Oprah Winfrey steps down from WeightWatchers board after 10-year partnership

Oprah Winfrey at the Golden Globe Awards in January. She admitted recently that she took a weight-loss drug to maintain her figure. Photo / Getty Images

Oprah Winfrey is leaving her WeightWatchers partnership behind after nearly a decade.

The talk show veteran, 70, who recently admitted using a weight-loss drug, says even though the link was being severed, she still planned to work with the organisation’s chief executive in “elevating the conversation” about obesity.

A WeightWatchers statement said Winfrey’s decision was “not the result of any disagreement” or “any matter relating to the company’s operations, policies or practices”.

Chief executive Sima Sistani, 42, said on a recent call with investors: “Oprah is an inspiring presence and passionate advocate both for our members and for society at large, in elevating the conversation around weight health.

Oprah is leaving the board of WeightWatchers after 10 years following her revelation that she’s using a weight loss drug. pic.twitter.com/rGocba43P8

— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 29, 2024

“While I and the rest of our directors will certainly miss her in our board meetings following the end of her current term, she remains a strong strategic voice and collaborator with WeightWatchers.”

Winfrey said in a statement: “I look forward to continuing to advise and collaborate with WeightWatchers and CEO Sima Sistani in elevating the conversation around recognising obesity as a chronic condition, working to reduce stigma and advocating for health equity.”

Oprah Winfrey recently admitted using a weight-loss drug. Photo / Getty Images

The broadcaster and entrepreneur recently told People magazine about using an undisclosed weight-loss drug to maintain her figure: “I now use it as I feel I need it, as a tool to manage not yo-yoing.

“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.

“I’m absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself.”

Her remarks came as WeightWatchers announced a programme dedicated to members who are using weight-loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy.