In a fiery segment on The View, co-host Whoopi Goldberg lashed out at Health and Human Services (HHS) nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr., accusing him of “fat shaming” Americans.

The controversy erupted after Kennedy suggested that the medical establishment prioritizes prescription drugs over promoting healthier lifestyles, as reported by The Daily Caller.

Mar 26, 2024; Oakland, CA, USA; Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy jr. watches off stage after announcing his Vice President representative as Nicole Shanahan during a rally at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts in Oakland, Calif. on Tuesday Mar 26, 2024; Oakland, California, United States; Mandatory Credit: Brittany Hosea-Small-USA TODAY

Kennedy, known for his criticism of Big Pharma, told CNBC’s Jim Cramer that Americans should focus on nutritious diets and exercise before turning to GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.

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Goldberg, who has publicly discussed her own weight-loss journey, didn’t hold back. She argued that Kennedy’s comments unfairly stigmatize people who struggle with obesity and rely on medication for weight management.

“This isn’t just about food,” Goldberg declared. “Some people are genetically larger. When you say stuff like that, you’re setting folks up for shame.”

Jun 11, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Whoopi Goldberg introduces the performance by the cast of Falsettos at the 71st TONY Awards at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

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Goldberg went on to highlight her personal experience with weight-loss medication. “I weighed close to 300 pounds less than two years ago. Without Mounjaro, this would not have happened,” she said, adding that such drugs can prevent life-threatening conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Kennedy’s remarks come amid heated national discussions on healthcare. Tech mogul Elon Musk entered the fray, posting on X (formerly Twitter) about the importance of lowering the costs of GLP-1 drugs.

Musk argued these medications could significantly improve the quality of life for millions. However, current Medicare policies prohibit covering weight-loss drugs, offering coverage only for GLP-1 medications prescribed to treat Type 2 diabetes.

Musk’s post followed the tragic murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, whose alleged killer, Luigi Mangione, left behind a scathing three-page note condemning healthcare corporations for exploiting Americans for profit.

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The shocking incident has added fuel to the ongoing debate over healthcare access and affordability.

Kennedy’s focus on lifestyle changes over medications has earned him both praise and criticism. Supporters view his stance as a much-needed critique of the medical industry, while detractors, like Goldberg, accuse him of being insensitive to the complexities of obesity.

This clash underscores a broader cultural divide over personal responsibility, medical intervention, and the role of government in health policy. As the conversation continues, Kennedy’s candidacy for HHS secretary is sure to remain under intense scrutiny.

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