Oprah Winfrey has recently added weight-loss medication to her long-term health strategy, as reported by People. At 69, the renowned media figure revealed her use of prescribed medication as a supplementary tool to prevent weight fluctuations, a decision she made shortly before Thanksgiving. After enduring body shaming from the media and serving as a spokesperson for WeightWatchers’ behavioral weight-loss program, Winfrey now views her relationship with food and her body through a different lens.
She has come to understand that her struggles with weight are not solely a matter of personal fault but also a predisposition that transcends willpower. Winfrey now recognizes obesity as a medical condition, not just a matter of self-control.
This shift in perspective originated from a discussion titled “State of Weight” hosted by Winfrey in September, as part of Oprah Daily’s “The Life You Want” series. Alongside medical experts, the conversation tackled the roles of weight-loss medications and the associated shame and stigma. Winfrey personally experienced such ridicule and blame for over two decades.
Despite being familiar with weight-loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, Winfrey initially hesitated to use them. She preferred relying on her existing lifestyle changes, such as early dinners, hydrating adequately, and adhering to WeightWatchers’ point-counting system. However, the aforementioned discussion was a turning point for her, making her recognize the benefits of medically approved weight management prescriptions as not something to be concealed or ashamed of.
Winfrey finds the medication helpful in moderating her food-related thoughts, but she emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including exercise. She is determined to disregard external and internal criticisms as she continues her journey.
Dr. Melanie Jay, Director of NYU Langone’s Comprehensive Program on Obesity, explains to Yahoo Life the common misconception of obesity as a behavioral issue rather than a medical one. This misunderstanding extends to policy levels, affecting coverage for weight-loss drugs by Medicare and Medicaid. Jay points out the variability of weight loss methods, emphasizing that what works for one person may not work for another.
Winfrey also addressed the perception of using weight-loss medication as an easy alternative. Emily Simpson from “The Real Housewives of Orange County” also used Ozempic, coupled with lifestyle changes, yet faced online criticism.
The stigma surrounding body weight complicates discussions about obesity. Jay notes that celebrities taking weight-loss drugs without being obese can contribute to the perception of these medications as vanity products rather than serious medical treatments.
Winfrey’s influence is significant. Her promotion of WeightWatchers in 2016, in which she is an investor, significantly boosted the company’s stock. Now, she is highlighting that WeightWatchers might not be the sole answer to her weight management, advocating for the acceptance of medical treatments for obesity.
Jay believes that Winfrey’s platform can significantly contribute to changing the narrative around obesity, emphasizing that it’s not an individual’s fault and that treatment options are valid and diverse.
