Oprah Winfrey has spent decades in the public eye, inspiring millions through her talk show, books, and personal insights. Yet, despite her success, the 71-year-old media icon recently revealed that one of her biggest regrets ties directly to her lifelong struggle with weight and body image.
A Career Built on Influence
When The Oprah Winfrey Show launched in 1986, it became a cultural phenomenon. For 25 years, Oprah brought meaningful conversations into homes worldwide, interviewing thousands of guests and shaping discussions on health, relationships, and self-improvement. But looking back, she admits there was one particular moment that continues to weigh heavily on her.
The Impact of “Diet Culture”
Throughout her career, Oprah often spoke openly about her personal weight journey. She has also acknowledged that she unintentionally fueled society’s obsession with dieting. “I have been a steadfast participant in this diet culture through my platforms, through the magazine, through the talk show for 25 years,” she told People Magazine.
She shared how criticism about her size became relentless, at times even cruel. “Making fun of my weight was a national sport,” she recalled. “I felt sad, I felt hurt, I swallowed the shame, I accepted that it was my fault.”
Turning Point: A Moment She Regrets
One of Oprah’s most publicized moments came in 1988 when she wheeled a wagon of fat onto her stage, symbolizing the pounds she had lost on a strict liquid diet. While the stunt grabbed headlines, Oprah now considers it one of her greatest mistakes.
“I had starved myself for months,” she admitted. “It sent a message that starving yourself was the way forward—a standard that I, nor anyone else, could sustain. The very next day, I began to gain the weight back.”
A New Perspective
In recent years, Oprah has spoken openly about using modern weight loss medication to manage her health. She revealed that it gave her new insights into the misconceptions surrounding body weight and self-control. Instead of framing weight loss around shame or extreme measures, she now focuses on self-compassion and long-term well-being.
“I own what I’ve done, and now I want to do better,” she said, acknowledging both her influence on diet culture and her responsibility to change the conversation.
Moving Forward
Beyond her weight journey, Oprah continues to build her legacy through new projects like The Oprah Podcast and her long-running book club. She remains an advocate for growth, healing, and honest dialogue—encouraging others to embrace authenticity over perfection.