Oprah Is Leaving WeightWatchers Board After Revealing She's Using A Weight Loss Drug

This news comes after the renowned talk show host shared in December 2023 that she had started taking a medication to aid in weight loss.

At 70 years old, Oprah chose not to specify the name of the medication when she first talked about it in December.

In her conversation with PEOPLE at that time, she expressed:

"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."

Oprah Winfrey has waved goodbye to the board of WeightWatchers. Credit: Getty Images/ Emma McIntyre/ The Recording Academy

"Obesity is a disease. It's not about willpower - it's about the brain."

Following this realization in July 2023 and having previously recommended a weight loss drug to others, Oprah decided to try it herself.

She elaborated on her feelings, stating: "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."

Oprah has been a key figure on the WeightWatchers' board since 2015.

Yet, in a document filed with the SEC and reported by Variety on 26 February, she informed the company of her decision not to seek re-election at the May 2024 annual shareholders meeting.

She also mentioned: "I look forward to continuing to advise and collaborate with WeightWatchers and CEO Sima Sistani in elevating the conversation around recognizing obesity as a chronic condition, working to reduce stigma, and advocating for health equity."

Winfrey admitted to using a weight loss drug in December. Credit: Getty Images/ Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

There's speculation that Oprah's use of a weight-loss drug might technically violate her contract with WeightWatchers, which stipulates that she shouldn't use 'any other weight loss or weight management' products or services, nor get involved with any similar businesses or programs.

Reflecting on Oprah's departure from the board, WeightWatchers clarified:

"Her decision was not the result of any disagreement with the company on any matter relating to the company's operations, policies or practices."

When Oprah joined the board in 2015, she bought a 10 percent share of the company.

She has announced plans to donate her stake to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Winfrey will still work with the company in the future. Credit: Getty Images/ Axelle/ Bauer-Griffin/ FilmMagic

The board of directors at WeightWatchers shared:

"[We're] supportive of Ms. Winfrey's proposal to donate all of her WW stock to the NMAAHC during the company's upcoming trading window in March 2024."

"Ms. Winfrey is making the donation to support the NMAAHC's goal to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans and to eliminate any perceived conflict of interest around her taking weight-loss medications."

"In addition, Ms. Winfrey intends to donate the proceeds from any future exercises of her WW stock options to NMAAHC."

Despite stepping down from her board position, Oprah plans to stay engaged by participating in 'a number of public forums and events' with the company.

Thilo Semmelbauer, chairman of WeightWatchers International, praised Oprah for her contributions:

"Oprah has been an inspiring presence and passionate advocate for our members, providing critical insights and counsel that has helped shape WeightWatchers over these last 8 years."

"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank her for her energy, dedication, and for continuing to play a role as collaborator and thought partner going forward."

"What I know for sure, we will dearly miss her presence on the board."