For her entire adult life, Oprah Winfrey has struggled with her weight. She never thought in her lifetime, medicines would provide hope, health, and healing for people like her. But as her conversations with Dr. Ania Jastreboff from the Yale School of Medicine reveal, we’ve learned that having obesity is not a choice. It’s not a question of willpower. Obesity is a disease. It’s a question of biology, created by our bodies' need to survive and the environment we created and now live in. And it’s treatable. The new medications can lower our body fat set point (our brain’s “Enough Point”), so that we lose weight without battling biology with willpower. Dr. Jastreboff describes strategies to optimize health and manage side effects all with the reassuring perspective of decades of experience treating patients with obesity and leading studies with these medications. Many of her patients say the “food noise” that plagued them for years has evaporated. They describe a new freedom from intrusive, persistent, and disruptive thoughts about food. With treatment they begin a journey of healing with self-compassion, devoid of the shame and blame they’ve endured from society for decades. Oprah says she’s learned so much from Dr. Jastreboff about how, when it comes to weight, our bodies work with us—and also against us. How each of our struggles are different and each of our choices in living with obesity may also be different. Dr. Jastreboff’s groundbreaking research offers a new way forward, not only for obesity treatment, but also for overall health, with significant implications for the prevention and reversal of hundreds of related diseases. As she demonstrates in this book, when science meets empathy, real healing becomes possible. Yes, there is a path to healing and leading the life you have always wanted, when your brain is reassured that you have “enough.”
Oprah Gail Winfrey, also known mononymously as Oprah, is an American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and media proprietor. She is best known for her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, broadcast from Chicago, which ran in national syndication for 25 years, from 1986 to 2011. Dubbed the "Queen of All Media", she was the richest African-American of the 20th century and was once the world's only black billionaire. By 2007, she was often ranked as the most influential woman in the world. Winfrey was born into poverty in rural Mississippi to a single teenage mother and later raised in inner-city Milwaukee. She has stated that she was molested during her childhood and early teenage years and became pregnant at 14; her son was born prematurely and died in infancy. Winfrey was then sent to live with the man she calls her father, Vernon Winfrey, a barber in Nashville, Tennessee, and landed a job in radio while still in high school. By 19, she was a co-anchor for the local evening news. Winfrey's often emotional, extemporaneous delivery eventually led to her transfer to the daytime talk show arena, and after boosting a third-rated local Chicago talk show to first place, she launched her own production company. Credited with creating a more intimate, confessional form of media communication, Winfrey popularized and revolutionized the tabloid talk show genre pioneered by Phil Donahue. By the mid-1990s, Winfrey had reinvented her show with a focus on literature, self-improvement, mindfulness, and spirituality. Though she has been criticized for unleashing a confession culture, promoting controversial self-help ideas, and having an emotion-centered approach, she has also been praised for overcoming adversity to become a benefactor to others. Winfrey also emerged as a political force in the 2008 presidential race, with her endorsement of Barack Obama estimated to have been worth about one million votes during the 2008 Democratic primaries. In the same year, she formed her own network, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). In 2013, Winfrey was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. In 1994, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. Then in October, she finished the Marine Corps Marathon in less than four and a half hours. She has received honorary doctorate degrees from multiple universities. Winfrey has won many awards throughout her career, including 19 Daytime Emmy Awards (including the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Chairman's Award), two Primetime Emmy Awards (including the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award), a Tony Award, a Peabody Award, and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award awarded by the Academy Awards, in addition to two competitive Academy Award nominations. Winfrey was elected as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2021.
To be clear, this is not a book about Oprah. She is only a small part of this book. It is about obesity as a disease and treating this disease with modern medicine, namely GLP-1s in all their forms. A well-written book--technical at times--but it's easy to gloss over those sections. The medical world is finally getting it!
Sadly, I’m really disappointed in this book. I’ve had it on pre-order for months and, based on the interviews and podcasts I’ve seen with Dr. Ania and Oprah on this topic I had such high hopes for it. But it’s missing a huge piece of the puzzle in my opinion…the mental health component of obesity. The book is very clinically/medically focused which I get since it was written by a doctor, but I would have liked to have heard more from Oprah in it. More like the book she co-wrote with Dr Perry. Better yet, it it could have been co-authored by a psychologist that would have added a critical dimension on the topic. She does mention briefly that 40% of people with obesity have depression and even more have anxiety. What are the links between childhood trauma and severe obesity? They’re significant…I’ve seen stats on them. GLP1s will help but unless the mental and emotional component is also addressed it’s only one puzzle piece to a very complex puzzle. More needs to be explored and discussed openly on that aspect of this topic.
Listened as an audiobook and could not put down. I’ve read almost every book I can get my hands on re GLP-1 receptor agonists (probably 6 or 7 at this point), and still learned something new in this book and teared up at a few of the patient stories.
We as a society have wasted so much time judging people for a complex medical condition that is (mostly) out of their control. I took some notes and may come back to edit this review, but I am definitely going to recommend this if/when people ask.
This book meant a lot to me and helped me to understand a lot about my own experiences. I loved that it was written primarily from a scientific standpoint. With so much shame and guilt and blame wrapped up in living with obesity, it was an absolute revelation to understand why and how the disease itself works as well as how these new medications can help. I loved the anecdotal stories about Dr Ania’s patients and I even enjoyed the personal experiences from Oprah. I am not a huge Oprah fan but found myself fully relating to her experiences in a way I never imagined I would.
I think this a great book that discusses the disease of obesity and the medications that help to treat obesity. If you have any questions about GLP medication that have become popular, this book will properly educate you. I also feel if you have someone you love who is obese or overweight and you want to understand their condition better…read or listen to this book. If you feel shame because you are looking into medication to help with obesity, please read this book and set yourself free. The science you learn helps you understand your body and ongoing struggle some legitimately have with weight. Oprah does co-author and shares her personal experience. She was extremely candid with her journey and aims to inspire others to change their perspective on obesity. Dr Ania was a pleasure to learn from and write the bulk of this book.
Thank goodness there is a book with collected research that states with certainty that OBESITY IS A DISEASE. When I lost 55 lbs with the help of GLP1, I shared my success with everybody. There is not one person on high blood pressure medicine who carries shame and blame about their blood pressure.
The more I read that GLP1 helps reduce the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, lowers cholesterol, etc. the more of an advocate I became in what can we do to cap the price of these drugs. Why are we waiting until we have obesity and hope that our BMI is so high that our insurance will have to cover the price before we start? With my insurance, it was still going to be $1000+ because I DIDN’T have diabetes. This is INSANE. I was not sick enough to get healthy. There needs to be a price cap on GLP1 like insulin. This will be my new cause.
The ENOUGH POINT had me in tears. Although I am in no way considering stopping the medication while I am going through this transitional period of my life, I was glad that biology reinforced my decision. To think that my body is going to continue to want to go back to 180 lbs is not a risk I want to take.
The impetus for me to start GLP1 was my 60th birthday. At 60, I knew I did not want to carry extra weight with me as I aged. I was pleasantly surprised that I had a goal weight of 145 but easily got down to 125 and have remained there for more than 6 months. Who would have believed that I would comfortably fit in a size 6? NOT ME! The first time I bought a size 6, I thought it was a sizing mistake, so I bought the pants for “shiggles.” Now that is my size. I easily buy off the rack. I wear small in most clothing.
The book is well presented, with a few Oprah stories sprinkled in, although Dr Ania narrates the majority of the book.
The quote I will take with me: “It is just as easy to lose weight as it ever was to gain the weight!”
I listened to this audiobook in 2 days. But I need to go back and highlight a few sections so I have more terminology to refer to as I continue to spread the gospel of GLP1.
There is a lot of support in this book for people who have struggled with their weight most of their lives. Myself included. Clearly the book was written to get people to jump on the bandwagon and take the GLP-1: I am not one of them. It will be interesting to see what the long term effects from this drug will be.
Let me preface my review by saying that this book was NOT written by Oprah Winfrey, but by a top endocrinologist affiliated with Yale University who is specialized in obesity medicine and who participates in key clinical trials. Oprah contributes of her own experience with obesity in the Preface and with brief testimonials here and there.
“Enough” provides information on the latest in obesity medicine, research and medication: why we are experiencing an obesity epidemic, why dieting fails and the latest research on how the weight loss medication works. And of course, advice on how to use that information moving forward: the decision to take medication or not, and the optimal circumstances required to be successful with it.
A must read for anyone who battles the bulge, serial dieters and specially if your health is adversely affected by your size.
I recently read Enough: Your Health, Your Weight, and What It’s Like to Be Free. I waited a couple of days before sitting down to write this because I needed time to let it all sink in.
This book was exactly what I didn’t even realize I needed. It blends deeply personal stories from people living with obesity with the science behind it — and the science was fascinating. I was surprised by how much I appreciated that part of the book. It added clarity and validation in a way I hadn’t expected.
It was also uncomfortable at times. Certain chapters brought back feelings of shame and embarrassment I thought I had moved past. But that discomfort felt purposeful, not exploitative. It felt honest.
It left me with more compassion for myself than I’ve felt in a long time. If you’ve ever felt stuck in shame around your body, this book offers a way forward.
I completed about 1/4 of the book. I wish i had understood that this book is written primarily from a scientific perspective with very little of Oprah’s experience. I think the interviews that have been shared with Oprah and Oprah’s experience in her weight loss battle are more interesting than the book. I can see that someone with weightloss struggles would have an “ahha” moment in realizing that willpower will not help them, as gaining weight, losing weight and maintaining have much more to do with your DNA and medical condition than we all have realized.
I wanted to finish the book, but it continued to be more and more and more about the science instead of Oprah’s process.
The book is well written and informative, although the analogies and information seem to be repeated again and again, to it detriment. I feel like once i hear an analogy, I understand it. This felt often like overkill explaining.
People interested in the science and understanding will love it.
Picked up this book because it listed Oprah as a co-author, but honestly it was more that she added to the topic discussed in some chapters. It was informative but repetitive. If you’ve struggled with weight issues you’ll know what I mean. I gained a better understanding of the scientific side of obesity, GLP-1 medications, and their side effects. It definitely helps with making an informed decision if you are considering medication.
Anyone who has or knows someone who has struggled w/ obesity should read this book (i.e. everyone!) Obesity is a chronic disease controlled largely by biology - it is NOT a character flaw. We have long known that diet, exercise, & willpower are not enough. Yet, the masses tell people every single day that their weight is their own fault. Making fun of people with obesity or overweight remains one of the last socially accepted forms of prejudice (as evidenced by comedian jokes, US President Donald Trump calling people “fat pigs”followed by small-minded supporters who clap, cheer, & laugh, Bill Maher suggesting “fat-shaming should make a comeback,” & Pete Hegseth’s disdain for “fat generals, admirals, & troops.”) Those examples are mild compared to the vitriolic hatred spewed out by cowards & trolls online. I’m hopeful books like this one will raise awareness & increase understanding of the biology of this chronic disease which affects >40% of Americans. Bravo to Dr. Jastreboff & Oprah for this exceptional book.
Half of this book made me feel entirely hopeless about losing weight without any, “tools”, like bariatric surgery or NuSH meds. A good chunk of this book is how your body will fight you tooth and nail to not lose weight and reset your, “Enough Point”, or a plateau point. The rest of the book felt like an Atlantic article promoting the use of meds for weight loss. Which would be great, if only we could just afford them! I’m glad it worked for Oprah and she can enjoy her daily 3-5 mile hikes, but for us poors, too bad. Hopefully this will change in the future, but I have no hope that insurance companies with authorize these meds to the masses and make them cost effective.
This book concisely explains the treatment options available for those struggling with obesity. The scientific jargon is presented in a completely relatable and common sense manner. The personal experiences of those involved are inspiring and helpful. Great resource for anyone interested in learning more about the disease of obesity. (Understanding that obesity is in fact a disease is a game changer in the entire approach to treating it. Once you fully grasp this concept everything becomes much more clear.)
Very informative about the GLP-1. I purchased it after watching a YouTube with Oprah and she had Serena Williams on the podcast and I had seen the RO ads with Serena and so hearing her struggles with weight and trying to work out more and more w/o loosing weight was encouraging. This book helps to debunk some of the myths around GLP-1 without being too medical. Would recommend for anyone wanting more info.
Audio Book - 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Oprah’s weight-loss challenges were relateable and her narration was powerful and engaging. A scientific book on obesity and the benefits, side effects and evolution of GLP-1 medication. Some parts resonated with me, while others lost me in the science of a medication that I’m not interested in taking.
I read this book from several perspectives, as a healthcare professional, as a relative of someone with obesity and as some who could stand to lose a little weight. It was interesting to shift the dialogue around obesity from a blame game to understanding it as a treatable disease.
Oprah is a great spokesperson and example. I grew up watching her struggles and admittedly laughing at some of the jokes. In hindsight, I am no longer that child. I am happy that she has found a way to live her best life, free of the struggles and the roaring, deafening sounds of food noise.
She has gifted the world, her journey, successes and failures, and committed her notoriety to this book and to making the world a better place. There are not a lot of people of her stature that accomplish that.
This research is world changing and it is exciting to know that there is more to come.
Science listen. Was wishing for more Oprah. She is only small part of book. Glp1 a game changer in obesity management. Have helped me and hope help many more and more people talk about. Look forward to when in my lifetime becomes a pill and maybe addresses more receptors than just 1 or 2.
This book made me feel validated and helped me understand that I have not failed at losing and keeping off weight. The science is finally out there to explain obesity as a disease. The explanation of why my biology (and others with obesity) prevents me from losing weight despite proper diet and exercise. I feel hopeful that there is treatment for obesity, despite the advances in medicine and in our healthcare system still needed to make care accessible and affordable.
I could relate to SO much of this book and am SO glad to understand obesity through a scientific lense and read the experiences of individuals who are very similar to me
Book is a research physician trying to write for the masses. The explanation with stories to illustrate does explain what the drugs do, importantly why if stopped the positive effects are reversed, and that obesity is a major medical issue not solved for everyone with traditional approach. I thought the mindset shift of a medicine you take for life comparison to other conditions helpful. While I can appreciate the effort to reduce weight shaming in our culture I don’t see that happening.
This was a mixed bag for me. while there was information here that hit very hard and made me quite emotional, there was also boring sections that seemed included just to hit a page count. Your enjoyment will depend on your history with the subject I think.
This was a very educational book to listen to. First of all I want to say that I appreciate the transparency of it. Giving both pros and cons to starting obesity medications, side effects, even the additional research that still needs to be done. Second I want to say that I’ve never felt more understood when it comes to battling weight and a difficult relationship with food. I teared up listening to the struggles and the chapter on food noise felt as if someone had tapped into my internal dialogue. This book made me even more sympathetic towards people who struggle even more than I do. Our bodies are so imperfect it makes sense that genetics are out of balance too, even when it comes to weight. I recommend this book to anyone who is currently struggling or someone who wants to know more about these new medications. In the end medical decisions are personal and this book at the very least can help someone know that they are not alone.