Oprah Winfrey shares emotional weight loss journey in primetime feature

It has been almost 13 years since "The Oprah Winfrey Show" ended, but for those who watched her weight loss special on Monday night, it probably felt like her talk show was back.

The special titled "An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution" showcased Winfrey's talent for bringing people together and facilitating meaningful conversations, just like she did during her 25 seasons on "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

Oprah Winfrey shared, "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 who are living with obesity. Maybe that’s you or maybe that’s somebody you love."

She continued, "In my lifetime, I never dreamed we would be talking about medicines that would be providing hope to people, like me, who have struggled for years with being overweight or with obesity. I come to this conversation with the hope that we can start releasing the stigma and the shame and the judgment – to stop shaming other people for being overweight or how they choose to lose or not lose weight – and more importantly to stop shaming ourselves."

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 14: Oprah Winfrey speaks onstage during the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 14, 2024 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)

Oprah Winfrey was seen speaking on stage during the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California on January 14, 2024. The event was a memorable occasion filled with talent and recognition.

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The program showcased various guests talking about their struggles with obesity and trying to manage their weight. Oprah Winfrey also opened up about the challenges she faced during her own weight loss journey.

"I carried the weight of the world's shame for so long. For 25 years, people made fun of me for being overweight," she shared.

Winfrey expressed the sense of relief she experienced when she realized that obesity is a disease.

Winfrey was emotional as she shared with a young woman in the audience about how many times she has blamed herself. She expressed disbelief at realizing that it was actually her brain causing the struggle, despite her intelligence.

Medical experts like W. Scott Butsch from the Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Amanda Velazquez from Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles were part of the special event, providing their expertise on obesity.

"There are various forms of obesity, not just one single disease," Butsch explained. "It is not simply a matter of willpower."

The medical professionals discussed the possible side effects of weight loss medications and emphasized the importance of considering various factors and risks before incorporating them into a comprehensive care plan.

Injection pens move along a conveyor at the Novo Nordisk A/S production facilities in Hillerod, Denmark on June 12, 2023. The success of Novo's bestsellers Ozempic and Wegovy drugs that help people lose significant amounts of weight, has created something of a gold rush in the pharma industry with about 40 companies developing products that will intensify competition.

At Novo Nordisk A/S production facilities in Hillerod, Denmark, injection pens are seen moving along a conveyor on June 12, 2023. The popularity of Novo's top-selling drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, which aid in weight loss, has sparked a surge of interest in the pharmaceutical industry. Approximately 40 companies are now working on developing similar products, leading to increased competition in the market.

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Winfrey mentioned how she incorporates weight loss medication as one of her strategies to control her weight. She combines this with activities like hiking, running, weight resistance training, and following a nutritious diet.

"It's not just one thing, it's multiple things," Winfrey mentioned.

At the end of the program, Winfrey recognized individuals who may feel content living in a larger body, those who believe in diet and exercise as the primary method for weight loss, and those curious about how medications can assist in losing weight.

“There is space for all points of view,” Winfrey said at the end of the program. “Let’s stop the shaming and blaming. There’s no place for it.”

Editor's P/S:

Oprah's latest special on weight loss sheds light on the complex and often stigmatized issue of obesity. Winfrey's open and honest approach, coupled with the insights of medical experts, provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by individuals struggling with their weight. The program emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and individualized approaches to weight management.

The special highlights the role of medical advancements in providing hope to those who have long grappled with obesity. Winfrey's personal journey and the experiences shared by guests underscore the mental and emotional toll that weight stigma can take. By fostering a supportive and non-judgmental dialogue, Winfrey aims to break down barriers and encourage individuals to seek help without shame or blame. The program ultimately advocates for a holistic approach to weight management, recognizing the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to obesity.