Patti Stanger, the renowned "Millionaire Matchmaker," has recently captured public attention due to her remarkable weight loss transformation. Stanger has been candid about her experiences with weight loss medications and lifestyle adjustments. This article delves into Stanger's weight loss journey, exploring her use of medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro, her dietary changes, and expert opinions on healthy weight management.
Stanger's Initial Foray into Weight Loss Medications
In February 2023, Stanger openly discussed her weight loss journey, revealing that she had experimented with both Ozempic and Mounjaro. Ozempic, containing the active ingredient semaglutide, is a drug approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, with weight loss being a significant side effect. Stanger initially turned to semaglutide but discontinued its use after experiencing severe acid reflux. "I went on semaglutide, which is the ingredient in Ozempic," Stanger confessed. "I got the worst acid reflux," she added. "And I was not feeling good. So, I stopped three weeks in."
Following her experience with Ozempic, Stanger transitioned to Mounjaro. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which mimics the effects of both GLP-1 and GIP, offering a dual-action approach to blood sugar control and weight management. Stanger noted that she was taking Mounjaro under the guidance of her doctor. "I'm not diabetic, but I do take a sugar pill twice a day to keep my sugar down," Stanger said about her transition to Mounjaro. "So my doctor recommended it, and she said, 'I'll give you the vial of Tirzepatide,' which is the ingredient." She also reported experiencing fewer side effects compared to Ozempic, stating, "I am not nauseous like everybody else."
The Shift to Mounjaro
According to Dr. Dorfman, a medical professional and founder of Skin by Dorfman, many individuals are switching from semaglutide-based drugs like Ozempic to tirzepatide-based medications like Mounjaro. This is because Mounjaro's active ingredient, tirzepatide, mimics the effects of both GLP-1 and GIP, potentially offering more comprehensive benefits.
The Role of Diet and Exercise
While Stanger's use of weight loss medications has been a significant part of her journey, incorporating a healthy diet and regular exercise is also crucial for maintaining weight loss and overall well-being. Dr. Dorfman emphasized the importance of combining medication with lifestyle changes, stating, "With a good diet plan and exercise you can maintain your weight and keep your muscles as well."
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The "No Sugar" Approach
Stanger has also emphasized the importance of cutting out sugar from her diet, stating, "#nosugar is working. I've been off the bad stuff for over two months, and the weight flies off." However, experts advise caution when it comes to extreme sugar restriction. Keri Gans, R.D., author of "The Small Change Diet," highlights the distinction between naturally occurring sugars and added sugars. While excessive added sugars can be detrimental to health, naturally occurring sugars found in fruits are essential for providing the body with glucose, its preferred fuel source.
Gans suggests focusing on reducing added sugars in processed foods like salad dressings, drinks, and sauces while still incorporating fruits into a balanced diet. Additionally, being aware of the various names for sugar on food labels can help individuals make informed choices about their sugar intake.
The Broader Context of Weight Loss Medications
Stanger's experience reflects a broader trend of increasing popularity of weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. These medications have gained attention for their ability to produce significant weight loss results, leading to both excitement and controversy.
Ozempic and Wegovy, both containing semaglutide, have been approved for treating Type 2 diabetes and obesity, respectively. Mounjaro and Zepbound, containing tirzepatide, are also approved for diabetes and obesity, respectively. These drugs work by mimicking hormones that regulate blood sugar and appetite, leading to reduced food intake and weight loss.
Celebrities and Weight Loss Medications
Several celebrities have openly discussed their experiences with weight loss medications, contributing to the ongoing conversation about their use and effectiveness.
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- Chrissy Teigen: Teigen revealed that she used Ozempic following a miscarriage, which led to weight gain that she struggled to lose.
- Serena Williams: After the birth of her second child, Williams turned to a GLP-1 medication to aid in weight loss, emphasizing that it was not a shortcut but a necessary tool to reach a healthy weight.
- Meghan Trainor: Trainor disclosed that she used Mounjaro after her second pregnancy, alongside diet and exercise, to achieve her desired health goals.
- Oprah Winfrey: Winfrey revealed that she uses a weight loss drug as a tool to manage her weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Kelly Clarkson: Clarkson shared that she is taking a medication to help break down sugar, though she did not specify which one.
- Kathy Bates: Bates credited lifestyle changes and Ozempic for her 100-pound weight loss over seven years.
- Harvey Fierstein: Fierstein shared that he lost 120 pounds using Zepbound, emphasizing that it helped him feel like a "normal person" without constant dieting.
- Jim Gaffigan: Gaffigan told People in November 2024 that he lost 50 pounds using Mounjaro.
- James Corden: Corden said he tried Ozempic but it was not that effective for him.
- Kandi Burruss: Burruss revealed that she tried a weight-loss drug but did not lose any weight, leading to mental health struggles.
- Amy Schumer: Schumer confirmed that she tried Ozempic but stopped due to side effects, later finding success with Mounjaro.
- Whoopi Goldberg: Goldberg told Kelly Clarkson that she had lost the weight of "almost two people" since starting Mounjaro.
- Tracy Morgan: Morgan humorously attributed his weight loss to Ozempic but later revealed he had gained weight despite using the medication.
- Sharon Osbourne: Osbourne disclosed that she lost 42 pounds on Ozempic but stopped due to excessive weight loss and side effects like nausea.
- Heather Gay: Gay stated that she was "on the Ozempic train" and had seen noticeable results.
- Chelsea Handler: Handler shared that she unknowingly used Ozempic and stopped after realizing it was a diabetic drug.
- Remi Bader: Bader revealed that she was prescribed Ozempic for pre-diabetes but experienced negative effects after discontinuing its use.
The Importance of Medical Supervision
It is crucial to emphasize that weight loss medications should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional. These drugs can have potential side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. A doctor can assess an individual's health status, weigh the risks and benefits, and provide appropriate guidance and monitoring.
Avoiding Extreme Measures
While Stanger's "no sugar" approach may have worked for her, experts caution against extreme dietary restrictions. A balanced diet that includes naturally occurring sugars from fruits and vegetables is essential for overall health. Focusing on reducing added sugars and processed foods is a more sustainable and healthy approach to weight management.
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