Celebrities Who’ve Talked About Taking Ozempic for Weight Loss— And Everything You Need to Know About This Drug

For individuals who are overweight or obese, weight loss is crucial to improving health outcomes, including reduced blood sugar and cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and decreased risk of chronic conditions like stroke and heart disease.

So, beyond transforming their appearance, many celebrities have embarked on a weight loss journey for a better and healthier lifestyle. For example, a previous post covers Irish actress Nicola Coughlan’s recent weight loss transformation, which has sparked curiosity among fans and was rumored to be connected to her upcoming role for the Netflix show Bridgerton.

Coughlan’s successful weight loss can be attributed to not only regular exercise but also a balanced diet, which the star has previously discussed in a podcast. Instead of restricting her calorie intake, Coughlan focused on macronutrients like complex carbohydrates to reduce body fat while meeting her nutritional needs.

However, not everyone can lose weight through lifestyle changes alone. Beyond diet and exercise, prescription drugs can help address the biology of overweight and obesity. Among the weight loss drugs that have exploded in popularity recently is Ozempic, so let’s look at the celebrities who’ve openly talked about taking it.

Celebrities who took Ozempic for weight loss

Amy Schumer

In a June 2023 episode of “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” actress and comedian Amy Schumer confirmed that she took Ozempic to lose weight. Although the drug demonstrated successful outcomes, Schumer also mentioned that she didn’t continue taking it since it made her feel sick to the point that she couldn’t play with her son. In the same episode, she encouraged other celebrities to be more honest about taking Ozempic for weight loss.

Sharon Osbourne

Like Schumer, Sharon Osbourne has been open about her weight struggles throughout the years. While Ozempic helped her manage her weight and lose 42 pounds, the English television personality shared that she didn’t want to continue the medication. Aside from being uncomfortable with rapid weight loss, Osbourne mentioned experiencing nausea as a side effect of the drug.

Tracy Morgan

Considering he’s a famous stand=up comedian, Tracy Morgan talked about his Ozempic use in a rather comedic way during his guest appearance on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna in August 2023. However, on a later appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in March 2024, the SNL star quipped that he gained 40 pounds after ‘out-eating’ Ozempic. Although it’s not confirmed if he experienced weight regain as a result of discontinuing the medication, this is extremely common as a side effect of stopping weight loss drugs.

Given the side effects that discouraged said celebrities from continuing Ozempic, it entails a closer look at how exactly the drug works and its potential side effects for those planning to take it for weight loss.

Ozempic: How it works and potential side effects

With the generic name of semaglutide, Ozempic is a medication taken by type 2 diabetes patients to improve their blood sugar levels. Ozempic is also a GLP-1 agonist, which works by binding to GLP-1 receptors and activating insulin release for blood sugar control. Since GLP-1 receptors are also associated with appetite control and satiety, Ozempic can also help reduce cravings for better weight management.

However, it’s worth noting that the US FDA has not approved Ozempic use for weight loss, making it crucial for overweight or obese individuals who plan to take it to be aware of potential side effects. Among the most apparent side effects is Ozempic butt, which is characterized by the sagging appearance of the buttocks after losing weight with Ozempic. This phenomenon is caused by the skin losing the ability to adjust to the rapid weight loss induced by Ozempic.

Aside from altering one’s appearance with loose, sagging skin, the possible side effects of Ozempic include not only gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain but also mental health problems. There have been reports of Ozempic takers experiencing an increased risk of depression and anxiety.

Overall, those planning to take Ozempic for weight loss must first consult a medical professional to ensure safe and healthy use.