Macy Gray, the acclaimed R&B singer, recently shared her experiences with the weight-loss drug Ozempic, revealing both its initial appeal and the subsequent challenges she faced. Her story, as chronicled on MTV's "The Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets," offers a glimpse into the complexities of weight loss, body image pressures, and the potential side effects of popular medications.
The Allure of Ozempic
Like many others, Gray was drawn to Ozempic due to its reputation for rapid weight loss. She admitted to being "kind of a vain person" and felt pressure to lose weight quickly before going on tour and appearing on "The Surreal Life." As she explained, "I've gained a lot of weight over the past couple of years, and just as everyone started talking about Ozempic, I decided to try it." Her decision was fueled by a desire to avoid appearing "super fat on TV."
Ozempic, initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for managing type 2 diabetes, has gained popularity as an off-label weight-loss aid. This surge in popularity has led to widespread discussion and, in some cases, misuse of the drug.
Uncomfortable Side Effects
Gray's experience with Ozempic was not without its drawbacks. She openly discussed the uncomfortable side effects she encountered, including stomach pains and constipation. During the July 23 episode of "The Surreal Life," she shared with castmates Kim Zolciak and Johnny Weir, "Oh, boy, my stomach hurts. I've just been really constipated…I took Ozempic, and now I can't go to the bathroom, and I was up all night." Zolciak responded, "Ozempic does that. You have to be really careful, you know."
Constipation and digestive upset are known common side effects of Ozempic, according to Florence Comite, M.D., founder of the Comite Center for Precision Medicine & Health.
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Hospitalization and Health Concerns
In a later episode of "The Surreal Life," Gray's condition worsened, leading to hospitalization. She experienced shortness of breath and expressed her frustration, saying, "This sucks because I'm here all the way in Colombia and I really just want to give it my all, but I just feel awful and I just want it to go away. This is not going well. I can't even walk very much without losing my breath."
A set medic pointed out that Ozempic affects the pancreas and suggested she seek medical attention. While Gray has not publicly disclosed her specific diagnosis, fatigue and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) are potential, though less common, complications associated with Ozempic.
After Gray was taken to the emergency room, her castmate Chet Hanks revealed that "She hasn't been eating," to which Ally Brooke replied: “I know why. It’s the shot. That’s what happens. It literally happened to, like, my friends.”
Reflections on Body Image and Societal Pressures
Gray's journey with Ozempic highlights the intense pressure celebrities face to maintain a certain body image. Her desire to lose weight quickly before appearing on television reflects the societal expectations and scrutiny placed on women in the entertainment industry.
Gray's story also touches upon the broader issue of body image and self-acceptance. Despite her initial desire to lose weight rapidly, her experience with Ozempic may have prompted her to reconsider the importance of health and well-being over achieving an ideal body shape.
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Other Celebrities and Ozempic
Macy Gray is not the only celebrity to speak out about their experiences with Ozempic and similar medications. Other public figures have shared their perspectives, both positive and negative, on using these drugs for weight loss.
- Amy Schumer: The comedian tried Ozempic but stopped due to the negative side effects. "I was one of those people that felt so sick and couldn't play with my son," Schumer recalled. "I was so skinny, and he's throwing a ball at me and [I couldn't]."
- Chelsea Handler: Handler mistakenly took Ozempic, thinking it was another medication. She later realized the error and stopped using it. "I didn't even know I was on it," she said during an episode of Call Her Daddy.
- Kandi Burruss: The "Real Housewives of Atlanta" alum revealed that she hopped on the Ozempic trend last year but it did not work for her. “I saw so many people who were trying it and losing weight. So I was like, ‘OK, I’m going to try this.’ And I didn’t lose any weight,” the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum said during an interview. “My doctor was like, ‘I don’t know what the problem is, I’m not seeing this in other people.’ It didn’t curb my appetite. I know some people are like, ‘Oh, I can’t eat.’ Not me! I was eating appetizers, a regular meal and dessert, OK? It didn’t stop anything for me,” she continued. “When you see it worked for other people and it doesn’t work for you, it makes you depressed. Realistically, it makes you feel like, ‘What is wrong?
- 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."
- Sharon Osbourne: The Talk U.K. "Whatever you choose is up to you," she exclusively told E! News.
- Caroline Stanbury: "After 40, we all know it's very, very hard to lose weight," she said in the May 22 episode of her podcast Uncut & Uncensored With Caroline Stanbury. "But I met so many 40-year-old women going, 'How have you done it?' And I don't want to lie to you, I used Ozempic, which I think is one of the best tools if you're able to use it."
- 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!
- Brooke Burke:“I can’t speak medically about it, but I do know that there’s so much information about what’s working and what’s not,” she shared during part of an interview with Fox News Digital.
A Word of Caution
It's important to note that Ozempic and similar medications are not without risks and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Potential side effects and complications should be carefully considered before starting treatment. It is also important to prioritize a healthy lifestyle that includes balanced nutrition and regular exercise.
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