Oprah Shares Weight Loss Struggle: 'I Had Tried Everything'

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Television talk host, multi-hyphenate and arguably one of the most influential people in the United States, Oprah Winfrey has opened up about her weight struggles after she gained more than 10 pounds last summer. The 62-year-old made a call exclusively to weight loss company Weight Watchers, in which she detailed her journey to losing 26 pounds, ABC News reports. The host admitted to trying several diets before--and how could she not, with a number of chefs, trainers, nutritionists, and what not at her service--but she admits that she has finally found a method that works.

"What's different for me this time, is I've made the decision is it's not a diet. The difference for me is I have made the shift to this is the way I am going to live for the rest of my life," Winfrey said. She also admitted that when Weight Watchers first contacted her, she was "at [her] wits end" because she no longer knew what to do. However, she is one to never give up.

"I refuse to give up…until I get it right. I'm just here to not only to share my story but to be an inspiration to other people who want to share theirs," the host, who celebrates her birthday today, admitted, as per People. "The ability to move freely inside your body is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. What I know more than ever is you are nothing without your health."

Winfrey also took to Twitter to share her story in a short video in which she said she no longer criticizes herself for her wrong food choices, and instead applauding herself for every time she decides not to give up.

The aforementioned tweet gained Weight Watchers a significant amount of earnings, The Economic Times reports. Shortly after the new Weight Watchers shareholder tweeted about losing weight while not having to sacrifice bread, the company saw an 18% rise in shares, for a total of $12 million in earnings. As a shareholder, Winfrey now owns $6 million as part of the company. The Guardian reports that Winfrey bought a large portion of Weight Watchers' stock back in October for $6.79 apiece. If one does the math, she earned about $2.4 million for every pound she has lost.

Winfrey admitted that overeating, unlike other bad habits, is a visible flaw that people can immediately see because of its physical effects. Unlike gambling or shopping, overeating packs on the pounds and will gradually show, and for someone of her stature, she cannot afford to be constantly put under the microscope for her weight.

Winfrey also credits the community for helping her lose weight and encourages her followers to do the same, using the hashtag "#ComeJoinMe" in her tweet.

Eat bread. Lose weight. Whaaatttt? #ComeJoinMe https://t.co/jUgpk9ToXY https://t.co/xtnB53EwSf

— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) January 26, 2016