Does Watching Oprah Really Put Us At Risk?

I watch Oprah on and off, read O magazine sometimes. She is extreme in certain things, nothing like putting us at risk, really!

I have not watched Oprah since she started talking about this new idea she has about religion & that guy who wrote that awful book. I used to watch her everyday but refuse to now. It's been months & I think she's gotten "too big for her britches" & needs to go on to something else & leave that tv spot open for someone more exciting & informative. I love the Bonnie Hunt show & should be the only talk show on. She's exactly the way the talk shows used to be before they all got big heads.

Just like anything Oprah puts on her show, the medical information she presents is one side of the picture. She never claims that it is the only way, she just gives options. It's up to us as health-minded consumers to research it further and make decisions for ourselves.

Good for Newsweek! Its about time someone said something about how irresponsible Oprah is with her Cult!

I agree that a lot of people respect and even follow Oprah's advice. I think that it's always best to consult your own doctor before following this medical advice. These celebrities who tell what they are doing to stay "healthy" or young does not mean that it is best! I know that it is free speech in America, which I am thankful for, so sure she can say what she wants. However, I think that the viewers need to evaluate the things she is saying,

I have to agree with you Alliegirl. Oprah is a force to be reckoned with. Her opinion has a lot of weight with her viewers, whether or not she is right or wrong. I appreciate the fact that she does feature credible guests, such as Dr. Oz, who actually have a medical degree. But for her to even suggest that someone like Suzanne Somers might be on to something is irresponsible. This woman is an actress whose only health training came from starring in thighmaster commercials. Suddenly she is writing cookbooks and health/living books and people take her seriously because Oprah had her on - which in the mind of the viewer is instant validation because Oprah would never steer them wrong. Come on, people. Don't put your brain away because something was suggested on Oprah. If Oprah is going to support alternative therapies and medicine, I would rather her have someone like Dr. Weil than Suzanne Somers.

I'm probably going to be in the minority on this but, It seems that when it comes to Oprah women seem to followers! Whatever Oprah says or does or recommends thousands rush right to it. Now don't misunderstand I know that the woman has used her power for good as well, BUT come on ladies stop being so influenced and "click-ish"!

Oprah's in the business of attracting viewers, so she's going to say extreme things to attract attention. I'm glad that Newsweek presented another side to the argument because I think it's scary how many people seem to believe everything Oprah says.

Its supposed to be a free world. Oprah can have whoever she wants and talk about anything she wants on her show.

I think that Newsweek took the attack on Oprah a little too far. I watch the show on a regular basis. I feel like she is just presenting information to the masses, and we have to make our own decisions about what is best for our lives and health. Oprah's show is like a talking magazine. When you pick up a magazine article, you don't always get both sides of the story. For example, somebody might be featured in an article for losing weight. They tell their story, which clearly worked for them. The steps they took to lose weight might not work for you. Oprah's show gives you the opinion of other people. It lets them tell their stories and presents you with options. The person watching the show must make their own informed decision. If that requires more research on the other side of the story, then research should be done. It is television. It not only provides information, but it is entertainment.

I support alternative medicine and other natural health remedies and I am glad that Oprah makes an effort to engage her viewers on learning more. There are just too many pharmaceutical companies who develop magical pills to reduce pain or make you feel better. In leading a healthy lifestyle, you have to beware of your mind and body connection and everything starts with nutrition. I support taking daily multivitamins and multiminerals and phytonutrients. But of course, anyone looking to make a change should not just take Oprah's word for it and should practice due diligence and look into researching these methods or products on their own.

I feel like Newsweek just published the article to gain publicity and sell issues because anything with Oprah's name on it sells. There is nothing wrong with shining the spotlight on other forms of medicine or therapy. Oprah never told her viewers to stop going to their doctors and only do things one way, she just offers them alternative solutions that they can look into.

I watch Oprah I think she is very smart and fair.I like to know whats new people are trying but that does not say I would try it my self.

I watched that show and my simple point is this: It's information. One-sided or not, there are resources out there to get the other half. Ask around and do what you think is best for you and not copy and imitate what "stars" do with themselves to keep themselves (or make them think they're keeping themselves) youthful, etc. I only took Oprah's show as alternative information. Irrelevant than anything I'd do, but yet still info on stuff I didn't know about...(& Dr. Phil's wife was talking about something similar or around about like that too once). You just have to do what's best for you. Period.

I don't believe the article went too far. When someone has a platform as large as Oprah's, they have an inherent responsibility to be aware of the message they are sending out to the public. I don't think there is anything wrong with showcasing alternative medicine on a show. However, until it has some backing evidence, it shouldn't be done in a manner that makes it appear the perfect solution. Too many under-educated viewers could be misled that way. As long as Oprah's shows maintain at least a modicum of uncertainty towards these practices, I don't think there's any harm. In general, I think her shows do a fine job of riding the line between giving too much credit to, and disbelieving alternative treatments. But there have been too many instances in which this wasn't the case, and I don't fault Newsweek at all for calling Oprah out on that.