Oprah Winfrey

The latest issue of Oprah Winfrey's O magazine is all about her recent weight gain. Oprah laments her 40 pound weight gain over the last few years - that sees her current weight at over 200 pounds. She blames an out of control schedule with food as comfort.

Oprah has devoted a large portion of her air time to the subject of health and weight loss. She's tried various techniques, endorsed diets, books, and programs that went on to sell in the millions.

What's a viewing audience to do? Feel bemused, disappointed, annoyed, sympathetic? Or reach for another packet of Oreo's and change the channel?

Oprah Winfrey frequently discusses dieting issues - often going as far as teaming up with particular weight loss regimes (such as YOU: on a diet, or the Best Life Diet).

Recently Oprah embarked on a 21 day vegan 'cleansing' regime and blogged about it. It makes interesting reading.

Fitness trainer Bob Greene has a new book out entitled The Best Life Diet. Greene has already authored a number of books (Get With the Program), and has worked with Oprah Winfrey (who writes the foreword in his new book).

You: On A Diet has spent a number of weeks at the number one seller (of all books) on Amazon. This is mostly due to Oprah Winfrey's glowing endorsement of the book.

Some call it "The Top Diet and Health Book on the Market" but others are not so easily persuaded: "It's the SAME info you've heard before." says one reviewer.

Oprah Winfrey is arguably one of the most influential people around. If she endorses a book - it becomes a number one bestseller overnight.

Recently Kirstie Alley chose to appear on the Oprah show to promote her own weight loss story and "new" body.

Both of these women are role models - but how helpful are they when it comes to either weight loss or self-acceptance?

It will be the largest amount ever paid for a non-fiction book - and - it will be a book about weight issues. Oprah Winfrey has signed a deal with publisher Simon & Schuster that will even top Bill Clinton's massive $12 million dollar advance.

In late 2004, an episode featuring Dr Nigel Perricone aired on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Mr Perricone has written a number of books including the Perricone Prescription, that relate to diet and health (the main premise of his diet is improving skin condition).

Dr Perricone said some interesting things about green tea, which has inspired some aggressive marketing.

Here is the original transcript from the Oprah show: Oprah: Now I've read in your book that you said if I just replaced coffee with green tea instead, that I could lose 10 pounds in six weeks.

Dr. Perricone: Absolutely.

Oprah: Now really. How could that -- what is the big deal about this?

Dr Perricone: Coffee has organic acids that raise your blood sugar, raise insulin. Insulin puts a lock on body fat. When you switch over to green tea, you get your caffeine, you're all set, but you will drop your insulin levels and body fat will fall very rapidly. So 10 pounds in six weeks, I will guarantee it.

Oprah: I'm gonna do that. OK. That is so good! Whoo! That is great.

-- The Oprah Winfrey Show: "Look 10 Years Younger in 10 Days" - Nov 10, 2004

As a Valentine's Day special, Oprah Winfrey devoted her entire show to weight loss - answering all the questions she is constantly asked.

There aren't actually many secrets. Oprah worked closely with personal trainer Bob Greene - author of the book "Get With The Program". It is a good book - going through the gradual changes of getting your diet right, and incorporating a strong fitness aspect. Bob Greene himself says:This is not a diet book. This is not a fitness book. This is a book about moving - in the right direction. It's a book about getting real about getting back into shape, physically and emotionally, realistically and gradually.

Extra: Oprah Winfrey eats no white bread, white rice, flour, sugar, pasta, and potatoes. Whole wheat pasta and breads are okay, but in moderation. No alcohol, and two fruit per day. Her big secret is weight resistance training.