On Wednesday, WW, the weight reduction firm previously known as WeightWatchers, announced that Oprah Winfrey would be leaving the board of directors.
At the board’s next shareholder meeting in May, Winfrey will not run for reelection. Her appointment to the board dates back to 2015.
“In elevating the conversation around recognizing obesity as a chronic condition, working to reduce stigma, and advocating for health equity, I look forward to continuing to advise and collaborate with WeightWatchers and CEO Sima Sistani,” Winfrey said in a press statement.
Winfrey said that the National Museum of African American History and Culture will get her WW stock donation.
She said in the press release, “I am proud to continue my support of this worthy organization, as I have done for a long time.”
Winfrey went on to say that she would be a “vocal advocate” for weight health and that it is a “critically important topic.” In May, she is partnering with WW to hold a weight-related event.
The board of directors of WW said that it agreed with Winfrey’s choice to give up her shares. Additionally, it said that the gift was made to “eliminate any perceived conflict of interest surrounding her taking weight loss medications and to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans.”
Winfrey recently revealed that she takes medication to help lose weight, although she did not say which one. Recent years have seen a sharp increase in the use of medications designed to aid patients with diabetes, such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
“Over the past eight years, Oprah has been a passionate and inspiring advocate for our members, offering invaluable guidance and insights that have shaped Weight Watchers.”
I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of the board for her enthusiasm, commitment, and future role as a collaborator and thinking partner. We will miss having her on the board, in my opinion, stated Board Chairman Thilo Semmelbauer in a press statement.
NEWS SOURCE: NBC NEWS
