In an engaging and revealing conversation held at the 92nd Street Y, media luminary Oprah Winfrey, accompanied by her lifelong friend Gayle King and Dr. Ania M. Jastreboff, candidly discussed her personal health journey, insights from her new book, and some surprising past experiences. The discussion, primarily focused on health, body image, and the scientific understanding of obesity, took an unexpected turn with humorous anecdotes, highlighting the enduring friendship between Winfrey and King. Winfrey bravely shared her struggles with weight, her decision to use GLP-1 medications, and the profound emotional impact of her 'Vogue' magazine cover that marked a significant milestone in her health transformation.
Oprah Winfrey's Candid Disclosures on Health, Friendship, and a Surprising Past Victory
On a crisp January 16, 2026, at the renowned 92nd Street Y in New York, an extraordinary event unfolded. Media icon Oprah Winfrey, joined by her cherished confidante Gayle King and Dr. Ania M. Jastreboff, engaged in an illuminating dialogue about health, her new book titled Enough: Your Health, Your Weight and What It's Like To Be Free, and a few lighthearted personal tales. The gathering, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Winfrey and King's friendship which began in Baltimore in 1976, saw King moderate the hour-long session, emphasizing the deep bond shared between the two women who are both approaching their 72nd birthdays.
Amidst a discussion primarily focused on the earnest topics of health, the concept of 'food noise,' GLP-1 treatments, and the critical importance of recognizing obesity as a disease, Winfrey brought a moment of unexpected levity. She recounted a memorable incident from her past in Santa Barbara, not far from her Montecito residence, where she famously triumphed in a drinking contest by consuming a staggering 17 shots. This revelation prompted gasps, cheers, and laughter from the audience. King, recalling a recent Golden Globes party where she opted for a non-alcoholic Shirley Temple, noted Winfrey's current abstinence from alcohol, a contrast to her past as a self-proclaimed 'tequila girl.'
Winfrey elaborated on the Santa Barbara event, linking it to the local Fiesta festival, an occasion where revelers freely enjoy drinks. While she humorously refrained from naming her competitors in that legendary contest, King jokingly admonished the audience not to applaud such a feat, branding it 'terrible.'
King also took a moment to commend Winfrey's openness regarding her weight struggles, acknowledging the intensely personal nature of the topic. Winfrey herself has been a subject of numerous headlines since she disclosed her use of GLP-1s to manage her lifelong battle with obesity. She passionately articulated that 'no amount of fame, wealth, success, attention can substitute for your biology,' highlighting the availability of medications as a tool for those struggling with weight, while respecting individual choices regarding their use.
The conversation also touched upon Winfrey's acting career. She recalled the promotional period for Jonathan Demme's 1998 film, Beloved, humorously noting the audience's limited turnout for the movie. A particularly poignant memory involved a conversation with Anna Wintour, who, upon noticing Winfrey's weight, suggested she lose 20 pounds for a Vogue cover. Winfrey emotionally recounted her joy upon seeing the first Polaroid of that iconic cover, reflecting on the significance of a woman who had long struggled with weight issues gracing the cover of such a prestigious magazine. King fondly remembered the cover line: 'A Major Movie, An Amazing Makeover.'
This candid exchange not only provided valuable insights into Winfrey's health philosophy but also celebrated the enduring power of friendship, vulnerability, and the journey towards self-acceptance.
Oprah Winfrey's recent dialogue offers a powerful reminder that even global icons face deeply personal battles with health and self-image. Her openness about both a spirited past and her current medical journey demystifies complex health issues like obesity and the use of GLP-1s, fostering a more empathetic understanding. The story of her 'Vogue' cover serves as an inspiring testament to personal transformation and the breaking of societal stigmas, emphasizing that true freedom comes from accepting and caring for oneself, regardless of public perception. It encourages us all to approach our own health and personal narratives with similar honesty and courage.