Looking beyond this being just a story on Oprah’s weight struggles, we women should see this revelation as an important health story. Could you imagine that a woman with Oprah’s access could not maintain a healthy weight? I couldn’t, so it makes her struggle very real to me. Most Americans have a high Body Mass Index (BMI) which means that we are in danger of major health issues if we don’t lose weight. I carried extra weight from pregnancies for years. I know how difficult it is to diet and exercise when you have a full family life and demanding job. But I’m glad to be nearly 30 pounds lighter today- I feel reborn. This is the first winter in years that I could wear my suit jacket and winter coat at the same time.

I think if it’s used as a publicity stunt, then that’s a little odd - but the same, her weight issues mirror what most Americans are going through - with all that power and money, she can’t be thin is a way of connecting with her audience, like we all go to the bathroom the same way kind of thing - but honestly, I feel bad for her and it depresses me a little because I feel like “if she can’t do it with a personal trainer/cook and the like, how can the rest of us middle class working folks do it?”

Of all the her accomplishments, i would think Oprah would be above such thing as physical appearances. If she is healthy, then accept the way she looks. We in the western world get so hung up on the appearnces that its not even funny. How about self esteem and confidence. Oprah has no shortage of both. Lets talk about something more pressing like our economy and world hunger.

Oprah is fighting a losing battle so far. There are probably many reasons she cannot stay at a normal weight. Family history usually shows that it is a familial problem. I think O should consider lap band surgery. It is not a cure but she has the means and the support and the desire to stay at a normal weight. I don’t advocate surgery for anyone unless its really necessary. I think Oprah would be a good candidate because the surgery gives you a good start. And she has the support financially and personally and can afford it. In her position it is impossible to avoid great food and drink. And pschologically it is very hard to say “NO”. Good luck to Oprah either way. The reason obese people usually end up with other health problems is probably due to the up and down dieting , I know its not inevitable and a lot of obese people live to long ages. The chances are though that the constant gain and loss of weight can bring on physical problems that the obese person would not have if they can lose the weight and keep it off. I am not connected to any weight loss surgery advocates or providers. I just see a long term problem and that this may be a long term solution. It is not a cure all and you always must exercise normally and eat moderately. I have not had any surgery but have gotten to a reasonable weight in my old age. I say this because I always weighed 10 to 20 pounds overweight and though to myself as really fat. Becoming old has solved my problem. I would like to see Oprah successful now when she has a long life ahead of her.

Oprah, like any of us experiencing the human condition, is entitled to embrace her personal feelings. BUT she does not have the right to extend her personal angst toward others. Her lashing of James Fry remains a true low for her, but I have forgiven her…………the absolution of that guilt alone should encourage the pounds to melt away. Anybody? Somebody? No one? Peace and grace

I guess money can’t buy everything. While I don’t watch Oprah, from time to time I do catch a look at her in the news and this weight battle is not a shock to me. She has it, stay healthy and move on.

a revelation? i have been screaming at the television screen to get her to stop referencing weight and size in the first place. same thing goes for her magazine. GO FOR HEALTHY!

She’ll bounce back.

Dear wOw, I was just thinking about the use of ‘brave’ in your headline in reference to Oprah’s ‘revelation’. I wonder if responses would have been any different if you substituted ‘absurd’ or ‘silly’ or ‘unnecessary’ or no adjective? Just a thought on a lazy Friday afternoon. Peace and grace

Oprah’s weight gains are somewhat of a blessing. It is her weight which keeps her feet firmly on the ground.

Liz, About Oprah, you wrote, “She instigates a sympathetic rapport with her audience … ” I interpret Oprah’s methods and ‘style’ somewhat different. Yet, the term ‘instigates’ seems appropriate when describing Oprah, in the sense that she seems to behave as a ‘preditor’ who preys on the ‘unfortunate’ sympathies of her guests and her audience. It’s a beguiling, yet intrusive technique, which for me is off putting. I think this is the reason I could never relate to Oprah, or her format for stirring the fragile emotions of those who experience heart wrenching challenges - particularly, because she is so good at what she does. Ironically, I suppose this is the reason Oprah is considered ‘brilliant’ by you and other. Yet, no matter her astounding success, her ability to evoke the impassioned depth of raw emotions from her guest and audience, seems to diminish any sense of ‘honor’ or esteem on the part of the purveyor.