Like jean styles, women’s body types wax and wane in popularity, and recently, the thin look has made a comeback. Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the mention of the drug “Ozempic” and how it helps with weight loss.
Ozempic was originally approved by the FDA to help treat adults with Type 2 diabetes. The drug comes in the form of weekly injections; it works by producing more insulin which lowers blood sugar. Its original purpose is not meant for weight loss, but that is what the media has glorified it as — and it is extremely harmful.
On apps like TikTok, mention of Ozempic has been growing. “#ozempic” has amassed over 200,000 views, with some videos under the hashtag gathering millions of views. In the comments, many are seen praising the effects, with some users saying things like, “I need Ozempic,” or “God I wish my Ozempic was working as fast as theirs is.”
Many celebrities have been open about their use of Ozempic, some even advising people to try it. People magazine shares celebrities’ feelings about Ozempic and drugs alike. Macy Gray said on MTV, “Quietly, I’m kind of a vain person. So, I thought, okay, I’m not taking [the weight] off the right way, let me see if I can get one of these Ozempic. I was actually trying to take it off before the show because I didn’t want to be super fat on TV, but here we are.” Kelly Osbourne shared her thoughts to E! Online, “I think it’s amazing. There are a million ways to lose weight, [so] why not do it through something [that] isn’t as boring as working out?”
These conversations are damaging to young people, and they can negatively impact those who struggle with eating disorders. It is not okay to call oneself “super fat,” and express avoiding being on television because of it. To have vulnerable conversations about weight and insecurity is one thing, but to publicly shame oneself is another, especially as a celebrity. Many people look up to celebrities who share their body type because it is empowering. But these comments are damaging, not only to Gray but to those who look like her and feel proud of it.
By endorsing the use of weight-loss drugs, celebrities and influencers push the narrative that unnatural alternatives are okay and even favorable compared to natural methods. Diet and exercise are the healthiest paths to take, so unless someone is struggling genetically or medically, Ozempic and other weight loss drugs should not be normalized. For influencers and celebrities with a young platform, this is destructive. In the digital era, where many young people are struggling with body-image issues, the open, unashamed conversations surrounding Ozempic is opening doors to the dangers.
Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Ozempic, told Newsweek that, “While we respect every healthcare professional’s clinical expertise and their right to prescribe treatment based on their own medical judgment, we ask that healthcare professionals prescribe our medicines consistent with their FDA-approved indications. Novo Nordisk is committed to the responsible use of our medicines.”
By continuing to use and applaud Ozempic for its misused effects, this generation pushes poisonous views on body image. Although America struggles with obesity, shortcuts are not the solution. especially in the name of empowerment while damaging comments are being made.
The unethical use of Ozempic should not be celebrated, idolized or sought after. The more the public makes self-deprecating comments and applauds rapid, inorganic weight loss, the more damage is made to young, developing minds.
