Karen Huger, a prominent figure in The Real Housewives of Potomac, has recently found herself at the center of discussions regarding her health and lifestyle choices. As she embraced her "triple twenty" milestone, or age 60, a health scare prompted her to make significant changes. This article delves into Karen's health journey, addressing her weight loss, the rumors surrounding Ozempic use, and other aspects of her life.
Health Scare and Lifestyle Changes
In a sneak peek of The Real Housewives of Potomac's November 12 episode, Karen Huger revealed a recent health scare. She underwent a series of tests, including an MRI, calcium score, EKG, and stress test, due to a concerning "five percent buildup" in her heart. While this revelation initially caused concern among her co-stars, Karen clarified that it was "not life-threatening." This health scare served as a catalyst for Karen to re-evaluate her lifestyle and make necessary changes.
Weight Loss and Ozempic Rumors
As Season 9 of The Real Housewives of Potomac unfolded, Karen's weight loss became a topic of discussion among her co-stars. Gizelle Bryant and Wendy Osefo expressed concern, attributing it to the stress Karen was experiencing due to her DUI charges. However, newbie Keiarna Stewart offered a different perspective, suggesting that Karen's weight loss was a result of using Ozempic.
During Ashley Darby's Drag King show, Gizelle confronted Karen about the Ozempic rumors. Karen responded by stating that, due to a family history of diabetes, she was pre-diabetic and taking semaglutide. Keiarna confirmed that semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic, leading Gizelle to conclude that Karen was indeed using Ozempic.
Karen clarified that she was taking semaglutide as a preventative measure against diabetes, emphasizing the serious health consequences associated with the disease. She defended her choice, stating, "I don't want diabetes. People lose their limbs. People lose everything."
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Karen's Explanation and the Use of Semaglutide
Karen's explanation shed light on her decision to use semaglutide. According to the University of California Davis, semaglutide is the generic form of Ozempic. While the Food and Drug Administration approved Ozempic for use in adults with type 2 diabetes, some physicians prescribe it off-label for weight loss.
By stating that she was pre-diabetic and taking semaglutide, Karen positioned her use of the drug as a preventative measure rather than solely for weight loss. She emphasized her desire to avoid developing diabetes, given her family history and the potential health complications associated with the disease.
Co-stars' Reactions and Karen's Response
Gizelle Bryant and Wendy Osefo had mixed reactions to Karen's explanation. Gizelle initially expressed concern that Karen was not eating or sleeping, attributing her weight loss to stress. However, after learning about Karen's use of semaglutide, Gizelle acknowledged that it was a valid choice, stating, "Karen, that's fine, I love that. But don't have me thinking that you're not eating."
Wendy Osefo jokingly requested "chicken wings," suggesting that Karen's weight loss was not as drastic as they had initially perceived. Karen responded by revealing that she weighed 142 pounds, further dispelling the notion that she was excessively thin.
Karen's DUI Arrest
In March 2024, Karen Huger was arrested after crashing her car into a street sign. Police footage showed her visibly intoxicated, slurring her words, and admitting to being "lit." She also made a reference to Andy Cohen, an executive producer on The Real Housewives of Potomac.
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Karen was sentenced to one year behind bars in February but was released in September after serving only six months of her sentence. Bravo cameras captured the moment she left prison, which was featured in the beginning of RHOP Season 10.
Other Housewives and Weight Loss Drugs
Karen Huger is not the first housewife to admit to using weight loss drugs. Emily Simpson from The Real Housewives of Orange County began using a weight loss drug in July 2023 and continues to work out regularly. Heather Gay from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City has also spoken about her 25-pound weight loss with Ozempic, even discussing it with other housewives on the Season 5 premiere.
Other storylines
- Wendy Osefo: Wendy is embarking on a new journey that combines her interests in politics, mental health, and gossip. She faces challenges as she navigates strained relationships with Gizelle and Robyn, and the arrival of new housewife Nneka creates friction.
- Candiace Dillard-Bassett: Candiace is busy touring her Deep Space Deluxe album, but the financial strain is taking a toll. She is also dealing with strained relationships with Ashley and Gizelle, and experiencing a rough patch with Robyn due to a recent health discovery.
- Robyn Dixon: Amidst cheating rumors surrounding Juan, Robyn chooses to stay by his side, sparking discussions and concerns among her friends.
- Ashley Darby: Ashley has settled into her new home with her sons, but the question of her divorce remains a topic of conversation. She contemplates the challenges of being a single mother and the financial implications.
- Mia Thornton: Mia and her husband, Gordon, have faced difficulties, including the loss of their CEO titleship in the Joint chiropractor. The tension leads her to consider divorce, but she decides to try couples therapy. She attempts to reconcile with Karen, but rumors hinder their progress.
- Nneka Ihim: Nneka, a first-generation Nigerian-American attorney and entrepreneur, joins the group with her husband, Dr. Ikenna Ihim. She seeks to build new friendships, but unexpected tensions arise between her and Wendy due to uncovered family secrets.
- Gizelle Bryant: Gizelle is in a casual relationship with Jason Cameron from Bravo's Winter House. She is preparing for her daughter Grace to go to college. While she is on good terms with Karen, she and Robyn face challenges in their friendship as Gizelle openly expresses her feelings about Juan's actions.
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