In a recent livestream at a WeightWatchers event, Oprah Winfrey addressed her role in perpetuating diet culture over the years. She spoke to the audience about reaching a pivotal moment in the way we talk about and think about our bodies, acknowledging her own participation in diet culture through her talk show, magazines, and weight loss shows. Winfrey specifically mentioned a moment from “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 1988 where she rolled a wagon of fat onto the stage, calling it one of her biggest regrets. She admitted that it set unrealistic standards and sent a damaging message, ultimately leading her to gain the weight back. Winfrey expressed a desire to do better and take responsibility for her past actions.
After serving as a board member for WW since 2015, Winfrey announced in February that she would be leaving the board of directors and would not stand for re-election. Over the years, she has been open about her struggles with weight loss and health. In 2016, she showed off a 26-pound weight loss on the cover of O magazine along with nine other women to celebrate their best bodies. Winfrey has always believed in being transparent about her weight struggles and finds strength in sharing her journey with others. In December 2023, she revealed in an interview with People that she had started taking a weight loss drug, though she did not specify which one. Winfrey sees the medication as a tool to manage her weight and health, finding relief and redemption in the fact that there are medically approved prescriptions available for weight management.
Throughout her career, Winfrey has been known for her openness about her health and weight struggles, often sharing them on her platforms. She expressed regret for her past involvement in diet culture, particularly in promoting unrealistic weight loss standards. By acknowledging her role in perpetuating harmful messaging, Winfrey hopes to start a new conversation about body positivity and healthier ways to approach weight management. She emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes and using that knowledge to make better, more informed choices in the future. With her departure from the WW board and her use of weight loss medication, Winfrey is taking steps towards a more authentic and transparent approach to her own health journey.
By sharing her experiences with weight loss and health, Winfrey aims to inspire others to be more open about their struggles and seek support when needed. She recognizes the power of community and strength in numbers when it comes to facing challenges such as weight management. Winfrey’s decision to leave the WW board and her use of weight loss medication reflect a shift towards a more holistic and individualized approach to health and wellness. She sees these tools as helpful resources in managing her weight and health, rather than hiding or being ridiculed for seeking assistance. Winfrey’s journey serves as a reminder that it is important to prioritize self-care and make informed choices when it comes to one’s health and well-being, even if it means stepping away from past practices or seeking new solutions.
