10 Celebrities Who Admitted to Using Ozempic for Weight Loss

In recent years, the GLP-1 diabetes drug Ozempic has gained significant attention, particularly among celebrities who have openly admitted to using it off-label to aid in weight loss. While many tout its effectiveness in shedding excess weight, the medication has also sparked a heated debate about its potential risks and side effects. 

Understanding Ozempic: What Is It?

Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, is a medication originally approved as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by mimicking the effects of a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and appetite. Initially approved by the FDA in 2017, Ozempic has gained popularity recently for its weight-loss effects, leading to its off-label use among individuals seeking to lose weight quickly.

• Appetite Regulation: Ozempic helps control hunger by acting on the brain’s appetite centers, making users feel fuller for longer.
• Blood Sugar Control: It enhances insulin secretion in response to meals, helping to lower blood sugar levels.
• Weight Loss: Many users report significant weight loss, which has contributed to its appeal beyond diabetes management.

10 Celebrities Who Have Used Ozempic for Weight Loss

Several celebrities and high-profile figures have publicly acknowledged their use of Ozempic, often sharing their weight-loss journeys and the impact the drug has had on their lives. Here are ten celebrities who have admitted to using Ozempic off-label for weight loss or Ozempic’s newer weight-loss counterpart, Wegovy:

1. Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer revealed that she experimented with Ozempic but quickly stopped after experiencing alleged side effects that left her feeling uncomfortable and unwell. The actress and comedian has always been outspoken about body image and health, so her decision to discontinue the drug underscores the potential risks patients may face when weighing potential benefits against adverse reactions. Her candidness added weight to ongoing concerns about Ozempic’s safety profile, especially when used outside of its intended medical scope.

2. Kelly Osbourne

Kelly Osbourne has spoken openly about her dramatic weight-loss transformation, confirming that Ozempic played a role in her journey. While she celebrated the results, Osbourne also addressed the backlash, making clear that finding a strategy that worked for her health and lifestyle was her priority. Her defense of her choice reflects the tension many public figures face when using medical treatments for weight loss: balancing personal empowerment with public scrutiny.

3. Chelsea Handler

Chelsea Handler admitted she had been prescribed Ozempic without realizing exactly what the medication was designed for. After learning more about its intended use for diabetes management and hearing about possible risks, she expressed regret and stopped taking it. Her experience points to a larger issue in celebrity culture, where prescriptions can sometimes be treated casually, raising questions about informed consent and the responsibilities of physicians prescribing these drugs.

4. James Corden

James Corden, who has spoken openly about his lifelong struggles with weight management, acknowledged incorporating Ozempic into his wellness regimen. While he has not shared extensive details about his experience, his admission further illustrates how normalized the medication has become among celebrities. For audiences, Corden’s choice highlights both the accessibility of the drug for high-profile figures and the broader cultural shift around using pharmaceuticals for cosmetic weight loss.

5. Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg discussed her experience with Ozempic on television, turning her personal decision into a public conversation starter. Known for being frank and unfiltered, Goldberg used her platform to highlight the growing popularity of the drug, bringing attention to its widespread, sometimes casual use. By sharing her story on-air, she helped open dialogue about how celebrity endorsements can influence public attitudes toward powerful medications.

6. Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey’s acknowledgment of using Ozempic sparked significant public reaction, given her decades-long struggle with weight loss and her influence as a cultural figure. Her disclosure resonated with many who saw parallels in their own health journeys. At the same time, it reignited debates over whether powerful public figures risk glamorizing a drug that carries potential health risks, even as it provides hope to those battling obesity.

7. Rebel Wilson

Rebel Wilson has often been transparent about her “Year of Health,” during which she focused on diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. While she largely credits her transformation to those efforts, she confirmed that she briefly used Ozempic as part of her process. Her measured acknowledgment of the drug emphasizes that even when paired with lifestyle improvements, medications like Ozempic are not without potential risks and should not be seen as quick fixes.

8. Sharon Osbourne

Sharon Osbourne’s openness about her Ozempic use has been striking. She not only admitted to taking the drug but also spoke about the significant toll it took on her body, including weight loss she described as extreme. Her frankness has fueled important discussions about the physical and emotional consequences of using medications meant for serious medical conditions as cosmetic tools.

9. Sunny Hostin

Sunny Hostin, co-host of The View, revealed that she had taken Ozempic, adding her voice to the growing list of celebrities speaking publicly about the drug. By sharing her personal experience, Hostin added nuance to the conversation: celebrities are often placed under immense pressure to maintain certain appearances, but their choices can influence millions watching. Her honesty added to the ongoing call for balance between personal autonomy and public accountability.

10. Elon Musk

Elon Musk has credited his noticeable weight loss to a combination of intermittent fasting and treatment with Wegovy, a higher-dose version of Ozempic specifically designed for weight loss. Unfortunately, Wegovy has also been linked to a host of potential side effects, similar to Ozempic. 

Potential Side Effects of Ozempic

While many celebrities celebrate the weight loss they have achieved with Ozempic’s help, the reality for some users is far less glamorous. Reports alleging severe side effects from Ozempic have emerged, leading to numerous lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. Here are some of the most concerning side effects allegedly associated with Ozempic:

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis, or delayed gastric emptying, is a condition where the stomach cannot empty properly. Patients have reported chronic nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, leading to severe dehydration and hospitalization in some cases.

Intestinal Blockage

Ozempic has been linked to intestinal blockages, which may require emergency surgery. The FDA issued a warning regarding this potential risk in September 2023.

Vision Loss

Emerging research suggests a potential link between Ozempic (semaglutide) and Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION), a condition that can lead to sudden and irreversible vision loss.

Other Health Risks

Additional health risks potentially associated with Ozempic include gallbladder disease, kidney damage, and pancreatitis. These serious complications have raised alarms among healthcare professionals and patients alike.

Ozempic Lawsuits Against Novo Nordisk

As the popularity of Ozempic has surged, so too have the number of lawsuits filed against its manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. Allegations raised in Ozempic injury lawsuits include failure to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the potential dangers of the drug. With over 2,000 lawsuits filed and counting, estimates suggest that liabilities could exceed $2 billion.