Oprah Winfrey reveals what prompted 19kg weight loss

Oprah revealed she was pre-diabetic before she started Weight Watchers. Photo / Getty Images

Oprah Winfrey began her journey with WW - formerly known as Weight Watchers - four years ago and lost a whopping 19kg through the programme. The media mogul has since revealed she decided to do something about her weight after being told she was at risk of developing diabetes.

In a letter to WW members, which was shared to People magazine for Global Wellness Day, she wrote: "I haven't shared with many, but I will share with you, that I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes before WW."

Oprah went on to write that her blood pressure "is now stabilised and in a healthy range," and said her blood sugar levels are also "back to normal too".

The television host praised Weight Watchers for changing her life. Photo / Getty Images

The television host praised WW with having "changed [her] life", as alongside the weight loss she has achieved four years since becoming a shareholder in the company, she's also regained her health.

She added in her letter: "Beyond the weight, WW has helped me make healthier choices and understand the real numbers that matter most."

Meanwhile, Oprah previously admitted she "can't accept" herself when she's over 90kg, because the extra weight puts a strain on her heart and puts her health at risk.

She said in 2017: "For your heart to pump, pump, pump, pump, it needs the least amount of weight possible to do that.

"So all of the people who are saying, 'Oh, I need to accept myself as I am' - I can't accept myself if I'm over 200 pounds (90kg) , because it's too much work on my heart. It causes high blood pressure for me. It puts me at risk for diabetes, because I have diabetes in my family."