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Oprah Winfrey could ‘outdrink anyone’ before weight loss drugs helped her quit alcohol

Oprah Winfrey discusses quitting drinking after using weight loss drugs that created an aversion to alcohol. The 71-year-old now feels healthier and happier

Published on: Dec 31, 2025 10:13 PM IST
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Oprah Winfrey is opening up about how she has quit drinking. In an interview with People on Tuesday, the television host revealed that she could “outdrink anyone” before weight loss drugs helped her cut out alcohol. The 71-year-old, who has been using GLP-1s for two and a half years, told the outlet that she once drank “17 shots.” However, she now feels much healthier and happier.

File photo of Oprah Winfrey (Getty Images via AFP)
File photo of Oprah Winfrey (Getty Images via AFP)

Oprah Winfrey opens up on quitting alcohol, reflects on weight loss journey

I could outdrink everyone at the table,” Winfrey said, explaining that she is now satisfied after eating. “I’m not constantly punishing myself,” she went on, adding, “I hardly recognize the woman I’ve become. But she’s a happy woman.” The media personality revealed that she used to be “a big fan of tequila.”

Since starting weight loss drugs, Winfrey faced an unexpected effect - aversion to alcohol. “I haven’t had a drink in years. The fact that I no longer even have a desire for it is pretty amazing,” she shared, adding, “I feel like I have more to give to everybody. I’m just more open to all.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Winfrey opened up on her weight loss journey, going from someone who saw exercise as punishment to happily “side-planking and deadlifting.

“I’ve always been confident in whatever I was doing, but I was at the same time disappointed in my overweight body,” she said. “Was I embarrassed by it? Yes. Was I disappointed in myself for continuing to fail? Yes, every single time. I felt it was my fault,” adding that it was “doubly shameful because I have access to so much: chefs and trainers and the healthiest of foods.

  • Arya Vaishnavi
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Arya Vaishnavi

    Arya Vaishnavi is a journalist at Hindustan Times. She covers a wide array of topics, from world news to the entertainment industry and everything in between. In addition to news articles, she creates captivating photo galleries. Having covered both US and Indian elections, she is an experienced political news writer. Outside of work, you are most likely to find her meditating, lifting weights, or reading books.Read More