Ozempic is one of the biggest trends in medical aesthetics, accepted and embraced by influencers, celebrities and patients of all shapes and sizes. As with most aesthetic trends, the visibility and prominence of the trend interlink with celebrity endorsements, including prominent statements from Oprah Winfrey, Rebel Wilson, Tracy Morgan, Amy Schumer and Chelsea Handler sharing their experiences with Ozempic for weight loss.
Related: Obesity Treatment Updates: New FDA Approvals & Promising Clinical Trials
According to a report from Research And Markets, the global Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) market was predicted to attain a market value of $18.75 billion by 2023, driven by a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.48% during the projected period. This is not surprising, as the initial potential GLP-1 medications were discussed by Dr. Johnny Franco back in April 2023, followed by a dive into the treatments being developed to counter the subsequent skin laxity as well as create increased muscle definition at the same time.
Dr. Franco predicted Semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro to be the number one prescribed medication in the United States in 2023 and some of the hottest medications to ever hit the market.
Ozempic is now close to being a household name, and any medical aesthetics professional with their ear to the ground has heard of the semaglutide for weight loss trend. With its increased off-label use for weight loss, it was inevitable that the drug would start expanding its reach, from flooding gyms around the world to clinical trials to find new beneficial uses for the drug.
GLP-1 medications are impacting numerous aesthetic treatments being requested for body contouring to address skin laxity as well as combination treatments using injectables, energy-based devices and liposuction for skin laxity in the face and neck after weight loss. It is difficult to escape the effects Ozempic is having on the medical aesthetics industry, and patients, stretching from Hollywood to New York.
Bison Pharmacy, a Canadian-based prescription referral service, discussed five celebrity stories that reflect a range of motivations for using Ozempic.
Related: The Ozempic Craze is Hitting the Gym Industry
1. Oprah Winfrey: Embracing A Comprehensive Health Strategy
Oprah Winfrey's utilization of Ozempic is a component of a broader health strategy that Bison Pharmacy believes was designed for long-term sustainability. Her use of Ozempic is not a sole solution but a part of a holistic approach to health. Following knee surgery, Winfrey adopted an active lifestyle that included daily hikes and a disciplined eating routine, complemented by Weight Watchers.
2. Tracy Morgan: Managing Diabetes And Pursuing Weight Loss
Tracy Morgan started using Ozempic to control his diabetes but noticed the added benefit of weight loss. However, he openly discusses the challenges of managing his appetite even with the medication, humorously noting his ability to eat beyond the drug's appetite-suppressing effects. Bison Pharmacy identifies Morgan's experiences to illustrate the complexity and limitations of relying exclusively on medication for weight loss, especially against persistent cravings.
3. Amy Schumer: Addressing Post-Pregnancy Weight
Amy Schumer turned to Ozempic to manage weight gain after her pregnancy. However, she encountered severe side effects that significantly impacted her daily activities and ability to interact with her son. Schumer's journey highlights the severe implications that can accompany weight loss medications, demonstrating that the drawbacks can sometimes outweigh the benefits, particularly in terms of quality of life and family interactions.
4. Chelsea Handler: Questioning Quick Fixes
Chelsea Handler’s experience with Ozempic sheds light on the casual manner in which such powerful medications can be distributed and used without thorough consideration of the individual’s actual health needs. Initially unaware she was taking Ozempic, Handler dealt with unpleasant side effects and quickly recognized the ethical implications of using a diabetes drug for casual weight loss. Her decision to stop using the medication reflects a broader call for thoughtful and responsible health practices.
5. Rebel Wilson: Embracing A Balanced Weight Loss Journey
Rebel Wilson's experience with Ozempic is one of the most prominent examples out of Hollywood. Bison Parhmarcy points out how her story sheds light on the importance of integrating weight loss medications into a comprehensive health strategy. The Australian actress, best known for her role in Pitch Perfect, turned to Ozempic to aid her weight loss journey.
Wilson explained her decision to slim down came after her fertility doctor advised her that it would help increase her chance of success at in-vitro fertilization. However, she openly discussed the need for a balanced approach. While Ozempic played a role, she also focused on mental health improvements and increased physical activity. Her journey emphasizes the necessity of considering individual health needs and the importance of a holistic approach to weight loss.
