Oprah Winfrey says her experience with GLP-1 medications has transformed more than just her weight — it has also significantly diminished her desire for alcohol.
In an interview with People, the media mogul, who turns 72 on Jan. 29, revealed that her days of “outdrinking everyone at the table” are long behind her. “I was a big fan of tequila. I literally had 17 shots one night. I haven’t had a drink in years. The fact that I no longer even have a desire for it is pretty amazing,” Winfrey said.
Medical research supports her observation, showing that GLP-1 medications can reduce cravings for alcohol, nicotine, and opioids, and are increasingly being explored as treatments for addiction.
Winfrey also credits the medication with enhancing her relationship with longtime partner Stedman Graham and boosting her energy levels. Exercise remains a central part of her routine, with two-hour workouts six days a week, including cardio, resistance training, and hiking. “I don’t recognize the person who feels sluggish when she doesn’t work out,” she said.
In addition to sharing her personal journey, Winfrey is set to release a book co-authored with obesity expert Dr. Ania M. Jastreboff, titled Enough: Your Health, Your Weight and What It’s Like to Be Free, on Jan. 13.
Winfrey explained that she began using GLP-1s after understanding that obesity is a medical condition rather than a matter of willpower. She now considers the medication a “lifetime thing” and occasionally extends the interval between doses to 10–12 days, depending on how her body responds.
While she advises newcomers to approach the treatment gradually to minimize side effects, Winfrey says her own experience has been largely positive. “I had some digestion issues, so I have to drink enough water and take magnesium,” she said. “But the payoff has been worth any inconveniences.”
