Oprah Winfrey has set up an hour-long ABC primetime special on weight loss drugs after she resigned from Weight Watchers board after revealing her personal use of weight loss drugs. The special, titled “The Oprah Special: Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution,” is scheduled to air later this month. Oprah recorded a special in front of a live studio audience, bringing together medical experts to discuss weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, Munjaro, and Wigovy.
“This is a deeply personal topic for me, and for the hundreds of millions of people around the world who have struggled with weight and obesity for years,” Oprah said in a statement. “This special will bring together medical professionals, leaders in the field, and those struggling every day to talk about health equity and obesity, with the goal of ultimately releasing the shame, judgment, and stigma surrounding weight. Let’s talk.”
Medical experts featured in the prime-time special include Dr. W. Scott Bucci of the Cleveland Clinic, ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News Medical Correspondent Dr. Darian Sutton, and Cedars Dr. Amanda Velazquez of Sinai Medical Center. Oprah will also interview patients across the United States who have used weight loss drugs. Questions addressed in this feature include: Who is the drug actually intended for? Who is eligible to receive weight loss drugs? What are the short-term and long-term side effects?
“We are proud to partner with Oprah and her collective voice to destigmatize and educate our viewers on the important and polarizing topic of weight loss,” Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, said in a statement. We are excited to begin this dialogue.” “I can’t think of a better person to lead this meaningful conversation about such critical issues that touch all of our lives.”
News of the prime-time special comes just days after Oprah announced she would resign from Weight Watchers’ board of directors after nearly a decade, citing her use of weight-loss drugs. She had served on the company’s board since 2015, when she acquired a 10% stake in WeightWatchers.
“We continue to work with Weight Watchers and CEO Sima Sistani to elevate the conversation about recognizing obesity as a chronic disease, working to reduce stigma, and advocating for health equity,” Winfrey said in a statement. We look forward to providing advice and cooperation.”
winfrey told People magazine Last December, she realized that managing her weight wasn’t just about self-control, so she decided to start taking weight loss pills. She did not reveal which weight loss drugs she took.
“The fact that there is a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthy feels like a comfort, a relief, a gift while I’m still alive. Hiding and being ridiculed again.” It’s not like that,” Oprah told People.
“The Oprah Special: Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution” will air on Monday, March 18 at 8pm ET on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.
