Katt Williams has brought attention to concerns surrounding the weight loss drug Ozempic, which has gained significant popularity in Hollywood. Williams criticized celebrities for their use of Ozempic to shed pounds, referring to it as “too strong” and “f***ed up.” He notably mentioned Oprah Winfrey, suggesting her use of the drug resulted in her partner losing weight by association.

Oprah Winfrey’s involvement with weight loss programs is well-documented. She recently stepped down from the board of Weight Watchers, a position she held for nearly a decade, to freely discuss weight loss medications. Winfrey revealed she had begun using a weight loss drug after recognizing that weight management goes beyond mere willpower. Her departure from the Weight Watchers board aimed to prevent any perceived conflicts of interest, particularly after Weight Watchers expanded its services to include weight loss medications like Ozempic.

Winfrey’s ABC special, “Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution,” aired in March 2023, where she discussed weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro with medical experts. She emphasized that obesity is a disease rooted in the brain and praised the medications for alleviating her obsession with food. Despite her advocacy, Winfrey’s endorsement of these drugs has raised ethical concerns regarding the influence of celebrities on public health decisions and the role of big pharmaceutical companies.

Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, was initially developed to help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. Its weight loss side effect has led to off-label use for weight management, a practice not without risks. The potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, pancreatitis, kidney problems, and dangerously low blood sugar levels. The long-term effects of using Ozempic for weight loss remain unknown, making its unsupervised use particularly hazardous.

Celebrity endorsements of Ozempic can lead to unrealistic expectations for quick and easy weight loss, overshadowing healthier methods like diet and exercise. Such endorsements can also result in shortages of the medication for those who need it for diabetes management, a situation that has already occurred in some cases.

The allure of Ozempic has captivated numerous celebrities, including Kelly Osbourne, Amy Schumer, and Boy George, who have openly admitted to using the drug. However, some have also spoken out about its adverse effects. Stephen Fry, for instance, initially praised Ozempic for curbing his cravings for food and alcohol but later experienced severe nausea and vomiting, leading him to stop using the medication. Similarly, Sharon Osbourne revealed she lost too much weight on Ozempic and struggled to regain it, warning about the potential for addiction to the drug’s weight loss effects.

Heather Gay, a star of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” shared her experience with Ozempic at a reality TV event, noting minimal results but observing a change in how people treated her after losing a few pounds. She lamented the societal pressure on women to maintain certain body standards but acknowledged the drug’s role in her weight loss journey.

In summary, while Ozempic has been hailed as a miracle weight loss solution by some celebrities, its use comes with significant health risks and ethical concerns. Katt Williams’ critique highlights the potential dangers and societal implications of relying on such medications for weight management, urging a more cautious and informed approach.