In recent years, the topic of weight loss has been heavily influenced by the emergence of medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. These drugs, initially developed for managing Type 2 diabetes, have gained popularity for their weight loss side effects, leading to widespread discussions and, at times, controversy, especially when celebrities are involved. While some celebrities have openly discussed their experiences with these medications, others, like Joey King, have focused on holistic approaches to health and well-being. This article explores Joey King's fitness and wellness strategies, while also acknowledging the broader context of weight loss trends and celebrity experiences with weight-loss drugs.
The Ozempic Debate and Celebrity Transparency
The rise of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic (and also found in Wegovy, used to treat obesity), has sparked public curiosity and speculation about which celebrities have used the drug to manage their weight. Similar medications like Mounjaro and Zepbound have further fueled this discussion. Social media is filled with before-and-after photos, and any noticeable weight loss by a celebrity often leads to accusations of Ozempic use.
Some celebrities have been transparent about their experiences with weight-loss medications. Chrissy Teigen revealed she used Ozempic after a miscarriage to cope with body changes and depression. Serena Williams turned to a GLP-1 medication after struggling to lose weight post-pregnancy, despite rigorous training and diet. Meghan Trainor, after facing scrutiny about her body, admitted to using Mounjaro alongside diet and exercise. Oprah Winfrey acknowledged using a weight-loss drug as a tool to manage her weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Kelly Clarkson mentioned taking a weight-loss drug, different from Ozempic, to help break down sugar. Kathy Bates shared that Ozempic helped her lose the last 15 pounds of a 100-pound weight loss journey that also included significant lifestyle changes. Harvey Fierstein credited Zepbound for a 120-pound weight loss, emphasizing that it helped regulate his body's natural functions. Jim Gaffigan found Mounjaro effective in losing 50 pounds and destigmatizing the use of such medications.
However, not all experiences have been positive. James Corden found Ozempic ineffective. Kandi Burruss didn't lose weight while on a weight-loss drug and experienced mental health struggles as a result. Amy Schumer stopped using Ozempic due to unpleasant side effects. Sharon Osbourne discontinued Ozempic after losing too much weight and experiencing nausea. Chelsea Handler unknowingly used Ozempic and stopped upon realizing it was a diabetic drug. Remi Bader, who was pre-diabetic, used Ozempic but experienced negative side effects after discontinuing it. Tracy Morgan initially joked about using Ozempic, later confirming it, but then reported gaining weight despite its use. Whoopi Goldberg has openly discussed using Mounjaro. Heather Gay has also admitted to being "on the Ozempic train".
Amy Schumer has been particularly vocal about the need for celebrities to be honest about using these medications, challenging the narrative of "smaller portions" and advocating for transparency.
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Joey King's Approach: A Blend of Physical Activity and Mental Well-being
Joey King, on the other hand, emphasizes a more holistic approach to health, focusing on physical activity, mental well-being, and a balanced lifestyle.
The Power of Pet Ownership
Joey King, 24, starts her day with a unique motivator: her dogs, Fable and Jesse. She emphasizes the importance of having pets, stating, "The best part about having animals in your home is that they need exercise. Even when you’re feeling groggy and don’t want to get up, you have to take the dogs for a walk." This simple act ensures she begins her day with movement and a dose of Vitamin D.
Having had dogs her entire life, King integrates her pets into her daily routine. She starts and ends each day with a 30-minute walk with her dogs. "It’s such a nice way to start the day," she says. "It forces you to get your legs moving and get some Vitamin D." These walks aren't just for physical health; they also provide mental relaxation. King enjoys taking her dogs on hikes, appreciating the simple joy of watching them explore. The actress rescued both of her dogs and has noted the positive impact pet adoption made on her mental health.
King's positive experience with pet adoption led her to partner with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, encouraging others to adopt pets. She finds it rewarding to watch her dogs transform into happy and funny animals.
Weight Training and Varied Workouts
Beyond dog walks, Joey King is a fan of weight training, which she finds both enjoyable and effective. "Weights have always been my favorite because I find it to be the most enjoyable and I see the most change in my body," she says. She believes weight training stabilizes her back and builds overall strength. If she had to choose one workout for life, it would be deadlifts.
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King avoids sticking to a single workout routine, as she gets bored easily. Instead, she uses YouTube to find workout videos, allowing her to switch up her routine and keep things interesting. She enjoys a 30-minute kettlebell workout that gets her sweating. This approach makes fitness accessible and doesn't require an expensive personal trainer.
Mental Wellness and Red Carpet Confidence
Joey King's approach to wellness extends beyond physical fitness to include mental and emotional well-being.
Despite a busy schedule, King prioritizes mental well-being. She describes her mindset on a whirlwind trip to Italy for Milan Fashion Week as "jet lag, baby," but maintains high morale. She is accustomed to running on fumes, balancing acting roles with personal commitments.
King's career has been marked by diverse roles, from a Holocaust survivor in We Were the Lucky Ones to starring in the rom-com A Family Affair. She also executive-produced and starred in the adaptation of the YA novel Uglies, a project she has been passionate about since childhood. "It’s been an insane year. I’m so grateful and fortunate," she says. "I am really open and willing to be surprised, and I want to surprise my audience always as well."
At the Max Mara spring/summer 2025 runway show, King sat front-row next to Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour, whom she admires for her love and appreciation of fashion. King also attended the show with her husband, writer-director Steven Piet, noting that they often coordinate their outfits.
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For the event, King chose a long-sleeved dress with ruching details and a midsection cutout, describing it as having "a very subtle sexiness." She values being both fashionable and comfortable, and the ensemble felt like a reflection of her personality: "It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but yet it’s so elevated and stunning."
To accessorize, King opted for simple gunmetal Max Mara jewelry, styled by Jared Eng. Makeup artist Polly Osmond incorporated gray liner underneath the eye and a terracotta lip, while hairdresser Owen Gould drew inspiration from Emma Chamberlain's 2021 Met Gala look.
King values collaboration and input from her styling team. "If I have an idea, I’m so happy to be convinced out of it," she says. "I really want to feel like everyone’s contributing to making the look as elevated and good as it can be." She has learned from years of experimenting on carpets, developing a keen sense of angles and what works best for her.
Reflecting on her early roles and fashion choices, King acknowledges some past missteps but appreciates her evolving sense of style. "Some of the stuff I used to wear, I’m like, What was I thinking?" she says. "It’s honestly hilarious that they exist forever online. You can’t get totally mad at yourself when you’re a kid experimenting with fashion…but I’m certainly glad that I have developed more of a sense of style."
Before big events, King remains relaxed, often setting out snacks for guests or enjoying an Aperol spritz. She also elevates her legs while getting her hair and makeup done to reduce swelling, a wellness tip she swears by. LCD Soundsystem is her go-to getting-ready music, and she enjoys listening to her best friend Sabrina Carpenter’s new album, Short n’ Sweet.
King resonates with Carpenter's sentiment that she is "truly just getting started," despite her years of experience in the industry. "I have so many years behind me, and I know I worked so hard to get here, and I’m so proud of myself…but I also do feel, in some ways, I’m just getting started," King says. "Now that I’m a little bit older, and now that I’m more observant, I’ve learned a lot more in these last several years. I have more of an understanding of what my taste is and will be going forward, and I can’t really wait to put that particular mark on my career."
In October, King will receive the annual WIF Max Mara Face of the Future Award, recognizing her contributions to the industry. "I’ve been working in the industry for a really long time, and I absolutely love what I do so much, so anytime someone recognizes me just for loving what I do, it feels extremely special," King says.