Oprah Winfrey has stepped down from WeightWatchers’ board of directors in light of news that she has been taking weight loss drugs for years amid health complications.
According to People, the 70-year-old media magnate declared she will not run for reelection at WeightWatchers’ annual shareholder meeting in May. She joined the company in August 2015 and has since amassed a 10% stake.
WeightWatchers shared in a regulatory statement that Winfrey’s choice wasn’t due to a disagreement or “any matter relating to the company’s operations, policies or practices,” adding that they will “dearly miss her presence” on the Board.
“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,” said Board Chairman Thilo Semmelbauer. “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.”
Winfrey intends to donate all of her shares in the company to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, noting that she has long supported the organization and is “proud to continue my support.”
WeightWatchers declared its support for Winfrey’s decision, asserting that her contribution will help NMAAHC achieve its mission of highlighting the contributions of African-Americans and removing any potential conflicts of interest related to her use of weight loss drugs.
In December, Winfrey told People that she realized she had been blaming herself for years for being overweight and that “no amount of willpower is going to control.” She described obesity as an illness and claimed that the brain is to blame.
After reconciling the scientific evidence, Winfrey claimed to have “released my own shame about it” and sought advice from her physician, who subsequently recommended a prescription…
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