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During the ‘90s, supermodels were all the rage. Names such as Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and the most memorable, Kate Moss – who inadvertently popularized the dangerous trend of “heroin chic,” come to mind. These women came to fame by maintaining slim figures and being known as society’s it girls. The term “it girl” is being used all over social media, also bringing slim figures to the forefront. As the cycle goes, diet fads are back in full swing, and they are more dangerous than ever. It’s vital to the physical and mental health of all that we extinguish this before it gets out of hand.
The newest diet trend caters to the rich, which is why so many celebrities and influencers are being accused of misusing the drug Semaglutide, or its better-known brand name, “Ozempic.” Thebrand’s website claims that the injectable drug is used “along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes” and “to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or death.”
For adults with Type 2 diabetes, their pancreas makes insulin, but their cells cannot process it correctly, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Adults who are overweight or obese have higher chances of developing Type 2 diabetes, hence why many are prescribed Ozempic by doctors. In fact, it is potentially lifesaving for those with heart conditions.
The drug is specifically used to treat diabetes, yet wealthy celebrities are being accused of abusing the drug in order to lose weight and conform to the revival of thin frames being “in style.” This is causing a shortage of the drug, and people who need it for medical reasons are having a hard time getting it.
It’s problematic that body shapes are considered “trends,” but this is just another cycle that has been repeating itself for decades. In the 1920s, women were expected to have androgynous, thin figures that represented the freeness of the ‘20s; only 10 years later, they were expected to resemble Marilyn Monroe. Brands began marketing weight-gaining drugs, writing, “Don’t let them call you SKINNY … Ask for amazing Wate-On.” The use of potentially harmful weight gain or loss drugs is not something new, which is why it’s shocking that this is a problem currently being dealt with.
There is no hard evidence that celebrities are using Ozempic, but Kim Kardashian’s Met Gala controversy sparked the debate. She publicly stated that she lost 16 pounds in three weeks to fit into Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress, leading to questions as to whether she lost the weight in a healthy way.
Actress Mindy Kaling, best known for her work in the NBC sitcom “The Office,” recently posted pictures on Instagram that prompted comments about her weight loss. There have been rumors on social media that Kaling has hosted Ozempic parties, but this is not proven.
Elon Musk posted on his Twitter account that he lost weight by “Fasting + Ozempic/Wegovy + No tasty food near me.” Wegovy is another drug prescribed specifically for overweight adults, but not those with Type 2 diabetes. There is no definitive proof that this is how he lost his weight or if it was just a throwaway comment, but it still promotes weight loss through the use of over-the-counter drugs.
Whether or not celebrities are really using Ozempic, it’s now giving ideas to middle-upper-class individuals who wish to lose weight themselves.
Because it has been called a “miracle cure” for weight loss, a worldwide Ozempic shortage has resulted. One dose of the drug costs around $1,000 retail price, and it is recommended to be used for a minimum of four weeks.
The side effects include severe nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea and, in extreme cases, damage to organs like the kidneys and pancreas. Not only that, but Type 2 diabetics are warned that Ozempic may cause dangerously low blood sugar. If individuals with high blood sugar are warned of blood sugar drops, those who are taking Ozempic only for weight loss and not in relation to diabetes are at an even greater risk.
There are methods to lose weight in a healthy way that do not put oneself or others in danger. Taking Ozempic can pose serious risks to one’s health while reducing availability to those who truly need it – people with Type 2 diabetes. There are drugs made for adults who are overweight – such as Wegovy, yet they also come with risks.
The bottom line is that if you want to lose weight, do it in a healthy way; making yourself feel good should be the goal.
