The Ozempic Buzz
Hollywood is always after the next big thing; be it movies or even for the actors. Now when it comes to weight loss, everyone loses their minds. And right now, Ozempic is on everyone's lips. It follows the buzz around Ozempic which has been building since last summer. Used to treat diabetes, Ozempic has rocketed to popularity in helping with not only blood sugar control but with the shedding of some serious weight, too.
So, why would I take Ozempic? It is a drug that boosts insulin production and reduces appetite, with beneficial effects for diabetics and for weight loss. The catch? Although it is licensed only for type 2 diabetes, that has not stopped its off-label use for weight loss. Also, according to Google trends, this much Google interest peaked in April 2024, suggesting that this trend is just growing faster. While we do not know each celebrity’s POV regarding weight, it is fairly safe to assume they all do not classify as obese. According to the data given by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, an adult with a BMI higher than 30 is to be considered obese. Therefore, there are many celebrities who are promoting this unethical act of obtaining off-label prescriptions for weight loss. This collective trend of pushing for Ozempic to be prescribed for incorrect use has even led to duration shortages of the drug. Shortages of this drug can be terrible for those with diabetes as they may be unable to acquire the medical treatment they need. General practitioners have even been requested to prioritize this CNM for their diabetic patients continuously. In some countries of Europe, off-label prescriptions are completely legal, and the same goes for America. However, all prescription subscriptions should be performed in accordance with guidelines on proper and ethical practice.
The WEGOVY Pill
Celebrities have been very open about their weight loss, and many have admitted to the use of Ozempic and its counterpart WEGOVY while referring to their transformations. From Kim Kardashian’s sudden weight loss to several other instances, famous personalities have shared their pleasant thoughts about weight loss drugs. Kelly Osbourne, the daughter of Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, thanked Ozempic for working for her. The tech giant Elon Musk stated that WEGOVY helped him lose weight in combination with fasting. Oprah Winfrey talked about taking a weight loss drug in December 2023 and said that the stigma should go away as those drugs work. Rebel Wilson mentioned that along with efficiently losing weight, the drugs help to control the appetite. A plastic surgeon Terry Dubrow said that he loves Ozempic and that it works. But not everyone is on board with this trend. Some celebs have voiced concerns over side effects and ethical issues, like shortages affecting those who genuinely need the medication for diabetes. Stephen Fry shared on a podcast his severe reaction to constant vomiting. Andy Cohen expressed skepticism on Twitter about the drug’s long-term effects. Jameela Jamil criticized the lack of discussion on side effects amidst Hollywood’s craze for the drug on Instagram. Sharon Osbourne discontinued use due to excessive weight loss, contrasting her daughter’s positive experience. Raven-Symoné, in a recent interview, didn’t discourage use but highlighted the ethical importance of reserving medication for those in genuine need.
The Size Zero Era
The “Size Zero” or “Heroin Chic” era was a fashion trend that emerged in the 1990s. It was characterized by models who appeared emaciated with a gaunt look, often displaying pale skin, dark circles under their eyes, and an angular bone structure. This style was associated with a disheveled and unkempt appearance, and it was controversial due to its association with drug abuse, particularly heroin. The trend was popularized by fashion campaigns and models of that time. The late 2000s have a beauty standard that has given rise to curvier women with significantly bigger backs pointing to the BBL. But this return to wanting to be thin is in the same move as the 'Heroin Chic' era. Beyond these systems (and their accompanying ‘trends’ and ‘eras’), a main takeaway should be that we must interrogate the niche and ever so fickle standards to which ideal beauty is confined to in the first place. As all-these-Woods embraces this slimming craze, it’s essential to remember that beauty standards are ever-changing, and being thin isn’t the only way to shine.
