Oprah Winfrey is stepping down from the board of directors of WeightWatchers, the weight loss company where she has served as the largest shareholder since 2015. The departure comes after Winfrey recently disclosed that she has incorporated prescription weight loss medication into her health regimen.
In a press statement, the 70-year-old Winfrey explained she will not seek re-election at WeightWatchers’ shareholder meeting in May. She also vowed to donate all current and future stock earnings to a museum focused on African American history, hoping to preclude any perceived conflict around using weight loss drugs while profiting from and advising the company.
Winfrey expressed eagerness to continue collaborating with WeightWatchers in confronting the stigma around obesity and promoting health equity. The chairman welcomed her ongoing role as a thought partner in elevating the public conversation to recognize obesity as a medical condition requiring compassionate solutions on a societal scale.
Winfrey’s weight has long drawn unfair scrutiny and shame. However, she recently shared feeling liberated in using medication, having prioritized proving willpower over health. With science affirming obesity as a disease, Winfrey reported releasing previous guilt and consulting her physician for responsible treatment options. Her public statements aimed to model overcoming stigma and self-judgment in responsibly managing weight through available medical resources.