Alabama Barker, the 18-year-old daughter of Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and his ex-wife Shanna Moakler, has recently been open about her decision to use weight loss medication. This revelation has sparked conversations about body image, online bullying, and the use of such medications among celebrities.
Addressing Online Criticism
Alabama has had to defend herself against online criticism regarding her appearance. In April, she responded to accusations of having "plastic surgery on everything" after posting bikini photos. She has also addressed how she deals with online haters, echoing her stepmother Kourtney Kardashian Barker's experiences with reality TV scrutiny. Alabama stated that she views online hate as "a self-projection," emphasizing the importance of not feeding into negativity, as "people are going to hate regardless."
It's disheartening that Alabama is put in the position to defend herself against trolls and online haters discussing her image.
Alabama mentioned that tabloid photographers will normally attempt to take a photo of a person to make them look bad, such as when their mouth is open or if they’re sneezing. “I would love to see you guys getting random pictures of you taken of you when you’re leaving the grocery store, in the middle of a sentence, with your mouth wide open - and let’s see how beautiful you look,” she said.
The Decision to Use Weight Loss Medication
In a "get ready with me" style video, Alabama shared her reasoning for using weight loss medication. "I have this thing where I photograph so ugly and people are like, 'Oh, my God, you're so fat and you're so ugly,'" she explained. "It's like, I see what you guys are seeing but just meet me in person. I feel like I really don't look like that." She continued, "I'm on weight loss medication because I'm tired of being fat and photographing like a damn ogre."
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While Alabama did not specify which medication she is taking, she expressed her frustration with her weight and how she perceives herself in photos. She also asked for people to keep their opinions to themselves, suggesting that doing so "will get you further in life."
Health Considerations: Thyroid and Autoimmune Disease
Alabama revealed that her weight fluctuates due to an autoimmune and thyroid disease. According to the Cleveland Clinic, thyroid issues can lead to unexpected weight gain due to the gland producing too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) or too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). "I also have a thyroid problem and an autoimmune disease, so that’s one of the main reasons why I have weight gain,” Barker said. She also sent a message to girls watching her, "I don’t want any girls that are young, watching this that are gaining weight to ever think there’s something wrong with it,” she continued. “There is a certain point when your health is getting affected by it that you need to change it, but, no.
Family History and Influences
Alabama's mother, Shanna Moakler, has also spoken about using weight loss medication. Shanna claimed she started to take Mounjaro after turning to comfort eating when her parents died last year. “I was in a very, very dark place. I stopped dieting. I stopped exercising. I just ate like s-t,” she said. “I was so devastated, and I missed my f-king mom and dad." The reality star said she gained 20 pounds before turning to the medication to help her slim her waistline.
Celebrities and Weight Loss Medications: A Growing Trend
Alabama Barker is not alone in her decision to use medication for weight loss. Many celebrities have been open about their experiences with drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy.
Celebrities Who Admitted to Using Weight Loss Medications
- Andy Cohen: Admitted to losing “a good chunk of weight” after he started taking a GLP-1 weight loss drug.
- Serena Williams: Admitted to using the GLP-1 medication Ro to lose more than 30 pounds.
- Meghan Trainor: Admitted to Mounjaro use via Instagram.
- Fat Joe: Admitted that he used Ozempic to help shed a whopping 200 pounds.
- Kathy Bates: Revealed in an interview that she has lost 20 pounds using Ozempic.
- Tori Spelling: Revealed she used Ozempic and Mounjaro to lose weight after welcoming her sixth child with Dean McDermott.
- Rebel Wilson: Admitted she briefly used Ozempic to help with her weight loss after shedding 80 pounds.
- Michael Rubin: Admitted to using Ozempic competitor Mounjaro to lose weight.
- Heather Gay: Admitted to taking Ozempic to aid her weight loss.
- Oprah Winfrey: Did not specify which weight-loss drug she uses but acknowledged the relief and "gift" of having medically approved prescriptions for weight management.
- Sheryl Underwood: Lost 100 pounds while taking Wegovy.
- Jonathan Van Ness: Has been on weight loss medication and incorporated Pilates into his routine.
- Rosie O'Donnell: The comedian has been on the anti-Type 2 diabetes medication Mounjaro since late 2022.
- Jennifer Aydin: The Real Housewives of New Jersey star declared "I am not on Ozempic" during a July 2024 Watch What Happens Live interview before hilariously adding, "I'm on Mounjaro, okay. I'm sorry! I love being this weight, I love it!
Celebrities Who Have Spoken Out Against or Had Negative Experiences
- Macy Gray: Has been having stomach complications since taking Ozempic.
- Chelsea Handler: Didn’t know she was on Ozempic until a friend told her. She is no longer taking it.
- Remi Bader: Said she “gained double the weight back” when she stopped taking Ozempic.
- Sharon Osbourne: Revealed on “The Talk” that she got “very sick” after using injectable weight-loss drugs for several months.
- Bonnie Chapman: Dog the Bounty Hunter's daughter shared Nov. But before finding the solution that works for her, she had a rough go with Ozempic.
The Stigma and Shame Surrounding Weight Loss Medication
Some celebrities have expressed concern about the stigma surrounding weight loss medications. Amy Schumer, for example, criticized celebrities who deny using these drugs, urging them to "be real with the people." Other celebrities, like Kate, expressed they actually don't know what Ozempic is. "Oh, my God," Kate remarked after learning about the injectable. "This sounds terrible."
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The Importance of Responsible Use and Medical Supervision
Dr. Drew Pinsky emphasized that people have mixed feelings about interventions like this. Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk previously told E! laws and regulations in the promotion of our products," the Danish pharmaceutical company said in a statement. "We trust that healthcare providers are evaluating a patient's individual needs and determining which medicine is right for that particular patient."
Raven-Symoné"I think it's very important we understand certain medications are made for certain people," the actress told E! Raven continued, "Do what you gotta do, just make sure you save the medication for the people who actually need it."
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