Hollywood’s Ozempic-Gate: Say Bye-bye to BBLs, 90’s Heroin Chic is Back!

By Iman Ahmed |

PUBLISHED July 03, 2024

The first half of 2023 saw many red carpets and movie premieres, other than the A-listers attending them, they all had one thing in common - how did Hollywood’s biggest A-listers get so small?

There was tons of chatter and speculation about the potentially questionable methods of achieving such lean physiques.

Celebrity weight loss has been a hot topic, especially after Kim Kardashian's controversial appearance in Marilyn Monroe's iconic dress sourced from Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! at the 2022 Met Gala. Although Kardashian didn’t attribute her weight loss to the drug, the incident seemed to ignite a celebrity weight loss craze.

What is Ozempic?

A significant part of this craze is rumoured to be fueled by Ozempic, a medication for Type II Diabetes, also approved by the FDA for weight loss under the name Wegovy. The active ingredient in both drugs, semaglutide, helps control blood sugar levels and appetite when combined with proper diet and exercise.

Who is using it?

However, despite their effectiveness, these drugs come with harsh side effects, especially when used by those who do not meet the clinical BMI standards for a prescription. A notable side effect, dubbed Ozempic Face by celebrity dermatologist Dr. Paul Jerrod Frank, 'causes the face to sag, look sunken or show premature ageing signs.' This effect has been observed in several celebrities and influencers who have showcased significant weight loss, including Khloe Kardashian, Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey and Sharon Osbourne.

Oprah has been candid about her use of Ozempic.

Sharon Osbourne before Ozemopic (right, image: KathClick/BigStock) vs After.

Moreover, semaglutide drugs are quite expensive, with a single dose of Ozempic costing upwards of $900 without insurance. This high cost is not the only issue; the recent surge in non-diabetic users has caused a shortage of the drug, leaving many diabetics without their necessary medication. For those with Type II Diabetes, missing their medication can lead to severe health consequences such as heart attacks, infections, obesity, strokes, and even death. Many diabetics have had to switch to less effective medications or ration their Ozempic dosages.

'The Office' actress Mindy Kaling reportedly admitted to using the drug to lose 50 lbs, with rumours swirling on TikTok about her hosting Ozempic parties with elite friends to distribute the medication.

Images: Vogue India (right) & Mindy Kailing's Instagram (left)

However, not all celebrities who have lost weight recently have used Ozempic. Grammy award-winning singer Adele attributes her weight loss to consistent lifestyle changes over several years. Others, like actress and model Julia Fox, have spoken out against the drug, denying its use and condemning its abuse in Hollywood.

Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are gaining popularity among influencers and celebrities, but not without significant drawbacks. Some users report severe gastrointestinal issues, including uncontrollable diarrhoea, which has even led to an embarrassing incident involving a guest at Gwyneth Paltrow's home in The Hamptons. Comedian Amy Schumer admitted to using the drug but stopped due to severe side effects like nausea and vomiting.

How does it work & what happens after?

Ozempic and Wegovy work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone that slows food passage through the stomach, reducing hunger and cravings. However, clinical trials have shown that these drugs can cause various side effects, such as constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Longer-term concerns include muscle loss, with roughly 40% of weight lost being muscle mass rather than fat, leading to potential health issues like frailty and early death in middle-aged and older individuals. Other rare but serious complications include gallstones, increased heart rate, kidney damage, pancreatitis, and gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach muscles become paralyzed, causing severe digestive problems.

There’s no denying Ozempic and Wegovy offer a quick weight loss solution, the risks and side effects, combined with their impact on the availability of essential medication for diabetics, raise significant concerns. The obsession with achieving a perfect body in Hollywood continues to drive dangerous trends, affecting not just the celebrities but also the healthcare system and those who genuinely need these medications.

Achieving your ideal body in no time? Who wouldn’t be tempted by that? But the consequences are far-reaching. From severe side effects to the ethical implications of medication shortages, the impact of this trend is significant.

Seems like Hollywood’s obsession with the perfect figure will never be satisfied. Not long ago, the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) was all the rage, with celebrities flaunting voluptuous curves and sparking a surge in cosmetic procedures. Now, with thinness back in vogue, everyone seems to be reversing their BBLs and turning to Ozempic for rapid weight loss.