Social media personality Claudia Oshry's weight loss journey has been a topic of much discussion, particularly her use of Ozempic and the subsequent adjustments to her career and body image. This article delves into Oshry's experience, offering insights into the realities of medical weight loss, the challenges of maintaining results, and the importance of sustainable lifestyle changes.
Introduction: The Unexpected Turns of Weight Loss
For Claudia Oshry, losing weight and improving her health led to some unexpected career side effects. Oshry's experience highlights the complexities of weight loss, particularly when it involves medication. Her story underscores the importance of understanding both the potential benefits and challenges of using such drugs, and the need for a holistic approach to long-term weight management.
Oshry's Weight Loss with Ozempic
Claudia Oshry achieved significant weight loss results through a combination of Ozempic treatment and lifestyle modifications. While taking the medication, she experienced a 70-pound weight reduction over several months. This outcome, while impressive, represents an individual case that may not be typical for all users of the medication.
Oshry recently opened up about her use of Ozempic, a medicine designed to regulate blood sugar in people with diabetes but which has been used widely for its secondary weight loss effects. "I was on the drug for about a year before I decided to do a podcast and share it with my community," Claudia said. "Because I really felt it was nobody's business like what I chose to do with my body and my doctor." "[But] I'm always seeing really negative about the drugs and people being shamed for taking it that I thought I was doing everyone a disservice by not sharing my side of the story and my truth and it's been such a wonderful thing," she continued. "I thought after we released the podcast episode about it I would immediately regret it and honestly I haven't looked back since."
The success of her weight loss journey was influenced by several factors, including consistent medical supervision, dietary changes, and regular physical activity alongside the medication's effects.
Read also: Weight Loss Tips Inspired by Claudia Sulewski
Career and Comedy: A Shift in Perspective
According to Oshry, her weight was one of the factors that led her to pursue comedy as a career, and she's had an internal struggle when it comes to her recent weight loss experience. "I think [when it comes to] fatness and funniness there's an enormous crossover and I think a lot of people become funny because they're fat and they feel like it's like their only option," she shared. "I feel like that's definitely what happened to me because I was fat for most of my life."
"And when you stop being fat and you're still funny, let me tell you, that's a lethal combo. Opportunities come knocking," she added. For Claudia Oshry, losing weight and improving her health has led to some unexpected career side effects. "Up until this point, everything I've ever said onstage and every joke I've ever made is about being fat and now that I'm on Ozempic and I'm so skinny I don't know what I'm gonna make jokes about anymore," Claudia recently joked while speaking with ET, alongside sister Jackie Oshry -- who is also her co-host on their podcast The Toast. "I'm having writer's block because I'm skinny now and it's something I'm working through," she added. "[But] I will definitely be back on the road."
Managing Side Effects During Treatment
During her time on Ozempic, Oshry was transparent about experiencing several common side effects. These included gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and changes in appetite. Understanding and preparing for these potential effects is crucial for anyone considering similar treatment.
Common Side Effects Reported
- Nausea and digestive discomfort
- Reduced appetite
- Changes in food preferences
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
Post-Ozempic Weight Maintenance Strategies
One criticism that has emerged as medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound have become increasingly popular for weight loss is that people will often gain back the pounds they’ve lost once they quit taking the drugs. It’s a phenomenon that’s frequently referred to as Ozempic rebound. In fact, research published in 2022 suggests that once people stopped taking Ozempic, they gained back two-thirds of the weight they lost. Oshry appears to have defied the odds regarding Ozempic rebound. Jordan says her success suggests she’s made meaningful nutritional and lifestyle changes that go beyond the duration of taking the medication. Alyssa Wilson, registered dietitian and metabolic success coach at Signos, agrees. She says, “A good support system, like Oshry’s, is essential to keep you on track.”
After discontinuing Ozempic, Oshry has focused on maintaining her weight loss through sustainable lifestyle practices. This transition period is crucial for long-term success and requires careful attention to diet and exercise habits.
Read also: Iglesias' Health Journey
Key Maintenance Approaches
Successful weight maintenance after Ozempic often involves:
- Regular physical activity routines
- Balanced, portion-controlled meals
- Consistent meal timing
- Regular monitoring of weight
- Support system engagement
Comedian Claudia Oshry lost 70lbs on Ozempic and has maintained her weight five months after stopping the medication. Since stopping the drug, Oshry has maintained her weight due to changes she made that include a combination of WeightWatchers, a high protein diet, and regular exercise. Looking at WeightWatchers specifically, Wilson says, “The community support offered by the WeightWatchers program can drive motivation and encouragement. The plan also utilizes personalized point goals. “However, the end goal is to move toward mindful eating versus a points system (counting and overthinking), which discourages listening to your body and can lead to limiting the consumption of healthy foods that are higher in points.” Both experts believe Oshry is making a great choice by eating a high protein diet and regularly exercising. “A high protein diet helps maintain muscle mass and satiety, both of which are key for effective weight management,” Jordan points out. “Add to that, protein-rich foods keep you feeling full for longer, which can reduce overall calorie intake and support sustained weight loss,” she explains. As for regular exercise, Jordan says incorporating regular physical activity, with an emphasis on weight-bearing exercises, is essential not only for supporting metabolism but also for enhancing overall health.
Managing Increased Appetite After Treatment
One common challenge after stopping Ozempic is dealing with the return of normal hunger signals. This adjustment period requires specific strategies to maintain weight loss success without the medication's appetite-suppressing effects.
“When people stop taking Ozempic, they often find their appetite comes back stronger because the medication’s effects on hunger fade away,” explains nutritionist GQ Jordan. “The drug also slows gastric emptying, and so, without the medication slowing digestion, meals may not feel as satisfying for as long.” In turn, Jordan says this can lead to eating more, both in frequency and quantity. She says the effects GLP-1 medications can have on metabolism may also lead to weight regain. “A critical issue is that up to 50% of the weight lost during Ozempic treatment can be muscle mass, and since muscle is a key driver of metabolic rate, losing muscle mass can slow down the metabolism, making it easier to regain weight,” she explains. Another reason weight regain may occur is that some users may not have addressed the dietary and lifestyle factors that contributed to their weight gain while taking the drug, and when they come off it, they may return to the same habits as before.
Effective Hunger Management Techniques
- Planning regular, nutrient-dense meals
- Incorporating adequate protein and fiber
- Staying well-hydrated
- Practicing mindful eating
- Using portion control strategies
Wilson recommends eating protein at every meal as it can help “keep you fuller for longer.” When combined with strength training, it also supports the development of muscle mass, which improves your metabolism and means you burn more calories at rest. Eating mindfully is another way to ensure you don’t eat more than you need. Wilson says this involves tapping into your feelings of hunger and fullness. When you do this, she says it can increase satisfaction with your meal, preventing you from overindulging. It also enhances digestion and nutrient absorption. Finally, add fiber to your diet. “Adding fiber to every meal supports the digestive system, helps with weight loss since it keeps us full, and can lower the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control and increasing insulin sensitivity,” Wilson explains. She advises aiming for 25 grams of fiber daily if you’re female and 38 grams daily if you’re male.
Read also: Navigating Weight Loss with Ozempic
Long-term Considerations and Health Impact
Understanding the long-term implications of Ozempic use for weight loss is essential. While the medication can be effective, it's important to consider both the potential benefits and risks of this treatment approach.
Body Image and Public Perception
Claudia admitted, however, that her weight loss changed her life in unexpected ways, and that she's still adjusting to her new body and figure. "I thought being skinny would solve all of my problems -- and it solved a lot of them, especially my health ones. But I'm struggling with a lot of shame and a lot of regret and now, just seeing how people address me and talk about me does make me feel uncomfortable," Claudia shared. "I was literally stopped on the street yesterday, this girl was jogging and she didn't even say hello, she was like, 'Congratulations, you look amazing!' It's so nice but… It's weird. I'm not used to that. I don't know how to feel about it. I'm still working through my thoughts on it." “Now I look back at pictures and see myself through this new lens and it makes me feel sad.
Tips for Maintaining Weight Loss After GLP-1 Medications
If you’re coming off a medication like Ozempic or Wegovy, you might be wondering what steps you can take to ensure your weight doesn’t rebound. Wilson says incorporating daily movement into your routine is a must. She says simply walking is a great place to start if you’re new to exercise. After a while, you can add cardio and strength training to your routine. The latter can support metabolism and make it easier for you to maintain your weight long-term. Where diet is concerned, Wilson recommends eating protein at every meal as it can help “keep you fuller for longer.” When combined with strength training, it also supports the development of muscle mass, which improves your metabolism and means you burn more calories at rest. Eating mindfully is another way to ensure you don’t eat more than you need. Wilson says this involves tapping into your feelings of hunger and fullness. When you do this, she says it can increase satisfaction with your meal, preventing you from overindulging. It also enhances digestion and nutrient absorption. Finally, add fiber to your diet. “Adding fiber to every meal supports the digestive system, helps with weight loss since it keeps us full, and can lower the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control and increasing insulin sensitivity,” Wilson explains. She advises aiming for 25 grams of fiber daily if you’re female and 38 grams daily if you’re male.
Other Celebrities on Ozempic and Similar Medications
Many other public figures have discussed their experiences with Ozempic and similar medications:
- Rosie O'Donnell: The comedian has been on Mounjaro since late 2022, sharing her journey on Instagram.
- Meghan Trainor: The singer and her husband Daryl Sabara both used Monjaro, combining it with exercise and balanced meals.
- Kendra Wilkinson: The former reality star tried a weight loss injectable but stopped due to potential health risks.
- Bonnie Chapman: Dog the Bounty Hunter's daughter had a negative experience with Ozempic, citing nausea.
- Caroline Stanbury: The reality star used Ozempic and found it to be a helpful tool for weight loss.
- Jennifer Aydin: The Real Housewives star clarified she uses Mounjaro instead of Ozempic.
- Brooke Burke: Shared that she has a daily battle with herself not to go on Ozempic.
- Jade: "I tried Ozempic and it didn't work for me," she shared in an April 2024 episode of her misSPELLING podcast, "so I went on Mounjaro, which did do the trick and I did lose weight."
- Raven-Symoné: The actress emphasized that these medications are meant for specific individuals who need them.
- Sharon Osbourne: Stated that whatever people choose to do with their bodies is up to them.
- Chelsea Handler: Comedian who was unknowingly taking Ozempic.
- Heidi Montag: Lost 22 pounds without Ozempic, emphasizing sustainable methods.
- Amy Schumer: Took Ozempic but had to stop because of the side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Claudia Oshry lose 70 pounds using Ozempic, and is this weight loss typical?
Claudia Oshry lost 70 pounds through a combination of Ozempic treatment and lifestyle modifications. While impressive, this amount of weight loss isn't typical for all users. Individual results vary significantly based on factors such as starting weight, lifestyle changes, and adherence to treatment protocols.
What common side effects did Claudia Oshry experience while taking Ozempic for weight loss?
During her treatment, Oshry reported experiencing common side effects including nausea, changes in appetite, and gastrointestinal discomfort. These side effects are consistent with typical Ozempic experiences, though their severity can vary among individuals.
How can someone maintain weight loss after stopping Ozempic, like Claudia Oshry has done?
Maintaining weight loss after Ozempic requires a comprehensive approach including regular exercise, careful portion control, consistent meal timing, and ongoing monitoring of eating habits. Success often depends on establishing sustainable lifestyle changes during treatment.
Is increased hunger normal after stopping Ozempic, and how can it be managed?
Yes, increased hunger is a normal experience after discontinuing Ozempic. It can be managed through strategies such as eating protein-rich meals, maintaining regular meal schedules, staying hydrated, and practicing mindful eating techniques.
What are the long-term risks and benefits of using Ozempic for weight loss?
The long-term benefits of Ozempic for weight loss can include improved metabolic health and sustained weight reduction when combined with lifestyle changes.