Oprah Winfrey, during a live event in partnership with WeightWatchers, acknowledged that she has been a major contributor to promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets. She admitted to setting a standard for people watching that she nor anyone else could uphold [0305c937]. The event highlighted a shift away from diet culture towards body acceptance and medical intervention with drugs like Ozempic. Winfrey mentioned that she has added a weight-loss medication to her regimen but did not specify which drug. She left the board of WeightWatchers in February after a nearly decade-long stint as a director. WeightWatchers shares are down nearly 75% over the last 12 months [0305c937].
WeightWatchers has launched a new membership plan for members taking GLP-1 prescription drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss. The plan provides access to doctors who can prescribe these medications, as well as daily nutrition plans and other weight loss support programs. Analysts project that 15 million adults in the US will be on these medications by 2031 [0305c937].
Winfrey supported WeightWatchers' decision to move into weight loss medications and was in favor of the company buying Sequence, a telehealth business that offers virtual prescriptions for these drugs. Winfrey also announced that she would be donating all of her stock in WeightWatchers to the National Museum of African American History and Culture [0305c937].
Nigella Lawson, the celebrity chef, shared her thoughts on the weight-loss drug Ozempic in a recent interview. Lawson stated that the drug is not for her and that she prefers to focus on what she adds to her diet rather than what she removes. She believes it is healthier to be present and enjoy food rather than constantly thinking about it. Lawson is not the only celebrity to criticize Ozempic, as Kate Winslet also expressed concerns about the drug's impact on appetite and interest in food [4de8eb65].
Lizzo, the popular singer, reacted to a 'South Park' episode that referenced her in their latest special, 'The End of Obesity,' centered on weight loss drugs. In a blind reaction video posted on her Instagram, Lizzo shared her thoughts on the episode. She played a clip featuring a conversation between Sharon and Randy, the moms of Stan and Kyle, where Sharon reveals a fake weight loss drug called Lizzo. Lizzo expressed her fear and surprise at being referenced in a 'South Park' episode [8a51a70c].
Kelly Osbourne, in a recent episode of her family's podcast, 'The Osbournes Podcast,' shared a body shaming incident she experienced in Hollywood. She recalled that a Hollywood executive told her she was 'too fat' for TV and would 'look better' if she lost weight. The incident occurred in the early 2000s after she was cast in the film 'Freaky Friday.' Osbourne mentioned that the executive was putting golf balls into a cup while delivering the speech. She denied taking the weight-loss medication Ozempic and attributed her weight loss to health concerns, including gestational diabetes. Osbourne cut out sugar and carbohydrates to lose weight. Her brother, Jack Osbourne, described the incident as 'the most L.A. s--- ever' [96557ff8].
According to Fox News, prescription weight loss medications, specifically Ozempic, are helping to grow the US economy. Fox News contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier commented on how these medications, including Ozempic, could contribute to economic growth. The article highlights the potential impact of weight loss drugs on the economy and the increasing number of adults projected to be on these medications by 2031 [46ec40a6].
The latest developments in weight loss treatments were discussed in an article on Wisconsin Public Radio. The article featured interviews with Distinguished Psychologist Shilagh Mirgain, a physician, and other experts. The topics covered included building a better relationship with your body and food, developing a positive body image, and the safety of weight loss drugs like Ozempic. The article also mentioned that Oprah and WeightWatchers are now embracing weight loss drugs [02fe13bf].
Emma Specter, in an opinion piece for Vogue UK, shares her personal journey with hunger and her decision not to take the weight-loss drug Ozempic. She reflects on her past struggles with an eating disorder and how she would have been tempted to try Ozempic if it had been available during that time. Specter emphasizes the importance of learning to live in harmony with her appetite and appreciating food. While acknowledging that weight-loss medications may benefit some people, she worries that they provide a quick fix to the complex issue of body image and learning to live in a changing body. Specter encourages self-compassion and embracing one's own relationship with food, highlighting the societal expectations and stereotypes surrounding thinness and fatness [852f2b4a].