Oprah Winfrey's time as part of the WeightWatchers board has ended.
In a new Variety report, it was announced during an annual meeting with shareholders that the business mogul, 70, will be departing the WeightWatchers board. The news comes just months after she opened up to People about using an unspecified weight-loss drug. Winfrey has served on the company's board since 2015, where she also acquired a ten percent stake.
“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 said in a statement.
As part of her agreement with WeightWatchers, Winfrey "will not engage in any other weight loss or weight management business, program, products or services" throughout her term in connection with the company, and for an additional year afterward.
On Feb. 26, Winfrey gave WeightWatchers a heads-up that she would step down from re-election as a member of the board during the 2024 meeting for shareholders. "Her decision was not the result of any disagreement with the company on any matter relating to the company’s operations, policies or practices," the company stated.
After Winfrey's departure was publicized, market shares of WW International fell significantly.
In Dec., Winfrey expressed to People that she felt "shame" about her weight before turning to a weight-loss medication, which also helped regulate her health.
"It was a public sport to make fun of me for 25 years," she said. “The things that were said about me, said to me, around me, the jokes that were made. You could not get away with it in the slightest sense today.”
Sharing her thoughts on obesity being "a disease," she then explained how the medication helped her. However, she didn't share whether or not it was Ozempic, sought by other Hollywood entertainers.
"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," Winfrey said. "I’m absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself."
