MEMPHIS, Tenn. — One of the biggest names out there is jumping on board the Weight Watchers train.
The program announced Monday that Oprah Winfrey bought a 10% stake in the company for about $43 million.
Winfrey will also serve on the Board of Directors of the company.
The news had local wellness experts wondering if the mogul will inspire people in the Mid-South to set their own health goals.
“I’ve heard the, ‘I want Michelle Obama’s arms. I want so and so’s abs’,” said Wellness Supervisor Angelos Wilson, who works at the YMCA downtown.
He expected Winfrey’s name to bring more people to the gym soon.
“Definitely. Oprah influences the world,” Wilsom said.
Many in the Mid-South hope Winfrey’s reach will extend to African American men and women, as well as other underserved populations at risk of serious health problems.
“Weight gain is pretty much the cause of all diseases. Blood pressure, diabetes, everything starts with your weight,” Wilson said.
Glenette Mayo exercises at the YMCA. She said she expects to see more people in her exercise classes sign up for the program in light of the news.
“We look to people that we see continuously on the TV or in the news, and if we have a positive attitude about them, outlook on them, then we want to know what makes them feel good. Then, I want to try it too,” a Mayo said.
Before Winfrey was a mogul or brand, she was a Mississippi girl.
Arkansas and Mississippi recently ranked first and third in a State of Obesity report.
Tennessee has the 14th highest obesity rate.
“She is from the south. So, what better person than Oprah?” Mayo said.
The announcement did not indicate whether or not Winfrey will be a spokesperson for the company.
WREG reached out to Winfrey’s team to ask about how she hopes to inspire underserved populations. We received a response that said she is on set this week and was unavailable Monday.
