Oprah Winfrey has recently opened up about her role in perpetuating diet culture throughout her career, citing a particular segment from a 1980s show as one of her “biggest regrets.”
The 70-year-old talk show host, who has long been in the spotlight for her struggles with weight and attempts at weight loss, acknowledged the detrimental impact of her past contributions to dieting trends.
During a livestream event organized by WeightWatchers, a company she was once involved with, Winfrey expressed remorse for a segment on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1988 where she rolled a wagon of fat onto the stage to represent the weight she had lost through a liquid diet and exercise.
She revealed that she had starved herself for months leading up to the show, only to gain the weight back shortly after.
To take ownership of her past actions, Winfrey admitted to being a major contributor to diet culture through her platforms over the years. She recalled the numerous weight loss shows and makeovers she had featured on her talk show, acknowledging the harmful message they sent to viewers.
Despite her previous struggles with weight, Winfrey has been candid about her journey and has sought to empower others by sharing her experiences. In a 2016 interview with O magazine, she revealed her 12kg weight loss and posed on the cover alongside other women on similar journeys, emphasizing the importance of transparency and solidarity.
In more recent years, Winfrey has been exploring different approaches to managing her weight, including the use of a weight loss drug. She spoke about the relief and empowerment she felt in having access to a medically approved tool for weight management, emphasizing the importance of self-care and health.
