Emmy Award-winning host Oprah Winfrey appeared in an hour-long prime-time special to talk about weight-loss drugs. On Monday’s ABC special “An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution,” Oprah said,
I have to say that I took on the shame that the world gave to me. For 25 years, making fun of my weight was national sport.
Winfrey addressed obesity as a disease while giving a peek into her struggle and intake of weight-loss medicines. She also talked about departing from the WeightWatchers board of directors.
Throughout her career, Oprah has been shamed for her body, whether it’s in the media, on magazine covers, or on her talk show. On Monday’s show, she talked with medical experts and several guests who have been taking medicines to lose weight. Mostly, the result has been positive for both physical and mental well-being.
In December last year, Oprah admitted to PEOPLE that she had used such medications. She told the media outlet.
I was on the cover of some magazine, and it said, ‘Dumpy, Frumpy and Downright Lumpy.’ I didn’t feel angry. I felt sad. I felt hurt. I swallowed the shame. I accepted that it was my fault.
Winfrey’s seriousness about the show seems clear, considering she left the WeightWatchers board of directors last month to avoid any conflict of interest. Notably, Weight Watchers now also prescribes anti-obesity medications such as Wegovy or oral semaglutide in its program.
Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Oprah opened up about her decision. She said that she had donated her stock in the company to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Winfrey explained,
So nobody can say, ‘Oh, she’s doing that special, she’s making money, promoting.’ No, you cannot say that.
Winfrey hopes her special will influence the health-related decisions of her viewers. She said,
I’m really excited about it. Because I’ve suffered for so long and struggled so much and did all the things.
