Oprah Buys 10 Percent Stake In Weight Watchers, Makes $72 Million In A Single Day

Kingmaker Oprah Winfrey has purchased a 10 percent stake in Weight Watchers, and has become a member of the program herself, Weight Watchers announced in a press release this week.

Winfrey will also join the company as a board member and adviser, bringing "insight and strategy to program development and execution that reflects not only her own experiences as a member, but also her unique ability to inspire and connect people to live their best lives."

As of mid-afternoon on Tuesday, Winfrey's investment of $43.2 million Weight Watchers has already yielded her a $72 million profit — and a clear indication in the public's regard for Oprah, the wildly popular former talk show host who continues to operate a successful multimedia empire. 

Weight Watchers, meanwhile, had been struggling with a sales decline and dismal profits — but Oprah's stamp of approval will more than likely elevate the company's standing and get profits back on track.

"Oprah is a force of nature in connecting with people on a very personal level to live inspired lives, Weight Watchers chairman Ray Debbane said in an effusive statement. "This partnership will accelerate our transformation and will meaningfully expand our ability to impact many millions of people worldwide."