Oprah Winfrey recently shared her experience of being body-shamed by Joan Rivers on national television back in 1985. During an interview on “The Jamie Kern Lima Show,” Winfrey recalled the moment when Rivers asked her why she was “so fat” during her appearance on “The Tonight Show.” Despite being taken aback by the comment, Winfrey responded by jokingly saying she gained weight by eating a lot.
Rivers continued to advise Winfrey to lose weight, emphasizing that she was a pretty girl and should not let herself go. Winfrey, feeling the pressure to lose weight, agreed to do so but ended up gaining more weight instead of losing it. She even thought she would lose the opportunity to star in the film “The Color Purple” due to her weight.
However, after letting go of her dream to be in the film and attending a health retreat, Winfrey received a call from director Steven Spielberg offering her the role. This experience taught her a valuable lesson to work hard and then let go of the outcome, trusting in a higher power.
Reflecting on her struggles with weight over the years, Winfrey acknowledged the societal pressure and stigma associated with body image. She emphasized the importance of releasing judgment and shame towards oneself and others regarding weight and weight loss methods.
In a recent interview, Winfrey revealed that she uses weight-loss medication as a tool to manage her weight and prevent yo-yo dieting. She hopes to inspire others to embrace their bodies and stop the cycle of shame and judgment related to weight.
Overall, Oprah Winfrey’s journey with weight loss and body image serves as a reminder to prioritize self-acceptance and self-care over societal expectations and pressures. Her resilience and determination to overcome body-shaming experiences are a testament to her strength and commitment to personal growth.