Oprah Reveals Painful Childhood Comment That Defined Her Weight Struggle—and Why She Is Finally Free
- - Oprah Reveals Painful Childhood Comment That Defined Her Weight Struggle—and Why She Is Finally Free
Mary Ellen MorinJanuary 13, 2026 at 11:11 PM
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Photo by Arturo Holmes on Getty Images
Oprah Winfrey has been a public face of celebrity weight loss for decades. From her early days on The Oprah Winfrey Show to her long-standing partnership with WW (formerly Weight Watchers), the media mogul has been candid about the triumphs and setbacks that she have shaped her relationship with her body over the years.
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, Winfrey joined hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones on the fourth hour of Today to discuss her new book, Enough: Your Health, Your Weight and What It’s Like to Be Free, co-written by Dr. Ania M. Jastreboff, and released today. During the conversation, Winfrey opened up about her recent health journey, including her personal experience using a GLP-1 weight loss medication, and how her weight has affected her.
At one point, Bush Hager noted that many people who live with obesity can identify one or two experiences that shape their journey and stick with them throughout the years. She then asked Winfrey if her journey had a defining moment.
Winfrey's honest answer was a resounding yes.
The star shared a comment that her father made to her when she was a child, which has been with her every step of the way. "You're always going to be big," he told her.
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Winfrey explained that she didn't fully grasp the impact of those words at the time, but it was many years later when she realized that her dad's words became a mantra she told herself at the start of every diet or weight loss attempt. This resonated with viewers and fans—how a single offhand remark in a seemingly non-significant moment can take root and become life-defining long after it's spoken.
One fan quoted the famous lyrics of songwriter Cat Stevens, "The first cut is the deepest 😢." Another agreed with the sentiment, "Words...positive and negative...matter regardless of truth 😊😢."
Winfrey's full interview, including how she now views her weight, is available on YouTube:
Experts in the field also agreed with Winfrey's message, "This is exactly why I help my clients with weight loss mindset as a dietitian. So many of my clients are also holding emotional and mental weight of the past. Our weight loss journey can be such a beautiful discovery journey of self. I love the work I do!" shared one commenter. "Love that Oprah is speaking out again about the disease of obesity and letting others know it is not their fault," echoed another.
During her visit, Winfrey also explained that her recent use of a GLP-1 medication has helped quiet what many refer to as "food noise." She no longer is controlled by a voice in her head that brings about shame and guilt tied to her weight and eating patterns. For the first time, she said, she feels a sense of freedom. And now, with her painful memory a thing of the past, Winfrey no longer believes she will fail.
Related: Oprah Winfrey Reveals Unexpected Effect of GLP-1 Medication on Her Health
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
