Oprah Winfrey has dropped more than 50 pounds, reaching her fitness goals through a mix of medication and lifestyle improvements. Getty Images
Oprah Winfrey turned heads at the 2025 American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala on Wednesday evening. The 71-year-old media icon stepped onto the red carpet in New York City wearing a breathtaking white wrap gown cinched with a black belt, proudly showing off her slim figure after losing over 50 pounds.
Her elegant dress, paired with black pointed heels, sparkling earrings, and a touch of plum lipstick, made her one of the standout stars of the evening. Oprah completed the look with her signature curls styled softly over her shoulders.
The event celebrated Misty Copeland, the first Black woman to become the American Ballet Theatre’s principal dancer in 2015. Misty gave a one-night-only farewell performance to mark the end of her time with the dance company.
A Celebration of Misty Copeland
On the red carpet, Oprah warmly embraced Misty as the two posed for photographers. Their exchange reflected a deep respect and shared admiration between two trailblazing women who have inspired millions worldwide.
Oprah Winfrey turned heads at the American Ballet Theatre Gala, stunning guests with her elegant look and confident presence. Getty Images
“I could never have imagined the life ballet would give me,” Misty said in a heartfelt message. “To dance on the world’s greatest stages with artists I admire so deeply has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. This moment isn’t a farewell — it’s a celebration of everything we’ve built together.”
Oprah’s Journey of Strength and Self-Love
Though Oprah shone with confidence at the gala, her journey to this moment has been long and emotional. For decades, her body and weight were frequent targets of public scrutiny.
“It was public sport to make fun of me for 25 years,” Oprah told People. “I have been blamed and shamed, and I blamed and shamed myself. I swallowed the shame. I accepted that it was my fault.”
After undergoing knee replacement surgery in 2021, Oprah’s outlook shifted. Determined to regain her health, she began hiking daily — starting with short walks and gradually working up to 10-mile treks on weekends. She credits that physical progress with helping her feel stronger and more alive than she had in years.
Oprah Winfrey has talked openly about her path to better health and how she lost weight. Getty Images
How Oprah Found Balance
To complement her new lifestyle, Oprah also began taking GLP-1 medication, a treatment used to help control appetite. These medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, have become increasingly common among celebrities.
“The fact that there’s a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier feels like relief — like a gift,” Oprah said. “I’m done with the shaming, from others and from myself.”
At the gala, her radiant smile and graceful presence told the story of a woman who has not only transformed her body but reclaimed her confidence.
