Tabloids Shamed Oprah Winfrey Every Week for 25 Years for Lack of Willpower amid Weight Struggles: 'I'm Just Sick of It'

• Oprah Winfrey, one of the world's most influential and successful media personalities, was subjected to relentless criticism and mockery by the tabloids for her weight fluctuations for over 25 years.
• The TV mogul, who has openly shared her struggles with weight and on-and-off diets, said she was shamed weekly for her lack of willpower and discipline.
• In a recent interview, she revealed how she feels about the constant scrutiny and why she is "just sick of it."

In an era where body positivity and self-acceptance are gaining momentum, media mogul Oprah Winfrey recently opened up about her lifelong battle with weight and the relentless scrutiny she faced from tabloids for over two decades.

The iconic television host and philanthropist revealed how she was mercilessly attacked weekly as the tabloids relentlessly criticized her perceived lack of willpower in the face of her weight struggles.

The TV sensation is known for her candidness and does not hold back when discussing her experiences. In a groundbreaking conversation held at the Hearst Tower in New York City, Winfrey bared her soul as she addressed the topic that has been a constant presence in her life.

The "The State of Weight" event featured a candid dialogue between Winfrey and esteemed experts, including obesity specialists Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, Melanie Jay, MD, Sima Sistani (CEO of Weight Watchers), and psychologist Rachel Goldman, PhD. This raw and honest conversation offered a new perspective on the obesity crisis affecting two out of every five adults globally.

The Unrelenting Tabloid Onslaught

Winfrey's weight struggles began in her early years, and as her fame grew, so did the spotlight on her body. While she became a household name for her talk show and influence in various fields, tabloids were quick to capitalize on her fluctuations in weight. For years, Winfrey was a constant target of sensational headlines and intrusive paparazzi photos that focused on her physique.

She candidly shared how tabloids exploited her weight struggles relentlessly, making her a target of body-shaming and criticism. She confessed, "I was shamed in the tabloids every week about not having the willpower." She revealed a deeply personal battle that had been ongoing for 25 years and admitted to feeling ashamed as the tabloid kept targeting her.

Instead of recognizing her profound impact on the world, all the tabloids did was scrutinize her every move, focusing on her weight. Winfrey stated:

"I don't know that there is another public person whose weight struggles have been exploited as much as mine."

In her heartfelt conversation, Winfrey shed light on the pervasive weight stigma that plagues our society. She acknowledged that being overweight often results in differential treatment.

"I get treated differently if I'm 200 plus pounds versus under 200 pounds. When I walk into a store, there's condescension, there's a stigma," Winfrey revealed. She emphasized that the choices regarding one's body and weight health should be profoundly personal and free from shame.

From Weight Watchers to Self-Acceptance

Winfrey's journey toward self-acceptance and empowerment has been a long and winding road. In 2015, she joined forces with Weight Watchers, a company she co-owns, and embarked on a transformative journey. Overcoming years of on-and-off diets, health issues, and even self-doubt, she shed over 40 pounds with the help of Weight Watchers.

Winfrey proudly declared, "I can honestly tell you, I struggle no more." While Winfrey's weight struggles were at the forefront for many years, her transformation extended far beyond physical appearance. She realized that her worth should not be determined by her weight but by the positive impact she could have on the world.

Winfrey maintains a balanced approach as she focuses on her health and wellness. She understands the importance of movement and flexibility, particularly as one progresses in age. She shared her commitment to staying active, stating, "I don't want to just be alive; I want to feel it." Winfrey has embraced exercise and a healthier lifestyle as a spokesperson and stakeholder of Weight Watchers.