Oprah quits WeightWatchers after backlash following weight loss drug admission

04 March 2024 , 12:29

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Oprah Winfrey has lost an incredible 40lbs last year (Image: Variety via Getty Images)

Oprah Winfrey has parted ways with WeightWatchers after almost ten years as an ambassador for the slimming brand.

The decision comes after the popular TV personality finally admitted to losing a weight loss drug to help her achieve her new slimmed down appearance. The company made an official statement to announce her departure from the Board of Directors - as they made it clear it isn't the result of any disagreements or issues with company operations, policies, or practices.

CEO Sima Sistani said: "While I and the rest of our directors will certainly miss her in our board meetings following the end of her current term, she remains a strong strategic voice and collaborator with WeightWatchers." Oprah previously revealed she had lost an impressive 40lbs in 2023, eventually admitting a medical prescription had aided her journey after previously denying it.

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Oprah debuted her slimmer physique at the end of 2023 (Variety via Getty Images)

Oprah used to be much curvier (Getty Images)

Back in December 2023 addressed her weight loss and reflected on years of body shaming, describing it as a "public sport" to make fun of her. The star explained that she's now on a weight loss journey and isn't afraid to admit that she's getting a little extra help.

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She dished that she's using a "medically approved prescription" alongside an exercise and diet. After experiencing years of weight fluctuations, she found a routine that worked for her. Oprah admitted she's "releasing her shame" around using what she describes as a "tool". She didn't identify what prescription she's on, but drugs like Ozempic - which is typically used to treat type 2 diabetics - and similar drug Monjourno have been causing a lot of buzz in the medical and weight loss fields.

She told People: "The fact that there's a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift, and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for. I’m absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself."

Oprah confessed to using a slimming aid (Getty Images for Critics Choice)

Prior to her admission Oprah gave her take on weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, and why she claimed she wasn't an advocate for them. Talking back in September at a New York City panel for her Oprah Daily's The Life You Want series she said: "I don't know that there is another public person whose weight struggles have been exploited as much as mine.

"One of the things I carried so much shame for, and even when I first started hearing about the weight loss drugs, at the same time I was going through knee surgery and I felt, 'I've got to do this on my own because if I take the drug, that's the easy way out'."

She continued: "There's a part of me that feels - like I think a lot of people feel with bariatric surgery - that I've got to do it the hard way, I've got to keep climbing the mountains, I've got to keep suffering and I've got to do that because otherwise I somehow cheated myself."

Ayeesha Walsh