Whoopi Goldberg Appeals to Health Secretary During Talk Show

Whoopi Goldberg has made a direct appeal to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on The View, right after a visit from Oprah Winfrey, who shared her journey with weight loss medications.

During her appearance, Winfrey promoted her new book, co-authored with Dr. Ania Jastrebov, titled Enough is Enough: Your Health, Weight, and What It’s Like to Be Free. She discussed how obesity is a chronic condition that can be effectively managed with GLP-1 medications. Winfrey opened up about how these drugs helped her tackle obesity and improve her relationship with food, motivating her to advocate for wider access to these treatments.

Goldberg, speaking on the show, addressed Kennedy directly, saying, “You can help in the fight and make sure people get what they need.” She emphasized the reality of obesity, stating, “No one lies down and says, ‘Oh, I want to be obese.’ This is a disease.” She urged those in power to take action towards a healthier nation.

Winfrey then echoed her sentiments, urging insurance companies to “get on board” to increase the availability of weight loss medications.

Goldberg continued, expressing her belief in the necessity of these treatments, stating, “I think insurance companies should stop pretending this isn’t a chronic disease.” She highlighted the importance of providing these medications to those who truly need them.

Winfrey also opened up about her past struggles, mentioning how she used to think it was acceptable to be teased about her weight. She reflected on the shame she felt for being overweight, saying, “I thought it was my fault that I was overweight.” She admitted feeling bewildered because she believed the critics were correct, adding that every time she gained weight, it brought on a sense of shame.

The View airs on ABC weekdays at 11/10c.