Oprah Says GLP-1s Made Her Sober. This Before & After Photo Speaks Volumes

While several celebs were busy bashing Ozempic and other GLP-1s, Oprah Winfrey shone a light on a surprising upside to them. Speaking to People in December 2025, the television icon shared that taking Ozempic had greatly aided her in her sobriety journey, saying, "I was a big fan of tequila. I literally had 17 shots one night," she continued. "I haven't had a drink in years. The fact that I no longer even have a desire for it is pretty amazing." 

Of course, Winfrey isn't the only person to have experienced this surprising benefit. A 2024 study published in Addiction found that people who were facing alcohol addiction and taking GLP-1 medication were 50% less likely to overconsume alcohol. After undergoing a weight loss transformation and experiencing the benefits of the sobriety that came along with it, Winfrey had this to say to People: "I feel more alive and more vibrant than I've ever been."

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The positive changes that the talk show host experienced as a result of her health journey are clear as day in side-by-side photos taken in 2022 and 2026. In the after photo, Winfrey's skin appears more taut and youthful. Winfrey also appears to have developed a gorgeous glow around her face as she beams with confidence. Granted, some of these changes could be chalked up to minor cosmetic tweaks or a good skincare regimen. However, there's also a chance that Winfrey is experiencing the science-backed wonders that sobriety can do for skin.

During a December 2023 chat with Vogue India, nutritionist Jairo Rodriguez dubbed alcohol "one of the worst, most aggressive compounds to destroy your skin." He also stated that he jokingly encouraged his clients to indulge in drinking if they wanted to age themselves. In an April 2025 YouTube video, board-certified dermatologist Stefani Kappel similarly confirmed that the dehydration brought on by alcohol could increase the signs of aging. "It impairs the skin barrier function," Dr. Kappel said. "It impairs the skin's ability to hold on to water so that you lose that plump vitality. You lose that elasticity in your skin." 

The transepidermal water depletion brought on by alcohol could also give way to fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, in an April 2025 chat with Hola! USA, board-certified dermatologist David Johnson shared that excessive drinking could also negatively impact collagen. Meanwhile, skincare specialist Dawn Jett confirmed that a person's appearance could change when they quit drinking alcohol. According to her, the skin could start to make up for the alcohol-induced dehydration only a week into a person's sobriety journey. The much-needed replenishment could ultimately make skin look more plump and youthful. 

Dr. Johnson also stated that one could expect to see a reduction in the skin redness, which is brought on by alcohol-induced inflammation, about two to four weeks into their journey. According to Dr. Johnson, quitting alcohol for a longer period could give the skin a better shot at restoring collagen production. Given all this, it's unsurprising that one of the major things you can do when your natural collagen levels start decreasing is to limit alcohol consumption.