Khloé Kardashian has recently addressed the swirling rumors about her alleged use of Ozempic, a medication originally developed for treating type 2 diabetes but now widely known for its weight-loss effects. The speculation around celebrities using Ozempic has been rampant, with many stars either admitting to or denying its use. Khloé Kardashian, in particular, has been vocal about her stance on the matter.
In January, Khloé posted an image of herself on the cover of Sorbet magazine on Instagram. The post quickly garnered attention, with one user commenting, “The fact she uses diabetic medication to get this skinny is disturbing.” Khloé was quick to respond, defending her fitness journey and denying the use of any weight-loss drugs. She wrote, “Let’s not discredit my years of working out. I get up five days a week at 6am to train. Please stop with your assumptions. I guess new year still means mean people.”
Khloé’s response highlights a broader issue in Hollywood, where many celebrities are either accused of or admit to using Ozempic or similar drugs for weight loss. The drug, a semaglutide injection, has become synonymous with rapid weight loss, leading to a surge in demand and even shortages. Despite its popularity, the drug is not without its side effects, including muscle loss, nausea, and diarrhea. Moreover, many users report regaining the weight once they stop taking the medication.
Amy Schumer, for instance, has been candid about her experience with Ozempic. During an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” in June 2023, Schumer revealed that she had tried Ozempic about a year ago. While she did lose weight, the side effects were too severe for her to continue. “You’re like, ‘OK, this isn’t livable for me,’ but I immediately invested because I’m like, ‘Everyone and their mum is gonna try it,’” she said. Schumer also criticized celebrities who aren’t honest about their use of weight-loss drugs, urging them to “be real with the people.”
Similarly, NBA star Charles Barkley has openly discussed his use of Mounjaro, a competitor to Ozempic. Barkley lost over 28kg in six months while also maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine. He shared his experience on “The Pat McAfee Show,” stating, “It’s been great. I’m starting to feel like a human being, not a fat-a** any more.” Barkley emphasized that his motivation was to live longer and that his doctor preferred Mounjaro over Ozempic.
Other celebrities have had mixed experiences with these weight-loss drugs. Model and TikTok creator Remi Bader, for example, was prescribed semaglutide because she was pre-diabetic. However, after stopping the drug, she began binge-eating again and gained back more weight than she had lost. “I was like, ‘I bet the second I go off I’m going to get starving again,’ and I did,” Bader said on the podcast “Not Skinny But Not Fat.”
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has also admitted to using semaglutide. In October 2022, Musk tweeted that he was taking Wegovy, a brand of semaglutide, and credited it for helping him get “fit, ripped, and healthy.” Comedian Chelsea Handler, on the other hand, revealed that she took semaglutide without initially knowing what it was. Her “anti-ageing doctor just hands it out to anybody,” she said on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast. Handler eventually stopped using the drug after realizing it wasn’t necessary for her.
Despite the growing list of celebrities who have admitted to using Ozempic or similar drugs, many others have vehemently denied the allegations. “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kyle Richards, for instance, has been adamant that she is not on weight-loss drugs. After posting a photo in workout clothes on Instagram, Richards received numerous comments speculating that she was taking semaglutide. She responded, “Do not spread lies. I’m not on Ozempic.” Richards later told Extra that she finds the accusations “frustrating” and emphasized her commitment to diet and exercise.
Rosie O’Donnell, another celebrity who has been open about her weight-loss journey, said she lost 4.5kg since Christmas by taking tirzepatide and drinking less soda. O’Donnell described the experience as “freedom from intrusive thoughts about food.”
The debate around Ozempic and similar drugs continues to be a hot topic in Hollywood. While some celebrities are transparent about their use of these medications, others, like Khloé Kardashian, are quick to shut down the rumors. As the conversation evolves, it remains clear that the pressure to maintain a certain physique in the public eye is immense, leading many to explore various avenues for weight loss, whether through traditional methods or pharmaceutical interventions.
Source: Insider, Variety, E! News
