Celebrities such as Amy Schumer and Sharon Obsorn have admitted to using Ozempic, but health experts are urging celebrities to think twice if they're only using it for weight loss.
Celebrities are being urged to reconsider using Ozempic for weight loss.
Ozempic's active ingredient, semaglutide, is used to fight obesity, and use of the drug has skyrocketed among people wanting to lose weight. Amy Schumer, Sharon Osbourne and Heather Gay are among those who have admitted to using the drug.
Nevertheless, Ozempic is only indicated for diabetes and only for the treatment of adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise. Experts argue that the use of Ozempic as a weight management drug is considered “off-label.”
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read more: Christina Aguilera criticized for Ozempic use after incredible weight loss
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Dr Heather Hinshelwood, owner and chief medical officer at the Flaum Centre, described Ozempic as a “lifesaver” when used correctly. “For my patients with complex conditions including cardiovascular disease, menopause, diabetes and chronic kidney disease, and even patients showing signs of early dementia, Ozempic and its generic equivalent semaglutide are literally lifesavers,” she said.
“That being said, I am not in showbiz and do not care about patients in that industry, but it seems to me that celebrities who are taking this drug are doing so to maintain their weight at a very unhealthy level, which is not the intended purpose of this drug. The food we consume provides the nutrients essential for our bodies to function at an optimal level. Without an adequate nutritional intake, vitamin deficiencies, protein deficiencies, fat deficiencies and glucose deficiencies can occur, leading to serious health problems comparable to morbid obesity.
“Our bodies need vitamins, protein, healthy carbohydrates and healthy fats to keep our muscles, nerves, brains and more functioning. As a physician, I hope we all maintain healthy lifestyles. I hope that one day we can all find balance and joy in a healthy, functioning body, even if we don't meet Hollywood's ideal standards of beauty.”
Jane Owen, a PR expert for the stars, agrees, but says the celebrity world is hell-bent on making women feel confident, and that appearance plays a big part. “I know a lot of people look at celebrities and think, 'They're so pretty or have a great figure, they must be super confident,' but that's really rare,” she confesses.
“Most celebrities are extremely insecure and feel extreme pressure from both inside and outside to achieve an extreme version of themselves. It's common for agents, managers, and even producers to pressure actresses and actors to lose weight for or to get a role. Plus, when you're photographed every day, you become hyper-conscious of how you look in photos (like we all do). It's easy to become obsessed with your appearance, which can lead to plastic surgery, crazy diets, etc.”
She further explained her concerns about using the drug, adding, “An 'easy fix' like Ozempic is so appealing, it's no wonder it's become so popular in Hollywood circles. I am very concerned that there may be more serious long-term effects that we don't know about yet. I hope that one day Hollywood will be more tolerant and that people will see flaws as beauty and embrace all body types, but unfortunately that is not the case right now.”
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