Oprah Winfrey has lived her entire adult life in the public eye. From her talk show’s debut in 1986 until its finale in 2011, she became a global icon. But fame also brought harsh criticism. Oprah has openly admitted that for decades, she was mocked because of her weight.

Struggles With Body Image
The 71-year-old media mogul has battled weight issues for much of her career. Two years ago, she began taking GLP-1 medication, a diabetes drug also used for weight loss. The treatment helped her lose 50 pounds.

Reflecting on her experience, Oprah confessed it reshaped her understanding of body image. “I thought thin people had more willpower,” she said. “Then I realized they’re not thinking about food all the time. They eat when hungry and stop when full.”

A Painful Admission
While she welcomed the progress, Oprah acknowledged her role in promoting unhealthy diet culture. She told People Magazine that for decades, “making fun of my weight was a national sport.” At the same time, she admitted she contributed to the obsession with diets through her show, magazine, and platform.