Written by Kyle Ustach | BScEcon
Fact checked by Tyler DiGiovanni BSBM
FACT CHECKED
One downside of social media is that it created a world where common people constantly worry about their weight and body image. The pressure to lose weight and have the perfect body is amplified exponentially for celebrities. Male actors are often tasked with packing on muscle quickly, while women have to stay as skinny as possible. The hottest weight-loss trend (perhaps in history) in Hollywood is the weight-loss medication semaglutide, known as Ozempic and Wegovy.
Ozempic and Wegovy are two powerful brand-name weight-loss medications that have helped people transform their bodies. Celebrities such as Elon Musk, Dolores Catania, and Remi Bader have all openly talked about their experience with the weight loss drug. In this article, we will break down which celebrities have used Ozempic and Wegovy.
Table of Contents
- What Celebrities Use Ozempic and Wegovy?
- Elon Musk
- Tracy Morgan
- Golnesa GG Gharachedaghi
- Dolores Catania
- Sharon Osbourne
- Chelsea Handler
- Stars Against Ozempic
- Remi Bader Blames Ozempic
- What Is Ozempic and Wegovy?
- Ozempic vs. Wegovy
- FAQs
- Outro
What Celebrities Use Ozempic and Wegovy?
Hollywood has always placed significant emphasis on physical appearance and the human body. In the social media age, the pressure to have the perfect body is amplified as people around the world judge others based on body weight.
Due to these pressures, celebrities have always been more willing than average people to take weight loss drugs or other substances to improve their appearance. Semaglutide medications like Wegovy and Ozempic have become Hollywood's “dirty little secret,” with numerous celebs on the drug.
Some celebrities that have confirmed their use of Ozempic or Wegovy include:
- Elon Musk
- Tracy Morgan
- Golnesa GG Gharachedaghi
- Remi Bader
- Dolores Catania
- Sharon Osbourne
- Amy Schumer
Although there is no proof, some other celebrities to be suspected of using Ozempic or Wegovy include:
- Seth Rogen
- Jonah Hill
- Megan Thee Stallion
- Kim Kardashian
- Khloe Kardashian
Some celebrities who deny using the drug include:
- Jessica Simpson
- Mindy Kalling
- Julia Fox
- Kyle Richards
Elon Musk
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and X (formerly Twitter), is the richest man in the world with an estimated net worth of over $200 billion. Unlike many of the world's elite, Musk is constantly in the limelight and pictured on social media. Musk has stated several times over the years his disdain for the gym and love of donuts, among other treats.
In the summer of 2022, an unflattering picture went viral of a overweight, shirtless Musk on his yacht. This inspired Elon Musk to lose weight, for which he was prescribed Wegovy. In October 2022, a Twitter reporter asked his secret to looking so fit and ripped. Elon casually tweeted back, “Fasting” followed by “and Wegovy.”¹ Roughly one month later, Elon tweeted “Down 30 lbs!”²
Tracy Morgan
Actor and comedian Tracy Morgan has been very open about his Ozempic use. Tracy opened up about his success with the weight loss shots on Today With Hoda and Jenna. “I take Ozempic every Thursday. “It cuts my appetite in half. Now, I only eat half a bag of Doritos.”³ Despite the usual humor, Tracy has lost a ton of weight with the drug and looks healthier than he has in years.
Golnesa GG Gharachedaghi
Golnesa GG Gharachedaghi, 42, is a reality television star, known for her role in Bravo’s Shahs of Sunset. The celebrity posted a video detailing her journey with Ozempic on her Instagram account. In her video, she shares, “When I started semaglutide shots, I was 138 lbs. Now, I’m about 110 lbs.” While the weight loss was great initially, GG decided to cut back her dose after being shocked to hit 110 lbs so quickly.
She continued, “That’s when I started cutting down on units and going backwards and backwards until finally now, I’m just on maintenance.” Although she doesn’t tell us her exact dosage, we are guessing she was on a higher dose around 2 mg and lowered it closer to a 1 mg dosage. She encourages people that have struggled with losing weight give it a try, calling it “I encourage it to anybody who’s having a hard time losing weight and wants the ‘easy route.’”⁴
Dolores Catania
(Image credit to Dolores Catania Instagram)
Dolores Catania, 52, is a reality star and social media influencer, best known for her role on Real Housewives of New Jersey. After a rough period that saw her consistently gaining weight, Dolores knew she needed a solution to her weight gain.
Catania first admitted her use of the weight loss drug on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. Dolores admitted that Ozempic helped her go from 157 lbs to 137 lbs, with a goal of reaching 130 lbs. When Andy asked her about any side effects, Dolores said her appetite significantly decreased.
- Lost 20 lbs
- Went from 157 lbs to 137 lbs
After receiving some blowback for her use of the drug, she went on to give more details on the podcast Virtual Reali-tea. She revealed it was various health issues that contributed to her weight gain and ultimate decision to use Ozempic. "I'm going through menopause, I have a thyroid issue, I have inflammation, and weight is hard to take off," the 52-year-old explained. "And I work out, and I don't eat crazy, and I was gaining weight, and it's a lot of different layers.”⁵
Here's a clip of her talking about her Mounjaro on Watch What Happens Live:
Sharon Osbourne
Sharon Osbourne, the ex-wife of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, has one of the biggest Ozempic weight loss success stories, although she says there are downsides. In an interview with The Daily Mail UK in November 2023, Sharon revealed she lost 42 lbs with Ozempic but warned people of the power of the drug, as she now considers herself too skinny. “I’m too gaunt and I can’t put any weight on. I want to, because I feel I’m too skinny. I’m under 100lb and I don’t want to be. Be careful what you wish for.”
She continued that she believes the drug is dangerous due to how addicting the weight loss can be, especially for teenagers. “I started on Ozempic last December and I’ve been off it for a while now, but my warning is don’t give it to teenagers, it’s just too easy. You can lose so much weight, and it’s easy to become addicted to that, which is very dangerous. I couldn’t stop losing weight and now I’ve lost 42lb and I can’t afford to lose any more.”⁶
Chelsea Handler
(Image credit to Chelsea Handler's Instagram)
Comedian and actress Chelsea Handler shared that she was given the medication without her knowledge from her anti-aging doctor. In a January 25, 2023, interview on the podcast Call Her Daddy, Handler explained how her anti aging doctor casually passed the medication out, stating “I didn't even know I was on it. She said, 'If you ever want to drop five pounds, this is good.'"
She continued to explain why she stopped using the weight loss drug. "I'm not on it anymore. That's too irresponsible," Handler told Cooper. "I'm an irresponsible drug user, but I'm not gonna take a diabetic drug. I tried it, and I'm not gonna do that. That's not for me. That's not right for me."
Stars Against Ozempic
While some celebs are enjoying the results of using Ozempic and Wegovy, others aren't as happy with the trend. Some stars speaking out against the drugs include:
- Anthony Anderson: Actor Anthony Anderson, who has lost a substantial amount of weight himself, spoke out against the casual use of Ozempic as someone with type 2 diabetes. The actor, who is now 52, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2002. In an interview with People Magazine, Anderson stated, “it's creating a shortage for those of us who need the medicine that we need and not for weight loss issues, but for our health."⁸
- Sophie Turner: The Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner has openly addressed the popularity of the drug. Sophie posted a tweet on her Instagram story on April 5, 2023, stating, “"The Ozempic ads plastered across the Times Square subway station can f--k all the way off."
- Kyle Richards: Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards has repeatedly denied taking the drug after losing weight. Kyle credits her weight loss to giving up alcohol and an intense fitness routine since 2022. She replied to a fans comment about Ozempic on Instagram in January 2023, stating, “I have never tried ozempic and this is not from plastic surgery. "I did have a breast reduction in May. I'm honest about what I do.”⁹
- Crystal Kung Minkhoff: Another reality star from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Crystal has openly talked about why she has avoided the drug. The Beverly Hills star revealed in an interview with Page Six that she has avoided the diabetes medication for the sake of her eating disorder recovery.¹⁰
- Julia Fox: Actress Julia Fox burst onto the scene in 2019 in Adam Sandler’s Uncut Gems and got global recognition for dating Kanye West shortly after. Over her short period in the limelight, Fox lost a substantial amount of weight, leading people to suggest Ozempic use. Fox told the New York Times that her weight loss was due to stress after her break-up with Kanye. She doubled down on her denying use in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “I’m not and I never have. I would never do that. There are diabetics who need it.”¹¹
- Amy Schumer: Comedian and actress Amy Schumer was taking the drug until adverse side effects made her reconsider. When talking to Andy Cohen, Schumer stated that she got too skinny and ill from Ozempic use. “I was one of those people that felt so sick and couldn’t play with my son. I was so skinny and he’s throwing a ball at me and [I couldn’t].” Although she stopped using the product, she recognized it was going to be a massive hit. “I immediately invested [in it] because I knew everyone was going to try it.”¹²
- Raven Symone: Actress and singer Raven Symone has been one of the more outspoken celebrities against Ozempic and other drugs like it. In an interview with E! News, Raven revealed a family history of diabetes. “I have pre-diabetes and diabetes in my family. If I'm not careful with my intake of types of foods, I am more susceptible to getting diabetes. So, I think it's very important we understand certain medications are made for certain people and to not take that away just for glamazon purposes.”¹³
Remi Bader Blames Ozempic
While several celebrities have openly praised Ozempic and Wegovy, some have criticized the widespread acceptance of its use. Remi Bader is a well-known “body-positive” influencer that makes her living on TikTok. At only 28 years old, Bader has accomplished a lot in her young career as a curve model and influencer, including deals with major companies such as Victoria’s Secret, L’Oreal, and Walmart.
Bader has openly talked about her struggle with an eating disorder recovery and other health issues that led her to take the drug. In an episode on the podcast “Not Skinny Not Fat,” she explained how she began Ozempic years before it became fashionable. She stated she was pre-diabetic and insulin-resistant, which led to weight gain and eventually started the medication shortly after it was first approved.
Although she had success with the drug, after she stopped, she immediately blew up again. “I kind of blamed Ozempic. I gained double the weight back." While she was using Ozempic, her food cravings and hunger were curbed, but as soon as she stopped, she began binge eating. This binging caused her to gain double the weight back that she lost while using.¹⁴
What Is Ozempic and Wegovy?
Ozempic and Wegovy are two brand-name weight-loss drugs that contain the active ingredient semaglutide. Semaglutide is a drug originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes by mimicking the actions of the GLP-1 receptor. The diabetes drugs primarily work by suppressing appetite, slowing digestion, and increasing insulin. Drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk developed Ozempic as a diabetes drug but quickly learned of its remarkable weight-loss properties.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ozempic in December 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. Although Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss, several doctors prescribe it off-label to help people lose weight.
Novo Nordisk quickly realized they needed to bring a new drug to market that was not limited to a diabetes drug. This led to the production of Wegovy, a higher-dose form of Ozempic designed specifically to help users lose weight. The FDA approved Wegovy in June 2021 for anti-obesity and chronic weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater or a body mass index of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure.
Both weight loss injections contain the exact same compound (semaglutide) and no other added drugs, so the only difference is the dosage and label indication. They are both administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. There is also a third semaglutide brand name called Rybelsus, which is the oral form of the medication.
To learn more on this topic, check out our articles How GLP-1 Medication For Weight Loss Is Reshaping America and How Much Weight Can You Lose On Semaglutide?
Ozempic vs. Wegovy
As we touched on above, Wegovy and Ozempic are chemically identical and administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Typical injection sites include the upper arm, the front of the thigh, and your waist. The main difference is that Wegovy comes in higher doses because the medication has more of an appetite-suppressing effect in higher doses.
Ozempic comes in three different dosage pens:
- 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg in a red-label pen
- Six needles, 2 mg total, divided into doses of 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg
- 1.0 mg blue-label pen
- Four needles, four maintenance doses of 1 mg
- 2.0 mg yellow-label pen
- Four needles, four 2 mg doses
- 0.25 mg - Green pen
- 0.5 mg - Purple pen
- 1 mg - Brown pen
- 1.7 mg - Navy blue pen
- 2.4 mg - Black pen
While Ozempic typically keeps users at a maintenance dose of 1.0 mg for several months, Wegovy increases the dosage to 1.7 mg in weeks 13-16 (month 4), then increases again to the maximum dose of 2.4 mg in weeks 17 and onward. To learn more about the difference between these two, check out our article Ozempic vs. Wegovy: Which Works Best For Weight Loss? If you are afraid of needles and the idea of weight loss shots, you may be better suited for the oral version, Rybelsus. To learn more about this topic, check out our article Semaglutide Pills vs. Injection: Which Is Best For You?
FAQs
What celebrities use Ozempic and Wegovy?
Many celebrities have openly admitted taking Ozempic or Wegovy, including Elon Musk, GG Gharachedaghi, Tracy Morgan, Sharon Osbourne, and Chelsea Handler.
Did Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian take Ozempic?
Both Kim and Khloe Kardashian have both denied taking Ozempic or Wegovy. They have adamantly stated their weight loss is due to eating healthily and exercising. We address Khloe's weight loss more in our article on the Khloe Kardashian Weight Loss Journey.
Can you take Ozempic and Wegovy together?
No, they are the same exact medication, they are just different brand names.
Outro
Ozempic and Wegovy, the now mainstream craze, has helped tons of celebrities shed pounds, but at what cost? The use of Ozempic and Wegovy has exploded in popularity so much that there is currently a shortage of both drugs. The drug shortage has caused problems for countless diabetes patients and other people who need the drug. You wouldn’t know there's a shortage based on how freely and casually the medication is passed around in Hollywood.
Celebrities are pressured into taking weight loss drugs, which many users have mixed feelings about while others are deeply concerned. Taking weight loss drugs to shed a few pounds or get in shape for a movie role is very irresponsible, but money talks. Sadly, the demand for new movies and content generates so much money that stars get these drugs before patients who actually need them. Ozempic and Wegovy will continue to be Hollywood’s not-so-secret remedy to fat loss as long as it helps stars look their best. Before you start taking Ozempic, we highly recommend doing extensive research and speaking with a medical professional.
References
- https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1576367983051489281?s=20
- https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1592767882722963457?s=20
- https://www.today.com/video/tracy-morgan-opens-up-about-childhood-and-life-altering-choices-190779461570
- You can keep scrolling if you're not interested, but for those who are, here's an update on my weight loss and if y'all are ready to try it,… | Instagram
- “RHONJ’s Dolores Catania Reveals Medical Reasons She’s Taking Ozempic: “It’s a Lot of Different Layers.”” Peoplemag, people.com/health/rhonj-dolores-catania-reveals-medical-reasons-shes-taking-ozempic/.
- Moreton, Cole. “Sharon Osbourne: Why I Turned a Blind Eye to Ozzy’s Groupies.” Mail Online, 17 Nov. 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-12747755/Sharon-Osbourne-opens-Russell-Brand-shocking-weight-loss-stormy-marriage-turned-blind-eye-Ozzys-groupies.html
- “Anthony Anderson on the Weight Loss Drug Trend That’s “Creating a Shortage” for Diabetes Patients.” Peoplemag, https://www.people.com/health/anthony-anderson-says-ozempic-trend-creating-shortage-those-us-who-need-it-exclusive/.
- “RHOBH’s Kyle Richards Addresses Claim She Uses Ozempic for Weight Loss.” E! Online, 17 Jan. 2023, www.eonline.com/news/1361737/rhobhs-kyle-richards-addresses-claim-she-uses-ozempic-for-weight-loss.
- Archive, View Author, et al. Crystal Kung Minkoff: I’ve “Thought About” Trying Ozempic. 24 Apr. 2023, pagesix.com/2023/04/24/crystal-kung-minkoff-ive-thought-about-trying-ozempic/.
- Julia Fox Defends Her Viral Apartment Tour, Sets Weight Loss Rumors Straight (Exclusive) | Entertainment Tonight (etonline.com)
- “Amy Schumer Calls out Celebrities for “Lying” about Using Ozempic and Similar Drugs.” New York Daily News, 11 June 2023, https://www.nydailynews.com/2023/06/11/amy-schumer-calls-out-celebrities-for-lying-about-using-ozempic-and-similar-.
- “Raven-Symoné Reveals How She Really Feels about the Ozempic Craze.” E! Online, 11 July 2023, www.eonline.com/news/1379625/raven-symone-reveals-how-she-really-feels-about-the-ozempic-craze?cmpid=rss-syndicate-genericrss-us-top_stories.
- “Not Skinny but Not Fat: 202. Ozempic & Boyfriend Reveal W/ Remi Bader on Apple Podcasts.” Apple Podcasts, podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/202-ozempic-boyfriend-reveal-w-remi-bader/id1444559244?i=1000593401739.
Kyle Ustach
Author