Oprah Winfrey has encountered a 40-pound hurdle in her quest for world domination.

Oprah Winfrey has encountered a 40-pound hurdle in her quest for world domination.

That’s how much weight she’s gained since 2006, putting her at 200 pounds, she confesses in January’s “O” magazine.

The issue’s cover features Winfrey at her current weight posing with a thinner Winfrey previously photographed for the magazine.

Its headline: “How did I let this happen again?”

The question resonates locally with many people, especially at a time when the lure of seasonal sweets can jeopardize weight-loss plans.

“There are so many people out there who fluctuate with their weight,” said Allan Fine.

“It’s easier to keep it off than take it off ,” says Allan Fine.

That’s why Winfrey should focus on weight maintenance, not just weight loss, said Dr. Jan McBarron of Columbus-based Georgia Bariatrics.

From a health standpoint, McBarron said, “it is better to lose weight and regain it than to never lose it at all” because your body is healthier during the period when you’ve lost weight.

Still, she said Winfrey needs to reevaluate some parts of her approach to health.

Namely, the talk show guru shouldn’t use a thyroid problem as scapegoat for weight gain, McBarron said.

If that problem is being medicated, then weight struggles shouldn’t be an issue, she explained.

Holiday hazards

Winfrey’s headlines come during a season when many people seem resigned to weight gain.

“That is an erroneous conclusion. It really doesn’t make sense,” said Beth Bussey, a registered dietitian at Columbus Regional’s John B. Amos Cancer Center.

“I think a lot of people actually lose a little weight during the holidays,” Bussey said, pointing to the walking that’s required in tasks such as shopping and decorating.

It’s not as if you’re helplessly at the mercy of a calorie-packed season, either.

Whether you’re dining at home or attending a party, there’s always room for some level of control, Bussey said.

At home, indulge in a few holiday-specific treats, but don’t feel as if the calendar alone means you have to pack your kitchen with sweets that are available year-round.

“If I can have it any time of the year, I don’t need it in the holidays,” Bussey said.

At a party, don’t head to the food table immediately — instead, spend some time talking to the other guests.

When you do reach the buffet, fill half your plate with vegetables, and go for additional offerings like salsa and grilled chicken, Bussey said.

Don’t skip out on a party just because you think its menu will compromise your diet, she added.

“People are always more important than food,” Bussey said.

Just use discernment, and don’t be afraid to eat something before the event. Bussey recommends soup or an apple, while personal trainer Layfield suggests drinking a bottle of water before a party.

Winfrey’s future

As her viewers take on the season’s health challenges, Winfrey is planning to get her weight back on track, beginning with a “Best Life Week” series on her talk show in January.

Some experts say that in highlighting her weight gain, she has further aligned herself with the public.

“I think the reason why Oprah is so popular is because she feels so much like a real person,” said Allan Fine

Maybe that alignment has left Oprah with even more pressure to alter her outlook — heeding advice like McBarron’s recommendation that she get healthy and rely on maintenance, not just temporary fixes.

Winfrey’s fans have read the headlines. They’ve looked at the pictures.

Now, it’s time for Winfrey to act.

“Take a deep breath, forgive yourself and just jump back on the wagon. There’s no shortcut,” Fine said.

Contact The Executive Edge at 303-246-7396