In an ABC special focusing on weight and obesity, the American television host and actress reflected on being described as “bumpy, lumpy, and downright dumpy” on a magazine cover, a memory she emphasized she would never forget. At 70 years old, Oprah Winfrey acknowledged shedding a significant amount of weight with the help of medication and commended the effectiveness of weight-loss drugs. However, she chose not to disclose the specific medication she uses.
The US ABC broadcast titled “An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution” showcased Oprah Winfrey grappling emotionally with the enduring pain of public humiliation endured by late-night talk show hosts and tabloids spanning 25 years. Throughout the program, Winfrey shared past headlines, including “Oprah: Fatter than Ever” and “Oprah Warned ‘Diet or Die.’” Expressing admiration for weight loss drugs, Winfrey remarked on her disbelief at discussing medication in her lifetime that could offer hope to individuals like herself who have grappled with being overweight or obese for years.
She became emotional as she described the medication as offering people a “sense of hope,” a beacon that could alleviate self-blame. Winfrey also voiced her aspiration to diminish the stigma, shame, and judgment associated with weight, fostering a climate where individuals can find solace in their journey without fear of condemnation. With an undertone of hope, the media tycoon revealed her decision to resign from the board of WeightWatchers, driven by a desire to prevent any perceived conflict of interest related to the ABC TV special.
Moreover, she generously contributed her shares in WeightWatchers to the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture. Winfrey also candidly divulged her weight loss odyssey, recalling a period in 1988 when she abstained from food “for nearly five months.” She vividly depicted the magnitude of her weight loss by showcasing a lump of animal fat during her talk show.
Concluding the broadcast, Winfrey delivered a sincere appeal, urging, “Let’s bring an end to shaming and blaming; there is no space for it.” Notably, as the host of The Oprah Winfrey Show, which aired from 1986 to 2011, she guided one of the most renowned programs in the annals of US television history.
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