“I desired the freedom to discuss any topic I wished without the perception of a conflict of interest,” she explained.
Last month’s announcement revealed Oprah’s departure from the WeightWatchers board after nearly ten years.
She joined the board in 2015, acquiring a 10% stake in the company.
In a February report from Variety, it was disclosed that she wouldn’t seek reelection at the annual shareholders meeting.
In her statement to Variety, Oprah expressed her commitment to advising and collaborating with WeightWatchers on addressing obesity as a chronic condition and advocating for health equity.
She also mentioned donating her interest in WeightWatchers to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Oprah’s openness about her weight struggles is well-known, and her exit from WeightWatchers coincides with her recent announcement of using weight loss medication as a maintenance tool.
She emphasized in an interview with People magazine her decision to use medication to manage her weight without shame or ridicule.
While WeightWatchers supports the use of certain weight loss medications, Oprah’s chosen drug was not specified.
Her departure from the company was clarified not to be due to any disagreement but rather to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Oprah revealed that she left WeightWatchers to air her upcoming ABC special about weight loss without facing accusations of profiting from the company’s ties to weight loss medications.
She emphasized the personal significance of the topic and her desire to discuss it freely without any perceived conflicts of interest.
In her statement and on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Oprah reiterated her decision to resign from the board and donate her shares to eliminate any notion of personal gain from the project.
She acknowledged her previous stance on weight loss medication as a perceived “easy way out” and emphasized her commitment to destigmatizing discussions around weight and health.
