Fitness expert: Oprah was 'mildly depressed'

Talk show host Oprah Winfrey returned from her winter hiatus on Monday and kicked off her week of "Best Life" episodes with an hour that focused on her battle with obesity.

Winfrey talked about her struggles with a weight gain that seemed to be beyond her control. She told her audience that last year she realized that her life was out of balance, and that she had just about 'given up' on herself.

She didn't describe herself as going through a depression, but fitness expert and Winfrey confidant Bob Greene seemed to categorize her that way. Recalling a walk he had with Winfrey one day last year, he said he looked in her eyes, "and she wasn't there. I think she was losing her zest for life, and that was one of the saddest moments."

Winfrey said that began suffering heart palpitations and sleep issues more than a year ago, and while doctors were unable to help her, a viewer suggested she was suffering from a thyroid problem. That diagnosis turned the corner for her, and she also began working to gain control of her schedule and rebalance her life.

"It's not about using food or abusing food," said Winfrey. "It's about balance. When I ask myself what I am hungry for, I am hungry for balance."

She told the audience that she was pledging to work to bring more joy and balance to her life. "When you love yourself, you take care of youself. You have to make yourself a priority."