Ozempic Craze: Hollywood Celebrities and the Weight Loss Drug Revolution

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From Elon Musk to Emmy-winning stars, a growing number of celebrities have openly embraced Ozempic — a diabetes drug — as a quick fix for weight loss. Though intended to manage Type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has become a cultural phenomenon, sparking global debate around its non-medical use, side effects, and ethical concerns over drug shortages. Here’s a deep dive into how and why it’s trending.

Ozempic: A Diabetes Drug Turning Into a Weight Loss Phenomenon Among Celebrities

Ozempic, originally designed to treat Type 2 diabetes, is now at the heart of a global weight loss trend. With endorsements—both implicit and explicit—from some of the most influential names in entertainment and business, the drug has moved beyond medical prescriptions to pop culture prominence. The buzz has grown so much that it’s not only attracting celebrities but also causing concern among healthcare professionals due to misuse and accessibility issues.

Despite recent denials by Indian filmmaker Karan Johar regarding its use, Ozempic (semaglutide) continues to stir headlines worldwide. Here’s an in-depth look at why this drug is trending and how some of the world’s most recognizable faces have either praised or criticized its effects.

Kathy Bates: From Diabetes Diagnosis to Weight Loss Journey

Oscar-winning actress Kathy Bates revealed that her weight loss began after a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Though she eventually lost 80 pounds through lifestyle changes, she later credited Ozempic with helping her shed an additional 20 pounds. In an October 2024 interview with People magazine, Bates emphasized that her journey wasn’t as easy as it seemed, especially during the pandemic. “People assume it was just Ozempic. It wasn’t. It was discipline, exercise, and diet too,” Bates clarified.

Amy Schumer: Quit Due to Side Effects

Comedian and actress Amy Schumer tried Ozempic for a short period about a year ago. During an interview on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in June 2023, she shared her difficult experience. “I felt so sick I couldn’t even play with my son,” she admitted. Although there were visible signs of weight loss, the side effects were severe enough to make her stop the medication early.

Fat Joe: Helped Keep 200 Pounds Off

Rapper Fat Joe spoke to Us Weekly about his experience, stating that Ozempic helped him manage his appetite. “It made me feel like two bites of my favorite food were enough,” he said. After losing a massive 200 pounds, Fat Joe credited the drug for helping him maintain the transformation, especially when combined with a low-carb diet.

Stephen Fry: From Hope to Horror

British actor Stephen Fry initially had high hopes for Ozempic when his doctor prescribed it. “In the first week, I felt fantastic — no cravings, no urge to drink,” Fry said in March 2024. However, things took a turn for the worse when he began vomiting multiple times a day. “That’s when I realized it wasn’t for me,” he concluded.

Remi Bader: A Relapse After Quitting Ozempic

Influencer and model Remi Bader spoke about her experience on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast. She was advised to take Ozempic in early 2020 due to pre-diabetic symptoms and insulin resistance. However, the journey wasn’t smooth. “I had mixed feelings. I eventually stopped and went back to binge eating,” she confessed.

Elon Musk: The Billionaire Who Made It Trendy

In a surprising yet impactful move, Tesla CEO and world’s richest man Elon Musk openly admitted to using Ozempic. In a tweet, Musk said the drug helped him curb his appetite, which in turn supported his weight loss goals. His admission played a huge role in normalizing the drug’s use among non-diabetic individuals.

Tracy Morgan: Joking His Way Through Ozempic

Comedian and 30 Rock star Tracy Morgan added a humorous twist to the Ozempic trend. Appearing on the TODAY show in August 2023, Morgan joked, “I went to the doctor, got the prescription, and never looked back. Now I only eat half a bag of Doritos.” His light-hearted take highlighted the drug’s effect on reducing food cravings.

Rebel Wilson: Advocates Lifestyle but Acknowledges Medical Support

Australian actress Rebel Wilson, known for her dramatic weight loss, credited diet and exercise for her transformation. However, in an interview with The Sunday Times in March 2024, she hinted that medication did play a role early on. While she didn’t name Ozempic, she acknowledged that such drugs could help manage sugar cravings. “Some of us just have a crazy sweet tooth,” she said.

Karan Johar: Rumors and Denial

Back home in India, Karan Johar became the center of speculation after his noticeable weight loss caught public attention. Many netizens assumed he used Ozempic or similar medications. However, the filmmaker shut down the rumors through a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “My weight loss is due to healthy lifestyle changes, not medication.”

He also shared a screenshot of a tweet criticizing celebrities who allegedly used Ozempic for cosmetic reasons, resulting in a shortage for actual diabetes patients. The tweet read: “Maheep [Kapoor] rightly called out people misusing Ozempic. Hope she also talks to Karan Johar, the producer of ‘Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives.’” To which Karan responded, reiterating his healthy route to fitness.

Ozempic: The Science and the Controversy

Ozempic contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that regulates blood sugar by mimicking the hormone that tells the brain you’re full. Its side effect—reduced appetite—has made it attractive for weight loss. However, doctors warn against its unregulated use.

There are rising concerns that demand from non-diabetic users is creating shortages for patients who genuinely need the drug for Type 2 diabetes. Health experts also warn about potential side effects, including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and even pancreatitis in rare cases.

Ozempic’s emergence as a weight loss drug is a case study in how a medical treatment can become a cultural trend. Celebrities have a massive influence on public behavior, and their endorsements—intentional or not—carry significant weight.

While some, like Amy Schumer and Stephen Fry, have stepped back due to negative experiences, others like Elon Musk and Fat Joe continue to praise the drug’s effectiveness. The controversy now rests in how the world will balance medical necessity with lifestyle desire — and whether the Ozempic trend will lead to regulatory changes in the future.