American media personality Oprah Winfrey said in a press interview that taking well-known weight loss drugs such as “Ozempic” and “Wegovy” led to a series of unexpected side effects for her.
Although she did not disclose the specific drug she is using, according to the Daily Mail, she confirmed that it helped her lose at least about 18 kilograms.
Winfrey, 71, began her experience with these drugs, which belong to the “glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists” class, in December 2023, describing them as an aid in weight management, in addition to making adjustments to diet and exercise.
Food noise
Among the most prominent results Winfrey noticed early on was the disappearance of what is called “food noise,” which are the constant and compelling thoughts about eating that used to control her.
However, this experience brought with it other surprises beyond just reducing appetite. In a recent press interview, Winfrey indicated that using this drug caused a series of unexpected side effects, the most prominent of which was her complete loss of desire to consume alcohol.
Winfrey says: “I haven’t drunk alcohol in years. The fact that I no longer want it is amazing.”
Recent scientific research confirms this effect, indicating that these drugs work to calm the reward centers in the brain that secrete dopamine, reducing cravings for alcohol, and even for other behaviors such as betting and eating fast food.
Regular sports
The effect was not limited to that, but she also developed an incentive to exercise regularly.
Winfrey explains that she exercises 6 days a week for two hours a day, including hiking, weightlifting and running.
Scientific explanations attribute this to the ability of GLP-1 drugs to regulate blood sugar levels and improve energy levels, which enhances the desire for physical activity.
This practice is also necessary to counter one of the known side effects of these drugs, which is the loss of muscle mass.
On a psychological level, the drug brought about a radical change in her view of herself and her relationship with food, as Winfrey says that she has freed herself from the belief that obesity is only the result of weak will, directing a strong message of support: “If obesity is in your DNA, I want people to know that this is not your fault… Stop blaming yourselves for genes and an environment that you cannot control.”
However, the journey was not without difficulties, as Winfrey revealed that she regained some of the weight she had lost after taking a temporary break from the drug, which led her to a realistic conclusion that using these drugs may be a “lifelong commitment” for many.
Her experience reflects a broader reality, as statistics show that about half of GLP-1 drug users stop taking them after one year.
