Braunwyn Windham-Burke, known for her role on The Real Housewives of Orange County, has been open about her evolving life, including her approach to health and wellness. Her weight loss journey has been a topic of discussion, especially after moving to Nashville with her partner, Jen Spinner. This article delves into Braunwyn's experiences, exploring the methods she's used and the lifestyle changes she's embraced.
Early Stages and Initial Motivations
Before relocating to Nashville, Braunwyn expressed a desire for a more wholesome environment for her children, a sentiment that fueled her move to Franklin, Tennessee, after The Hills alum Jason Wahler recommended it.
Upon arriving in Nashville, Braunwyn noticed a significant difference in the local cuisine. She mentioned the abundance of tempting Southern comfort foods like those at Loveless Cafe, with biscuits and fried chicken readily available. Braunwyn admitted that she isn't a person with a lot of self-control and, as a result, she gained 20 pounds.
Embracing Ozempic: A Controversial Choice
To combat the weight gain, Braunwyn turned to Ozempic, a medication primarily prescribed for Type 2 diabetes, which has gained popularity as a weight loss aid. She openly discussed her decision to use Ozempic, stating, "I needed help. I got help."
The Impact on Lifestyle
Braunwyn's Ozempic use has had a noticeable impact on her and Spinner's lifestyle. Spinner humorously noted that Braunwyn used to cook dinner every night when they first got together, but now she doesn't cook because she can't eat. Braunwyn playfully responded, "I don’t want to cook because I can’t eat! Feed yourself!" Despite Spinner's teasing complaints, Braunwyn maintains that the process has been "amazing."
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Fitting into Old Clothes
One of the positive outcomes Braunwyn highlighted was being able to fit into her old clothes again. This tangible result served as encouragement.
Body Image and Self-Acceptance
Braunwyn has also spoken about the importance of self-acceptance and body positivity throughout her journey. In an Instagram post featuring herself in a pink two-piece swimsuit in Hawaii, she wrote, "I came here looking for answers, and I found them."
She also shared a video emphasizing her strength and love for her body, including her "squishy parts," which she lovingly acknowledged for growing her seven children. She recounted a story about a friend who learned to love his acne scars as reminders of his journey, inspiring her to appreciate her "squishy belly" as a symbol of her body's incredible ability to create life.
The Nashville Chapter
In February, Braunwyn shared her motivation for moving to Franklin, Tennessee: "I never found Orange County to be the wholesome environment I wanted for my kids. I had sober friends out here, [The Hills alum] Jason Wahler, and he was like, ‘Move to Franklin.’ We came here and the first house we saw, I was like, “This is it." Braunwyn and Spinner have embraced their new home, becoming involved in local organizations like Nashville Pride and Franklin Pride.
Other Celebrities and Ozempic
Braunwyn Windham-Burke is among several celebrities who have openly discussed using medications like Ozempic for weight loss. RHOC star Emily Simpson revealed she turned to Ozempic to kickstart her weight loss journey in June 2023. Other "Real Housewives" stars, including Jennifer Fessler, Margaret Josephs, Dolores Catania, and Heather Gay, have also admitted to using Ozempic.
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Differing Experiences
While many have found success with Ozempic, experiences vary. Some celebrities have reported negative side effects or challenges. Singer Macy Gray, for example, mentioned experiencing stomach complications like constipation after taking Ozempic. Sharon Osbourne revealed she felt "very sick" and nauseous for months while using injectable weight-loss drugs, leading to a 30-pound weight loss in four months. Remi Bader said she "gained double the weight back" after discontinuing Ozempic and experienced worsened binge eating. Chelsea Handler didn't know she was on Ozempic until a friend told her.
Celebrities on Ozempic Alternatives
Other celebrities have opted for alternative weight loss medications. Kelly Clarkson confirmed she used something other than Ozempic to aid in breaking down sugar. Tori Spelling revealed she used both Ozempic and Mounjaro to lose weight after having her sixth child, eventually leaning off Mounjaro in January 2024 after reaching her goal weight. Michael Rubin admitted to using Ozempic competitor Mounjaro to lose weight.
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