In a recent controversy, talk show host Piers Morgan has accused Oprah Winfrey of deceiving her fans by contradicting her past stance on weight loss medication. Oprah, a long-time advocate for natural weight loss through diet and exercise, recently admitted to using a weight loss drug—most likely Ozempic—which has become a popular option for celebrities and public figures. Morgan’s bold claims have sparked heated discussions about the authenticity of Oprah’s previous statements regarding her struggles with weight, racism, and sexism.
Oprah has long been admired for her transparency about her personal challenges, including her ongoing battle with weight. She has openly discussed her struggles with maintaining a healthy lifestyle and, in 2015, became a major investor and ambassador for Weight Watchers, a move that boosted the brand’s popularity. However, her recent admission about using weight loss drugs has led to questions about whether she was entirely forthcoming with her audience over the years.
Morgan’s criticism didn’t stop at Oprah’s use of the medication. He pointed out that as a figurehead for Weight Watchers, Oprah’s shift to using drugs like Ozempic could be seen as misleading, given the company’s focus on diet and lifestyle changes. Morgan suggested that Oprah’s credibility may be at stake, especially as her influence has led millions to join Weight Watchers, believing in her natural weight loss journey.
The controversy surrounding Oprah’s use of weight loss drugs has also raised concerns about the availability of these medications for those who genuinely need them. Ozempic, initially designed to treat diabetes, has been in high demand due to its weight loss benefits, leading to shortages. Morgan expressed fears that Oprah’s endorsement of such drugs could lead to a surge in their use, leaving diabetics without necessary access to their medication.
Despite the backlash, Oprah defended her decision, describing the weight loss medication as a “relief” and a “gift” for managing her health. She emphasized that obesity is a disease and should be treated as such, aiming to destigmatize the use of medical interventions in weight management. Nonetheless, the debate continues, with many questioning the ethics of promoting such drugs and the implications for both Oprah’s brand and the broader weight loss industry.