Oprah’s Weight Loss and Claims of Semaglutide Use

Oprah Winfrey has long been an inspiration to people, especially when it comes to her opening up about her struggle with weight loss. It is something that resonates with a majority of Americans who also struggle to lose weight and keep it off. Getting to a healthy weight is something Oprah has been dedicated to for years. In fact, she joined the Weight Watcher's (WW) board in 2015, along with purchasing a stake in the company. So is Oprah's weight loss simply due to a nutrition plan from WW or are there other things giving her that extra edge?

Oprah Discusses Being Pre-Diabetic

In 2019 Oprah revealed to the world that she was pre-diabetic with high blood sugar and high blood pressure. Being pre-diabetic means that she had blood sugar levels considered higher than normal, but they weren't yet high enough to receive a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. If prediabetes is left untreated, it can turn into diabetes within a matter of years. Oprah is no longer pre-diabetic and attributes this shift in her blood sugar levels to her weight loss. 

Weight Watchers May Soon Offer Semaglutide

In March 2023, WW announced that they are acquiring Sequence, a subscription telehealth platform offering access to healthcare providers specializing in chronic weight management. According to a press release from WW, with this acquisition, the company will be able to "provide the support needed to help people build livable healthy habits for the long term and manage the dietary-induced side effects often felt while taking chronic weight management medications, such as glucagon-like peptide-1s (GLP-1s)." CEO and Co-founder of Sequence stated in the press release that "pairing behavior change with medically appropriate clinical solutions is more powerful and more sustainable than clinical alone." So it is likely that we will see WW offering semaglutide in the future.

Was Oprah’s Weight Loss Supported With Semaglutide?

Many people are wondering if Oprah’s weight loss was connected to using semaglutide during her time dealing with prediabetes. Knowing that she plays a big role in WW, who will soon offer support for semaglutide as a chronic weight management solution, it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility. She has not come out and said she used semaglutide, but many people are speculating. Semaglutide, known by the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic, has risen in popularity for weight loss, especially among celebrities. So whether or not Oprah used semaglutide to treat her prediabetes and shed those extra pounds is not out of the question with her having been pre-diabetic as well. 

Is It Common To Struggle With Weight and Be Pre-Diabetic?

Those who have historically struggled with weight loss may be pre-diabetic and not know it. According to the CDC, around 96 million adults in America have prediabetes. That is more than 1 in 3 people. Unfortunately, around 80% of people don't even know they are in this category, which puts them at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. One of the most obvious signs you may be pre-diabetic is being overweight. Common signs and symptoms of prediabetes also include having an immediate family member with type 2 diabetes, being age 45 or older, being physically active less than 3 times per week, having gestational diabetes, or having polycystic ovarian syndrome. The good news is that you can easily be tested for prediabetes with a simple blood sugar test at your doctor's office. If you do have prediabetes, you can make lifestyle changes or take medication to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  

Using Semaglutide Can Help Pre-diabetic Patients

Research from the University of Alabama showed that using semaglutide can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 60%. If, like Oprah, you have struggled with weight loss for years, you could benefit from semaglutide, even if you are pre-diabetic. This GLP-1 analogue peptide helps control high blood sugar, reduces appetite and improves control of eating by reducing food cravings, common struggles for those needing to lose weight. 

Start Semaglutide Therapy with Joi

Joi is a women's wellness company with board-certified clinicians who can help you determine if semaglutide is right for your weight loss goals. Get 1:1 coaching, lifestyle and nutrition support, doctor prescribed medications, and so much more when you work with Joi. You can even get your prescriptions shipped right to your door. Visit the website to learn more or schedule a consultation today to get started.