Oprah Winfrey, the renowned entertainment mogul, has announced her departure from the board of WeightWatchers after almost a decade of service. This decision comes after Winfrey revealed that she is using a weight-loss drug, marking a significant turning point in her personal journey towards managing her weight.
Winfrey informed the company of her decision not to stand for reelection at the annual meeting of shareholders in May 2024. She has been a member of the board since 2015 when she acquired a 10% stake in WeightWatchers. Despite stepping down from the board, Winfrey expressed her commitment to continue advising and collaborating with WeightWatchers and CEO Sima Sistani in raising awareness about obesity as a chronic condition, reducing stigma, and advocating for health equity.
In December 2023, Winfrey shared with People magazine that she had started taking a weight-loss medication. She emphasized that weight management should not solely rely on self-control and expressed relief and redemption in discovering a medically approved prescription for managing weight and promoting better health. This decision reflects Winfrey’s desire to challenge societal perceptions and eliminate the ridicule often associated with weight management.
It is worth noting that Winfrey’s agreement with WeightWatchers prohibits her from engaging in any other weight loss or weight management business, program, products, or services during her relationship with the company and for one year afterward, as stated in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Following the news of Winfrey’s departure from WeightWatchers’ board, WW International shares experienced a significant decline of over 20% on Friday. With Winfrey’s exit, the company’s board will be reduced from ten members to nine.
In addition to leaving the board, Winfrey has decided to donate her interest in WeightWatchers to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. This move aligns with her long-standing support for the organization and aims to eliminate any perceived conflict of interest surrounding her use of weight-loss medications. Furthermore, Winfrey intends to donate the proceeds from any future exercises of her WeightWatchers stock options to the NMAAHC.
Looking ahead, Winfrey and WeightWatchers plan to host an event on weight health in May 2024. This event will bring together industry experts to address the issue of weight without shame. Winfrey expressed her commitment to participating in various public forums and events as a vocal advocate for advancing the conversation around weight health.
WW International chairman Thilo Semmelbauer expressed gratitude for Winfrey’s contributions to WeightWatchers over the past eight years. He acknowledged her inspiring presence and passionate advocacy for members, highlighting her critical insights and counsel that have shaped the company. While Winfrey may be stepping down from the board, she will continue to serve as a collaborator and thought partner in the future.
In conclusion, Oprah Winfrey’s decision to leave the board of WeightWatchers after revealing her use of a weight-loss drug marks a significant moment in her personal journey towards managing her weight. Despite her departure, Winfrey remains committed to advocating for health equity, reducing stigma, and promoting a broader conversation around weight health. Her decision to donate her interest in WeightWatchers to the National Museum of African American History and Culture further demonstrates her dedication to supporting worthy causes. As Winfrey transitions into a new chapter, her impact on WeightWatchers and the conversation surrounding weight health will undoubtedly be remembered.