Sunny Hostin, co-host of The View, has openly discussed her experience with prescription weight-loss injections, offering insights into her motivations, the challenges she faced, and her perspective on the use of such medications. Her journey, marked by weight gain during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent use of Mounjaro, highlights the complexities and personal nature of weight management.
Weight Gain During Quarantine
Like many individuals, Hostin experienced lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic that led to weight gain. Confined to her home for an extended period, she found herself developing new habits. "We were home for 18 months. I became a mixologist. I drank a lot of margaritas, a lot of sidecars," she shared. This shift in routine resulted in a 40-pound weight gain, leading her to feel self-conscious. "I had gone up four sizes," Hostin revealed.
Addressing the Weight Gain: Ozempic and Its Disappointing Results
Seeking a solution, Hostin initially turned to Ozempic, a prescription weight-loss injection known for its active ingredient, semaglutide. However, her experience with Ozempic was not successful. "It did nothing. It was like I was taking a placebo for some reason…so I went back to the doctor at the same weight."
Side Effects and Constipation
While Ozempic is associated with common side effects like nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting, Hostin experienced severe constipation. Although constipation isn’t deemed unusual by doctors, it’s harder to manage and can spiral into something worse if left untreated. She consulted her doctor about this issue, emphasizing its severity. “It did nothing. It was like I was taking a placebo for some reason…so I went back to the doctor at the same weight.
Switching to Mounjaro: A More Effective Solution
Following the disappointing outcome with Ozempic, Hostin's doctor recommended Mounjaro, another injectable medication for adults with type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro distinguishes itself from Ozempic through its active ingredient, tirzepatide. This medication proved to be more effective for Hostin. “I was just able to lose weight and eat normally as opposed to engorging myself, which I had gotten used to,” Hostin said. She lost 40 pounds with Mounjaro after gaining weight during Covid.
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Embracing Body Positivity
Hostin has expressed a positive outlook on using weight-loss drugs. She believes it's a personal decision and supports individuals doing what makes them feel good. She emphasized that using the weight-loss drugs is 'about body positivity' and 'whatever makes you feel good, just do it.'
Maintaining Weight Loss
Despite only being on Mounjaro for four months, Hostin claims she has had 'a very different experience' than most people who stop the drug. She attributes her ability to maintain her weight loss to consistent healthy habits. "I was never a big eater, so I just sort of eat to live. I don't live to eat," she reasoned. She also said she 'never stopped working out,' which is another healthy habit she lives by to maintain her weight loss. 'Yeah, I'm just living life and feeling pretty good,' she added.
The Shame Factor
Hostin first opened up about her weight-loss journey on Tuesday’s episode of The View. “There is shame when you’ve gained weight…I had never experienced that kind of shame before,” she said. “I just always felt like me. And then I saw me and I thought, ‘Oh!’
The Broader Conversation: Weight-Loss Drugs and Public Opinion
Hostin's openness about her weight-loss journey has contributed to a broader conversation about the use of medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. Other celebrities, including Whoopi Goldberg, Kelly Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, James Corden, Rebel Wilson and Chelsea Handler, have also spoken about their experiences with these drugs, further destigmatizing their use.
However, there remains some controversy surrounding these medications. Some individuals argue that a healthy lifestyle and diet should be prioritized over medication. In a December 2024 episode of The View, the Sister Act star defended Ozempic use after Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s message against the medication , in which he urged people to practice a healthy lifestyle and 'eat well' instead of relying on weight-loss aids. She accused the politician of 'setting folks up for shame' with his claims that anyone dealing with obesity-related issues can solve them with physical activity and diet.
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Whoopi Goldberg's Perspective
Sunny's co-host Whoopi Goldberg, 69, has been open about her personal journey using Mounjaro, which helped her lose the weight of 'almost two people.' Whoopi said that she lost the weight of 'almost two people.' 'Without the Mounjaro, this would not have happened,' she said. 'This isn’t just about food. Sometimes people are born genetically larger,' she said. 'I weighed close to 300 [pounds] less than two years ago. And without the Mounjaro, this would not have happened.' The TV personality emphasized that GLP-1 drugs aren't guaranteed to work for everyone, but, 'you cannot take it out of peoples’ hands if it can help. Because if we can keep people healthy, if we can get rid of diabetes, if we can get rid of all the things, cardiovascular [disease], what’s wrong with trying to do that?'
Potential Risks and Considerations
It's important to acknowledge the potential risks and considerations associated with weight-loss drugs. Studies have shown that many people who stop using Mounjaro or similar GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic , experience increased hunger and food cravings due to the medication's effects of shifting hormonal signals. Studies have also shown that many people regain a significant amount of weight back - some gaining two-thirds of the weight lost - after stopping the weight-loss drug.
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