Oprah Winfrey is a brave woman – for years she has not only battled her weight like many women, but she has openly discussed it on her television show for all the public to hear. How many would do that? Now at over 200 pounds, Oprah is again battling the weight gain and is talking about it instead of hiding it.

Like many of us, Oprah is looking at this brand new year as a chance to start over and improve things that need it. She is going to tackle her weight and health in 2009 and had this to say:

“This is the year of hopefulness. My goal is to be the weight that my body can hold and be healthy and strong and fit and be itself. One of the things I had to learn to do is to embrace this body that I have and be grateful for what this body has given me. God blessed me and this body. I mean, I could weep right now thinking about the love and appreciation I have for this body. For that, I am truly grateful.”

She also said that despite being a very visible public figure on television, she has been trying to hide herself lately when she does her cover shoots for her O magazine. Oprah then said, that after some soul-searching, it’s less about food in and of itself and more about needing to achieve balance.

“It’s not about the food. It’s about using food – abusing food. Too much work. Not enough play. Not enough time to come down. Not enough time to really relax. I am hungry for balance. I’m hungry to do something other than work.”

Go Oprah! I know many of us will be watching closely to see how it goes and if she has any healthy tips to share on her show. Will you be watching Oprah’s progress?