Oprah Winfrey has opened up about her decision to incorporate weight-loss medication into her health regimen, marking a significant turn in her decades-long struggle with weight management and public scrutiny. The 69-year-old media icon, who has often been at the center of public discourse regarding her weight, spoke about her journey towards a healthier lifestyle in an exclusive interview with People magazine.
Winfrey shared that she began using a prescribed medication for weight management before Thanksgiving, viewing it as a tool to help stabilize her weight. This decision comes after years of facing body shaming and criticism, both from the media and within herself. "I have been blamed and shamed, and I blamed and shamed myself," she said, reflecting on her past experiences.
Oprah's stance on obesity and weight loss underwent a significant shift following a conversation titled 'State of Weight' as part of Oprah Daily's 'The Life You Want' series. This event, which featured a panel of medical professionals, highlighted the complexities of obesity as a disease and the associated stigma and shame. "Obesity is a disease. It's not about willpower - it's about the brain," Oprah stated, echoing the insights gained from the discussion.
Despite her initial hesitation about using weight-loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, Winfrey ultimately decided to include them in her health strategy. She emphasized that these medications are part of a broader approach that includes lifestyle changes such as eating her last meal by 4 o'clock, drinking a gallon of water daily, and adhering to WeightWatchers' point system.
Dr. Melanie Jay, director of NYU Langone's Comprehensive Program on Obesity, stressed in a conversation with Yahoo Life the importance of understanding obesity as a medical issue, rather than just a lifestyle or behavioral concern. This misconception has led to a lack of coverage for weight-loss drugs by Medicare and Medicaid, further perpetuating the stigma around obesity.
In her journey, Oprah noted the importance of medical treatments for obesity and advocated for people to have the option to explore these treatments without shame. "It should be yours to own and not to be shamed about it," she stated.
Her decision to publicly discuss her use of weight-loss medication is seen as a significant step in normalizing the conversation around obesity and its treatments. Given her influence and credibility, Oprah's openness about her experience can have a substantial impact on public perceptions and understanding of obesity as a disease.
The discussion around weight-loss medications and their role in obesity treatment has gained momentum in recent times. However, the stigma and shame associated with weight loss and the use of such medications continue to be a significant barrier. Oprah Winfrey's revelation and her advocacy for a stigma-free approach to obesity treatment represent a notable development in changing these perceptions and encouraging a more inclusive and understanding conversation around weight management.
