The quest for weight loss has driven many to explore various methods, from traditional diets and exercise to the latest "wonder drugs." Ozempic, originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, has gained popularity for its unexpected side effect: weight loss. This article examines the experiences of celebrities like Kandi Burruss and Lil Rel Howery, highlighting the complexities and personal nature of weight loss journeys, while also exploring the broader trend of Ozempic use in Hollywood.
The Rise of Ozempic
Ozempic, with its catchy jingle and promises of easy weight loss, quickly overshadowed traditional methods like balanced meals and exercise. Numerous celebrities have attributed their dramatic weight loss to this drug, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quick fix. However, Ozempic has its pros and cons, and its effectiveness varies from person to person.
Kandi Burruss's Disappointing Experience with Ozempic
Kandi Burruss, known for her multifaceted career in singing, producing, and songwriting, shared her personal experience with Ozempic. Despite seeing its success in others, Kandi found that the drug did not work for her. As she told Page Six, “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."
Burruss emphasized that Ozempic did not curb her appetite. "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 explained. Her doctor was also puzzled, noting that he hadn't seen such results in other patients.
The lack of results led to feelings of depression and self-doubt for Burruss. "When you see it worked for other people and it doesn’t work for you, it makes you depressed,” she shared. “Realistically, it makes you feel like, ‘What is wrong? Why is it not working for me?’”
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After announcing her exit from "RHOA," Burruss gained weight, reaching 170-something pounds. "After I left ‘Housewives,’ I was eating good, living good. Now, mind you, I was already 10 pounds over my desired weight at the top of the year. But then, when I announced that I was not going to do ‘Housewives’ anymore, I was eating dessert every day, taking trips, just living it up. Before I knew it, I was like 170-something pounds and it was not cute.”
Ultimately, Burruss returned to traditional methods, partnering with Hydroxycut and incorporating a new workout regimen while on tour with Xscape and SWV. She aims to lose 20 pounds to get back to her previous weight and ideally lose 30 pounds to reach the 130s. "My ultimate goal is to basically lose 20 pounds to get back to where I was last year, overall. But I would love, love to overall lose 30 so that I can be into my 130s." Burruss says she has lost 10 pounds in less than a month.
Lil Rel Howery's Natural Transformation
In contrast to Burruss's experience, Lil Rel Howery achieved his weight loss through hard work and lifestyle changes. He stopped bad habits like drinking and replaced them with better habits like healthy eating. This transformation took five years and focused on his physical, mental, spiritual, professional, and personal well-being.
Despite his transparency, many people assumed Howery was using Ozempic. "That’s not my journey,” he clarified. “This has just been a spiritual journey. It’s been a mental journey. It’s been a journey full of love. I was in a dark space, but I said yes to God…And that’s just the truth.”
Kandi Burruss's Health and Fitness Journey
Burruss's decision to slim down was also influenced by online comments about her weight gain. After her husband, Todd Tucker, posted a video of her birthday festivities, she noticed some negative messages about her weight. "That was it for me,” she said on the podcast. “Something about turning 48, I was like, ‘I definitely want to live my best life, but I want to be one of those chicks that, always, you can never tell my age by the way I look.”
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She is now focused on a health and fitness journey, partnering with Hydroxycut and working with a fitness trainer. “While I’m on tour, I’m going to make the most of the gyms at the hotels and I’m going to work out so many days a week, stick to the eating correctly and [do] Hydroxycut and see how it goes,” she elaborates.
Other Celebrities and Their Experiences with Weight Loss Drugs
Several other celebrities have shared their experiences with Ozempic and similar medications:
- Rosie O'Donnell: Has been on Mounjaro since late 2022 and has shared her weight loss journey on Instagram.
- Meghan Trainor: And her husband, Daryl Sabara, both use the lowest dose of Monjaro, combined with exercise and balanced meals.
- Kendra Wilkinson: Tried a weight loss injectable but stopped due to potential health risks.
- Caroline Stanbury: Admitted to using Ozempic as a tool for weight loss.
- Jennifer Aydin: Clarified she uses Mounjaro instead of Ozempic.
- Bonnie Chapman: Had a negative experience with Ozempic, experiencing nausea and an inability to eat.
- Raven-Symoné: Emphasized that these medications are made for specific people and should be reserved for those who need them.
- Chelsea Handler: Inadvertently used Ozempic, thinking it was another medication.
Some celebrities have expressed negative views on Ozempic:
- Kate Walsh: Expressed concern after learning about the injectable.
- Heidi Montag: Emphasized the importance of sustainable weight loss methods without shortcuts.
- Amy Schumer: Had a negative experience with Ozempic, feeling sick and unable to play with her son.
Expert Opinions and Considerations
Dr. Drew Pinsky noted that people have mixed feelings about interventions like Ozempic. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, trusts that healthcare providers are evaluating a patient's individual needs and determining the appropriate medicine.
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