For decades, there has been research and talk about the dangers of obesity, and while being chubby doesn’t make someone inherently unhealthy, it can cause serious health problems. Although those who struggle with being overweight are often advised to consume fewer calories and train daily, thousands upon thousands of people are still classified as overweight. Now, in “An Oprah Special: Disgrace, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution,” Oprah Winfrey is addressing obesity as a disease, the innovative medications being used to combat eating noise, stepping down from the board of directors of Weight Watchers and giving viewers a glimpse into her personal struggles with weight and experiences with prescription weight loss medications.
Whether someone has had trouble maintaining a healthy weight or not, there was no avoiding the recent discussions surrounding medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy. However, because so many people get their information secondhand from social media apps, misinformation and distrust also spread widely. Using public criticism and mockery of her body as a conversation starter, Oprah opens the special by recalling the mortification she felt over the 25 years she was publicly ridiculed for her fluctuating size. She also remembers the unhealthy paths she took to lose weight, which ultimately weren’t sustainable.
While Oprah doesn’t administer the exact medication she used to achieve her most recent weight loss, she does take the time to identify obesity as a disease that many people cannot control. Unfortunately, this classification can still receive resistance and criticism from those who believe that people with larger bodies simply lack willpower and self-control. Using the same format as her acclaimed talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” Oprah addresses viewers and the studio audience, giving a brief overview of how weight loss medications have changed lives. She shares the experiences of a suburban mother as well as a Midwestern mother and her 16-year-old self, as well as getting in-depth information from experts such as Dr. W. Scott Butsch of the Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Amanda Velazquez of Cedars- Sinai Medical Heart.
The conversation takes place soon, with Oprah connecting with her friends in a personal and empathetic way. “Doom, Guilt, and the Weight Loss Revolution” focuses on the emotional and health burdens of obesity, but the reported side effects of medications don’t get the same amount of screen time. Doctors like Dr. Velázquez acknowledge that about 17% of patients will see hostile symptoms, but she reiterates that extreme long-term problems have not been seen in human trials. Interestingly, only one woman speaks of her terrifying experience of constant vomiting after being prescribed one of the many medications. Additionally, no men share their experiences with medication during the special, making this special very female-centric.
After providing introductory details about weight loss medications, the special discusses why the medications remain inaccessible to many. Insurers are unwilling to cover them, and with millions of people clamoring for them, there are now shortages. Unfortunately, discussion of how these points could be addressed never arises. While several audience members appear nodding and listening during the mother-daughter section, others appear to shake their heads vigorously in dissent. But maybe that’s the point; We don’t have to agree.
Our private relationships with our bodies should not have any influence on different people’s opinions about them. However, it may be false to suggest that larger people are not ostracized and humiliated just because of their physical appearance. For many, “Doom, Guilt, and the Weight Loss Revolution” won’t sway opinions about using prescriptions to help with weight loss, but for others, it may lead to more investigative conversations with healthcare professionals. While the special isn’t a deep dive into semaglutide injectables, it reminds us that we should all always be at our best to make decisions about our bodies without fear of pain or embarrassment.
“An Oprah Particular: Disgrace, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution” premiered March 18 on ABC and will stream on Hulu starting March 19.
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