Semaglutide Injection, also known as Ozempic, has gained rapid attention on social media. While it was originally used as an antidiabetic medication for adults with type 2 diabetes, it has now become a popular weight-loss crutch for celebrities. Whether it is being publicly announced on social media or secretly used in private residences, everyone knows someone on Ozempic.  

In 2022, Ozempic was the 48th most prescribed medication in the United States, meaning a whopping 13 million people are on it. And that is only the amount legally prescribed — the number is realistically much larger, as some buyers turn to the grey market to get unauthorized versions of the drug. 

Experts are still conducting clinical trials to determine the drug’s long-term effects and safety. Clinical reports correlate Ozempic usage with thyroid or pancreatic cancer and acute kidney injury. In three cases, Ozempic patients reported thinking about suicide or self-harm. The Food and Drug Administration, however, has stated that medicines like Ozempic do not cause suicidal thoughts. 

Ozempic allegations and the term “Ozempic face” have taken Hollywood by storm. Celebrities such as Ice Spice, Christina Aguilera, Zion Williamson and Kylie Jenner have been accused of using the drug. Although some have directly denied usage, others believe silence is the best defense. Should these celebrities feel ashamed of their possible usage of Ozempic? Should they be forced to keep it a secret? 

Lottie Moss, sister of supermodel Kate Moss, was recently hospitalized after misusing Ozempic. She was not prescribed the drug and ended up in the hospital after suffering from a seizure. She has released an episode on her “Dream On” podcast, titled “My Ozempic Hell,” where she discussed her regret for ever trying the drug. She pleaded with her audience, saying, “if you’re thinking about doing it, do not take it. Like, it’s so not worth it. I would rather die any day than take that again.” 

Her sister, Kate Moss, is known for her 2000s “heroin chic” thin figure and infamous jingle: “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.” Lottie Moss, possibly under Hollywood’s pressure to have the same figure as her older sister, recklessly took the drug.   

On the other hand, Kourtney Kardashian, seeing the economic prospects of Ozempic, has launched her own “all-natural” over-the-counter Ozempic alternative called “Lemme GLP-1 Daily.” It’s appalling that celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian think it’s acceptable to profit off the cultural boom of Ozempic by creating an appetite suppressant.  

It’s no surprise that everyday users have kept their involvement a secret. If well-respected celebrities are being shamed for their ties to Ozempic, imagine the judgment regular users would receive. I can empathize with the regular household mother who wants to alter her figure to feel more confident, but it deeply saddens me that the acceptable beauty standard is to be thin. 

It seemed like Gen Z was pioneering a whole new generation of people who loved their bodies as is. Celebrities like Ashley Graham, Serena Williams and Selena Gomez have used their platforms to empower others. It felt like we were finally turning the page. But it’s celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian who keep the unhealthy movement going. She is ultimately profiting from body dysmorphia rather than encouraging her fans to love themselves as they are.  

I have no judgment for those who choose to use Ozempic, as long as it has been legally prescribed and the user knows the possible side effects. I do, however, think we should make a bigger effort to emphasize the importance of body positivity, especially in Hollywood, where public figures have a large influence on their fan base. I’m tired of women’s bodies being used as a trend. With Kourtney Kardashian promoting weight suppressant pills, and the silence from public figures regarding their use of Ozempic, I can’t help but wonder: what happened to body positivity?