Whoopi Goldberg, the celebrated actress, comedian, and television host, has recently been in the spotlight for her candid discussions about her weight loss journey. Her openness about using Mounjaro, a medication originally designed for type 2 diabetes, has sparked widespread interest and conversation. This article explores Goldberg's journey, her motivations, the impact of her story, and the broader context of weight loss, celebrity influence, and societal attitudes toward health and body image.
A Moment of Realization
Whoopi Goldberg is recalling the moment she realized she wanted to lose weight. The turning point came during the making of the 2022 film "Till," where she played Mamie Till-Bradley. Goldberg recounted an incident on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" in May 2024, where a woman assumed she was wearing a fat suit for the role. "'The movie was good, but that fat suit was terrible,'" Goldberg recalls the woman saying. "And I was indignant, this is not a fat suit this is me," she responded. This comment served as a rude awakening. “I was 300 pounds,” Goldberg revealed, so she decided to make a change.
Before this incident, Goldberg admitted she hadn't given much thought to her weight. “You’re living your life and you’re doing what you need to do and that’s the last thing you’re thinking about,” she explained. Hearing it upset her and prompted her to start asking people if they’d noticed her weight gain. “You say to people, ‘Did I always look like that?,'” Goldberg recalled. “When you realize it, you go ‘Damn,’ and everyone says, ‘Well, I thought you knew.’”
Health Scare and Weight Gain
Her weight gain was also linked to a near-fatal health scare. She was recovering from a near-fatal health incident. "Till" was shot not long after Whoopi recovered from a scary health incident. After catching what she thought was the common cold, the host landed in the hospital and was diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. The EGOT winner also had sepsis, a life-threatening complication in which the body responds improperly to an infection, per The Mayo Clinic. Instead of fighting the disease, the body turns on itself, causing organs to work poorly. To treat the diagnoses, Whoopi was prescribed steroids and a number of medications. But the drugs had some adverse side effects. “I had taken all those steroids, I was on all this stuff,” she shared, noting that she didn’t realize that she had gained weight until she looked at herself in the mirror one day. “I just always felt like me. And then I saw me and I thought, ‘Oh! That’s a lot of me!’”
Embracing Mounjaro
Goldberg has spoken openly about using a weight-loss drug to improve her health. Goldberg revealed she used Mounjaro to help her lose weight. “I’m doing that wonderful shot that works for folks who need some help and it’s been really good for me,” Goldberg told Clarkson after she commented on how youthful Goldberg looks. “It’s all the weight I’ve lost.”
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“I’ve lost almost two people,” the EGOT winner added in reference to the number of pounds she’s shed.
Whoopi first revealed that she had used Mounjaro in March, during a discussion on The View about Oprah’s new special, Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution. “One of the things that’s helped me dropped the weight was the Mounjaro. That’s what I used,” she said. (Whoopi’s The View cohost, Sunny Hostin, also shared that she used Mounjaro to lose weight after gaining 40 pounds during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.)
Mounjaro is a medication designed to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the medication has also been used off-label for weight loss. The active ingredient in Mounjaro, tirzepatide, has since been FDA-approved for weight loss under the name Zepbound. Mounjaro is similar to fellow diabetes drug Ozempic, which is also used off-label for weight loss. But, there are a few key differences: The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, while the active ingredient in Mounjaro is tirzepatide. (Both work to increase insulin production.) Research has found that tirzepatide helps patients lose more weight by targeting an additional receptor.
Addressing the Stigma
Goldberg has also addressed the stigma surrounding weight loss drugs and said the “key is to stop judging everybody.” She emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and self-awareness. "You have to take responsibility for yourself and see what's going on with your body," she continued. "You hit a certain age and everything falls to the ground. "I love to cook, and I found out I love to eat, and I was horrified by the fact I would have to come out on air, so I also took Mounjaro," she shared. "I got all these nasty [messages], 'You're too skinny. Why did you do this?
She lost weight in 2014, too. She also spoke about the stigma surrounding weight loss drugs and said the “key is to stop judging everybody.” “My weight has come and gone, and up and down, but it’s never been an issue for me because I don’t listen to what other people say about me so it has never been a problem," she continued. "But I think it’s very hard for people to just know what a normal weight would be. … Everyone has something to say but no one said, ‘How you doing?’ Because it involves so many other things.”
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“I always felt like me, and then I saw me and thought, ‘Oh, that’s a lot of me,’” Goldberg added.
Impact and Inspiration
Whoopi Goldberg’s weight loss story has had a significant impact on how people view health and weight loss treatments. Her story is especially powerful because it comes from a very public and trusted figure. People may feel reassured and more likely to consider similar treatment options. Celebrities often share their personal health journeys, influencing public perception and awareness. When stars like Whoopi Goldberg discuss their health, it grabs a lot of attention. People look to these figures as role models and feel inspired by their struggles and achievements. Shows like The Kelly Clarkson Show also often feature celebrities sharing health stories. These platforms bring health topics into everyday conversations and help people learn about different health options.
Whoopi Goldberg’s decision to start her weight loss journey and the goals she set played a crucial role in her success.
Whoopi Goldberg decided to lose weight when she reached 300 pounds. This realization marked a turning point for her. On “The View,” she shared that managing her weight was important not only for her physical health but also for her overall well-being. By choosing to use Mounjaro, a drug designed to help with blood sugar management, Goldberg hoped to not only lose weight but also tackle related health issues.
Defending Kelly Clarkson
Fans critiqued Kelly online for not being 100 percent transparent about her health journey. Just days later, Whoopi came to her defense on an episode of The View. “They kick her behind when she’s bigger, they kick her behind when she’s lost the weight, and now they’re kicking her behind because she said it out loud.” "We have to let people do what they need to do to get where they need to get to," she continued. "Stop being mad that they’re not doing it your way. It’s not like we really know what you’re doing."
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Previous Weight Loss Journey
This isn’t the first time Whoopi has lost weight.
In 2014, Whoopi embarked on a previous weight loss journey after reaching 217 pounds. Former View co-host Sherri Shepherd served as a little bit of inspiration. She lost “about 35 pounds,” she said on The View, per ABC News. “I happened to notice that I had begun to look like a linebacker. I happened to look over and there was Sherri, skinny, and I said, ‘What did you do?’ She said, ‘I’ve been doing Rocco DiSpirito’s one pound a day diet.’ I said, ‘Please, I want to do it too.’”
Navigating Challenges and Achieving Progress
When Whoopi Goldberg first started using Mounjaro, she faced numerous challenges. Adjusting to all this stuff, including the medication, wasn’t easy, as her body had to get used to it. She had to modify her daily routine and diet. Initially, keeping track of her food and medication felt overwhelming, but she stayed committed. These early days were crucial for her to adapt. Despite the difficulties, Whoopi remained determined.
As time went on, Whoopi noticed significant progress. She reported shedding pounds steadily, a transformation that didn’t go unnoticed. She addressed her weight on the show, surprising many with her results. The numbers on the scale motivated her to continue with Mounjaro. Reaching her goals boosted her confidence and energy. Whoopi’s success story with Mounjaro has inspired many, especially those struggling with their weight.
Physical and Mental Transformations
Whoopi Goldberg’s weight loss journey with Mounjaro has led to significant changes in her life.
Whoopi Goldberg has lost a substantial amount of weight, slimming down from 300 pounds. Before her weight loss, she faced various physical challenges. With fewer pounds to carry, everyday activities have become easier for her. Another example of weight loss motivation is Kelly Clarkson’s disciplined approach, which has led to amazing results.
The weight loss has also had a big impact on Whoopi’s mental and emotional health. With fewer pounds, she feels happier and more confident. This has contributed to a positive outlook on life. The mental clarity and emotional stability she experiences are benefits often linked to weight loss and improved physical health.
Mounjaro: A Closer Look
- Whoopi Goldberg used Mounjaro, a medication designed to help manage blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes.
- Using Mounjaro for weight loss can lead to significant weight reduction. Users have also noticed improved blood sugar levels and a decrease in appetite.
- Oprah Winfrey has publicly shared her experience with weight loss injectables, similar to Whoopi Goldberg.
- Many individuals have reported positive results with Mounjaro, losing all the weight they aimed to shed. Besides Whoopi, users often mention feeling lighter and having more energy.
Combating Scams
Whoopi Goldberg became the target of scammers in 2025, as the "Made In America" actor's likeness was used in fake ads. The scam campaigns used Goldberg's likeness to promote phony weight loss techniques the "Ghost" star hadn't tried. “I’m giving everybody a heads-up. She encouraged viewers not to pay attention to the unauthorized ads, noting, "They have me selling bad weight loss drugs. Do not indulge in this, do not look at this, just get rid of it, because I don't know what it is. I had nothing to do with it and I don't want y'all thinking that this is coming from me." She added, "I told you what I did, I was up front."
Other Celebrities and Weight Loss
Goldberg is one of many celebrities who've said they use Ozempic or another weight loss drug. Clarkson and Winfrey are among them, along with Charles Barkley, Billie Jean King and Jon Gosselin.
The talk show hosts aren't the only stars to candidly discuss how they shed a few pounds. "I did, this summer, lose a good chunk of weight by micro-dosing a GLP-1," the 57-year-old revealed in September 2025 during an episode of his SiriusXM Andy Cohen Live radio show. "I was really unhappy with my weight. My doctor and I talked about this last year, had recommended a GLP-1 a few times to not only address what I was feeling about my weight, but treat plaque in my arteries and high blood pressure.
A Word of Caution
Goldberg’s weight loss has been accompanied by other lifestyle tweaks and regular exercise, demonstrating that what works for one person may not necessarily work for others. Goldberg has pointed out that the media and public should focus less on weight and more on health and well-being. Goldberg’s approach aligns with advice from medical experts who caution against the potentially deadly conditions caused by weight issues, such as organ failure.
Please note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health or treatment.