Celebrities Spark Debate With Open Use of GLP-1 Drugs for Weight Loss
Celebrities like Serena Williams, Rebel Wilson, and Lizzo have sparked debate by openly discussing their use of GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, for weight loss. While some fans feel betrayed by their stance against diet culture, others raise concerns about the impact on people in weight watchers bodies and the normalization of weight-loss drug use.
Serena Williams, known for her honesty, faced backlash for her openness about using Zepbound. She later announced her role as a celebrity patient ambassador for telehealth company Ro, which sells GLP-1 drugs. Meanwhile, Rebel Wilson and Lizzo also faced criticism for their use of these drugs, with fans feeling they went against their previous anti-diet culture stance.
Cultural critic Virgie Tovar experienced fat-shaming at New York Fashion Week 2025, attributing it to the cultural shift around GLP-1 drugs and weight loss. A fat person struggling with yo-yo dieting felt conflicted about starting Wegovy, feeling both empowered and complicit in diet culture. The equating of thinness with health, beauty, and moral superiority remains a significant issue, with male celebrities like Eric Stonestreet and Charles Barkley avoiding the same level of backlash faced by their female counterparts.
The use of weight-loss drugs by celebrities is complex, with no apologies but also wishes to avoid actively selling them. The normalization of their use may negatively impact people in weight watchers bodies who don't want to lose weight and already face medical indifference and legalized bigotry. As the debate continues, it's crucial to consider the broader implications on body positivity and health.
