Oprah Winfrey Opens Up About Weight Struggles and Overcoming Shame
In a candid TV special, renowned US broadcaster and actress Oprah Winfrey discussed the challenges she faced due to her weight, revealing how she endured years of ridicule and humiliation. Recalling hurtful comments and headlines, including being labeled “bumpy, lumpy, and downright dumpy” on magazine covers, Winfrey, now 70, shared the emotional impact of such public scrutiny.
Addressing her weight loss journey, Winfrey acknowledged the significant role of medication, though she did not specify which one she uses. The TV special, titled “An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution,” aired on ABC in the US, portraying Winfrey’s raw emotions as she recounted decades of being targeted by tabloids and late-night talk show hosts.
Expressing gratitude for advancements in weight loss medication, Winfrey emphasized the newfound hope it brings to individuals struggling with weight issues, including herself. She highlighted the importance of destigmatizing weight struggles and promoting self-acceptance, urging against shaming others based on their weight or chosen methods of weight management.
Winfrey disclosed her decision to step down from the board of WeightWatchers to avoid any perceived conflicts of interest related to the TV special. Additionally, she donated her shares in WeightWatchers to the Smithsonian Museum Of African American History And Culture.
Reflecting on her past weight loss attempts, Winfrey shared a poignant moment from 1988 when she resorted to extreme measures, including near-starvation for nearly five months. She famously demonstrated the weight loss by showcasing a lump of animal fat equivalent to the pounds she shed on her talk show.
Concluding the broadcast with a powerful message, Winfrey called for an end to shaming and blaming, advocating for a more compassionate approach toward individuals struggling with weight issues. Throughout her illustrious career, Winfrey has been a trailblazer in the media landscape, hosting “The Oprah Winfrey Show” from 1986 to 2011 and conducting iconic interviews, including those with Michael Jackson and Tom Cruise.
Winfrey’s influence extends beyond television, as evidenced by her invitation to the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and her impactful 2021 interview with the couple, which garnered global attention.
