Weight transformation stories in the limelight reveal the diverse motivations and circumstances behind such changes. Take, for instance, Great British Bake Off star Matt Lucas, who underwent a dramatic weight loss following the passing of his father. On the other end of the spectrum is actor Brendan Fraser, who astoundingly gained 300 pounds for his role in The Whale. Amidst these stories, the name Oprah Winfrey emerges—a media icon frequently associated with the 'blame and shame' around weight.
Decades-long struggle and self-realization
In a recent cover story by People, media mogul Oprah Winfrey disclosed her use of a prescribed weight-loss medication to aid in her ongoing wellness journey. At 69 years old, Winfrey is no stranger to the challenges of maintaining a healthy weight, enduring decades of scrutiny and body shaming. Her revelation about incorporating medication into her routine reflects a significant shift in her perspective on weight management.
Winfrey emphasized that her decision to use the medication was not a testament to a lack of willpower but a recognition of the complex nature of obesity.
'I realized I’d been blaming myself all these years for being overweight, and I have a predisposition that no amount of willpower is going to control. Obesity is a disease. It’s not about willpower — it's about the brain.'
This change in mindset was sparked after Winfrey hosted a conversation called the State of Weight as part of Oprah Daily's The Life You Want series. The discussion delved into the role of weight-loss medications, addressing the stigma surrounding obesity and the shame associated with it, a subject Winfrey knows all too well. 'It was public sport to make fun of me for 25 years. I have been blamed and shamed, and I blamed and shamed myself.'
Despite recommending weight-loss medication to others before using it herself, Winfrey initially relied solely on lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications aligned with WeightWatchers principles. However, her perspective shifted after the enlightening conversation.
'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.'
For Winfrey, the medication serves as a tool to 'quiet the food noise,' but she emphasizes the importance of maintaining a holistic approach. 'I know that if I’m not also working out and vigilant about all the other things, it doesn’t work for me,' she affirmed.
The conversation about weight-loss medications, including popular ones like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, extends beyond personal choices. Dr. Melanie Jay, director of the NYU Langone's Comprehensive Program on Obesity, highlighted the societal misconceptions surrounding obesity. 'People think of obesity as more of a lifestyle or behavioral issue rather than a medical issue,' she explained. This misconception affects policy decisions, with Medicare and Medicaid not covering these drugs, perpetuating the notion that obesity is a matter of personal choices.
The stigma surrounding weight-loss drugs often stems from the belief that obesity is a result of lifestyle choices rather than a medical condition. Winfrey addressed this notion, stating:
'People think [those with obesity] eat too much and don't exercise enough. And therefore, you know, why do they need a medication if they just do that?'
Dr. Jay emphasized that weight-loss medications act as additional support, challenging the idea that they are an 'easy way out.'
The stigma surrounding bodies and weight complicates the conversation, making it challenging for individuals to seek appropriate treatments without judgment. Winfrey's openness about her weight-loss journey and her use of medication aims to destigmatize these choices. 'I’m absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself,' she declared.
In detailing her recent weight loss, Winfrey clarified that the medication was not a 'magic bullet' but part of a comprehensive approach that includes regular exercise and healthy eating. Her commitment to a holistic lifestyle is evident, and she is vocal about dispelling the notion that medication alone is the solution.
Read more:
⋙ Matt Lucas: This is the real reason why he has lost so much weight
⋙ Bake Off fans in awe as Matt Lucas reveals epic weight loss after diet overhaul
⋙ Brendan Fraser: The truth behind his weight gain for his role in The Whale
