Oprah Winfrey is making a documentary about weight-loss drug Ozempic.
The broadcast mogul will sit down with medical experts and patients to explore the “radical impact” of prescription diet medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy in what will be her first prime-time special in three years. She agreed to do this because of the “very personal” subject matter.
“It is a very personal topic for me and for the hundreds of millions of people impacted around the globe who have for years struggled with weight and obesity,” Winfrey said in a statement announcing ABC’s An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution.
“This special will bring together medical experts, leaders in the space and people in the day-to-day struggle to talk about health equity and obesity with the intention to ultimately release the shame, judgment and stigma surrounding weight,” she added.
The Color Purple star — who stepped down from the board of directors of WW, formerly WeightWatchers, last week after confirming in December she had been using a weight-loss medication — will interview her guests, who are described as “the country’s leading medical experts and everyday people” in front of a live studio audience. In doing this, she will attempt to find answers to topics such as what are the side effects of such medications, what are they really intended for,why there is “shame” surrounding taking medication, and what will be their future in society and culture.
“We are thrilled to work with Oprah and the voices she has assembled to open a dialogue that destigmatizes and educates viewers on the important and polarizing topic of weight loss. I can think of no one better to lead this meaningful conversation about such a critical issue that touches all of our lives.” Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, said.
An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution will air March 18 on ABC and stream on Hulu the next day.
