The Celebrated Talk Show Host Gets Candid
On Monday, March 18th, 2024, Oprah Winfrey debuted “An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution,” a prime-time special on ABC.
In this inspirational program, the celebrated actress and former talk show host candidly shared her weight loss journey, including the use of medication as a “maintenance tool.”
“I now use it as I feel I need it, as a tool to manage not yo-yoing,” Winfrey previously told People Magazine.
Overcoming Decades of Shame and Blame
Winfrey acknowledged the public scrutiny and ridicule she faced for over 25 years regarding her weight struggles. She said, “It was public sport to make fun of me for 25 years. I have been blamed and shamed, and I blamed and shamed myself.”
The media mogul expressed relief at having access to medically approved weight-loss drugs, which she considers a “gift” and “redemption” after years of shame.
“I’m absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself,” Winfrey declared.
A Safe Space for Open Dialogue
Winfrey gathered individuals who have experienced chronic weight gain and management, providing a safe space to share the pain and challenges of their weight loss journeys.
“I wanted to do this special for the more than 100 million people in the United States and the over 1 billion people around the world living with obesity,” Winfrey said.
Experts Weigh In
The special featured weight-loss experts W. Scott Butsch, Director of Obesity Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, and Dr. Amanda Velazquez, an obesity expert at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.
They addressed the potential side effects and risks of weight-loss medications, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach.
A Holistic Approach
While acknowledging the use of medication, Winfrey stressed the importance of a holistic approach, combining exercise, a mindful diet, and other lifestyle changes.
“It’s not just one thing; it’s multiple things,” Winfrey said.
Embracing Diverse Perspectives
In closing, Winfrey acknowledged the diverse perspectives on weight loss, embracing those who feel “happy and healthy” living in a larger body and those curious about using medication.
The overarching message was to stop the shaming and blaming, recognizing the spectrum of obesity and its complexities.
