using the drugs to manage her weight and obesity as a chronic condition.
Here are 6 key health-related insights and challenges Winfrey revealed from her experience with medically prescribed weight-loss drugs:
- Constipation Was Her Primary Side Effect
While nausea and diarrhea are commonly reported with GLP-1 medications, Winfrey said she never experienced those, but did struggle with constipation. She eventually managed it by staying well-hydrated and adjusting her nutrient intake. - Drinking a Gallon of Water Daily
To counteract digestive discomfort and support her kidneys, Winfrey revealed she drinks a gallon of water a day — an adjustment she made specifically because of her experience with the weight-loss drug regimen. - Timing Her Water Intake to Avoid Sleep Disruption
She explained that drinking all that water before 4 p.m. is crucial, otherwise she said it interferes with her sleep. This highlights how medication-related adjustments can affect daily routines beyond diet and exercise. - Weight Regain After Stopping Medication
Winfrey tested whether she could maintain her weight loss without the drug by stopping for a period, but gained 20 pounds, underscoring how some individuals may experience rebound weight gain when discontinuing GLP-1 treatments. - Reframing Obesity as Biology, Not Willpower
Perhaps the most profound challenge she discussed wasn’t physical, but psychological: recognizing that obesity is a neurometabolic condition rather than a failure of willpower. Winfrey said this realization freed her from years of self-blame and societal stigma. - Ongoing Management, Not a Quick Fix
Winfrey stated that the medication isn’t a “magic bullet.” It helps manage the body’s biological set point for weight, meaning long-term use and lifestyle adjustments — such as diet, water intake, and medical supervision — often remain necessary for lasting impact.
Winfrey’s interview was part of her broader conversation in her new book Enough: Your Health, Your Weight, and What It’s Like To Be Free.
The book is helping destigmatize discussions about modern approaches to obesity, highlighting both the physical and emotional hurdles that come with GLP-1 medication use.
