Oprah Winfrey Acknowledges Role in Perpetuating Diet Culture

Oprah Winfrey Apologizes for Perpetuating Diet Culture in Recent Special

In a recent three-hour special titled “Making the Shift” sponsored by WeightWatchers, Oprah Winfrey made a heartfelt apology to her audience for her role in perpetuating America’s “diet culture.” The former board member of WeightWatchers, Winfrey, acknowledged that she has been a major contributor to the obsession with weight loss through her various platforms over the years.

During the special, Winfrey was joined by other celebrities who have also struggled with weight, including Rebel Wilson and Amber Phillips. The 70-year-old icon reflected on her past actions, including a memorable moment from her talk show in 1998 when she pulled a red wagon filled with 67 pounds of fat, symbolizing the weight she had lost at the time.

Winfrey expressed regret over the message that moment sent to viewers, stating that it set an unrealistic standard for weight loss. She also disclosed that she had used the popular diet drug Ozempic to aid in her weight loss journey.

Having resigned from the board of WeightWatchers, Winfrey has donated all of her shares to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. She emphasized the importance of speaking openly about weight and health, especially in light of WeightWatchers’ shift towards being a weight health company that administers drug medications for weight.

The special served as a platform for Winfrey to address her past mistakes and advocate for a more balanced and healthy approach to weight management, marking a significant moment in her ongoing journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment.