Whoopi Goldberg, an iconic figure in the entertainment world, has recently garnered attention for her inspiring weight loss journey. Her openness about using the drug Mounjaro, coupled with her advocacy for understanding obesity as a medical condition, has sparked widespread interest and discussion. This article delves into Goldberg's experiences, the methods she employed, and the broader implications of her story.
Goldberg's Revelation and Motivation
In March 2024, Whoopi Goldberg revealed on "The View" that she had been using Mounjaro to aid in her weight loss efforts. This announcement came during a discussion about Oprah Winfrey's special, "Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution," which addressed the impact of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro. Goldberg shared that her weight had fluctuated over the years, but it wasn't until she neared 300 pounds while filming "Till" in 2022 that she felt compelled to take action. Goldberg said, "I will tell you, I weighed almost 300 pounds when I made Till,".
The "Fat Suit" Incident
During a May 2024 appearance on "The Kelly Clarkson Show," Goldberg recounted a pivotal moment that solidified her decision to lose weight. After the making of “Till” a woman thought she was wearing a fat suit. Goldberg said, "'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 incident served as a rude awakening, prompting her to acknowledge the extent of her weight gain and take proactive steps to address it.
Understanding Mounjaro
Mounjaro is a medication primarily designed to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Its active ingredient, tirzepatide, mimics hormones in the gut that control appetite and insulin levels. However, it has also been found to be effective for weight loss, leading to its off-label use for this purpose. The active ingredient in Mounjaro, tirzepatide, has since been FDA-approved for weight loss under the name Zepbound.
Mounjaro vs. Ozempic
Mounjaro is often compared to Ozempic, another diabetes drug that has gained popularity for its weight loss effects. While both medications work to increase insulin production, they have key differences. The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, whereas Mounjaro contains tirzepatide. Research suggests that tirzepatide may lead to greater weight loss by targeting an additional receptor in the body.
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Goldberg's Experience with Mounjaro
Goldberg has been candid about her positive experience with Mounjaro. During her appearance on "The Kelly Clarkson Show," she stated, "I’m doing that wonderful little shot that works for folks who need some help and it’s been really good for me. It’s all the weight I’ve lost.” She also mentioned that she had "lost almost two people" in terms of weight.
Addressing the Stigma
Goldberg has also addressed the stigma surrounding weight loss drugs, emphasizing the importance of individual choice and urging people to refrain from judgment. She stated on “The View,” that the “key is to stop judging everybody.” Goldberg’s co-host, Sunny Hostin, also shared that she used Mounjaro to lose weight after gaining 40 pounds during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previous Weight Loss Efforts
This is not the first time Goldberg has publicly discussed her weight loss journey. In 2014, she revealed that she had reached 217 pounds and was inspired by her former "View" co-host, Sherri Shepherd, to make a change. At the time, she credited Rocco DiSpirito's "Pound a Day Diet" for her success in losing approximately 35 pounds.
Slim-Fast Endorsement
In 2003, Goldberg became the face of Slim-Fast, appearing in various ads for the weight loss brand. However, her contract was terminated in 2004 following controversial comments she made about then-president George Bush.
Combating Fake Ads
In early 2025, Goldberg alerted her fans to fake weight loss ads circulating online that used her likeness without permission. During a Feb. 2025 episode of The View, Goldberg said, “There is a phony weight loss ad floating around online, on Instagram, that has me [with an] AI mouth saying all kinds of stuff.” She cautioned viewers not to engage with these ads, emphasizing that she had no affiliation with the products being promoted.
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The Impact of Celebrity Endorsements
Celebrity endorsements can significantly influence public perception of health and weight loss treatments. When figures like Whoopi Goldberg openly share their experiences, it can inspire others to explore similar options. Shows like The Kelly Clarkson Show also often feature celebrities sharing health stories. However, it is crucial to approach such endorsements with caution and consult with healthcare professionals before making any decisions.
Promoting Kindness and Understanding
Ultimately, Goldberg has urged people to be kinder and more understanding when discussing weight and weight loss. During a March appearance on "The View," she stated, "Maybe the key is to stop judging everybody. Maybe that’s the key."
Earlier Health Challenges
Throughout her life, she has faced several health challenges. She was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, which has impacted her lifestyle and made her more health-conscious. In addition to her diabetes, she has spoken openly about her struggles with weight, revealing that she once weighed 300 pounds.
Health Scare During "Till"
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!’”
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