Oprah Winfrey was notably absent from CBS this week, where she was scheduled to promote a new book. This was due to a bout of stomach troubles involving both vomiting and diarrhea. Her close friend and CBS anchor Gayle King overshared the details on “CBS Mornings” on Tuesday.
King said that Winfrey’s absence was due to a severe stomach bug that even required hospitalization. She went on to describe the unpleasant details of the illness.
“She had some kind of stomach thing… stomach flu… stuff was coming out of both ends,” King explained according to TMZ. “I won’t get too graphic. Needless to say, she ended up in the hospital, dehydration, had to get an IV, it was a very serious thing.” King also noted that Winfrey attempted to “rally” but was ultimately unable to attend an event.
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A representative for Oprah confirmed to Page Six that the media mogul is on the mend after a bout with stomach flu. “She is recovering following a stomach flu and received an IV due to dehydration at the recommendation of her doctor,” the spokesperson said. “She is resting and feeling better every day.”
Oprah, whose weight has been a topic of public conversation for years, recently made headlines with her new documentary exploring the use of weight loss drugs. “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,” she said. In the past, Oprah has been open about her dietary habits and her journey with weight management over the years. She has been associated with Weight Watchers (now known as WW) and has enforced portion control and mindful eating as part of her strategy for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“It was public sport to make fun of me for 25 years,” she told PEOPLE in December 2023. “I have been blamed and shamed, and I blamed and shamed myself.”
Last year, Winfrey found herself at the center of swirling rumors claiming she was using Ozempic, the diabetes drug that’s become a weight loss craze. As the speculation grew, Oprah revealed that she had indeed started taking the weight loss medication after years of believing she needed to rely solely on her own “willpower” to attain her desired physique.
In recent years, Oprah has continued her longstanding work in media, philanthropy, and wellness advocacy. She often engages in interviews with high-profile guests and discusses various topics, ranging from mental health to societal issues, on her podcast and Apple TV series. Additionally, she remains active in her book club, which significantly influences book sales and reading trends.
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