Introduction
Chrissy Teigen has sparked a wave of mixed reactions after discussing her use of the weight loss drug Ozempic for the first time. The model and television personality, who has been open about her struggles with weight and body image, revealed that she began taking Ozempic following the tragic loss of her son, Jack, in 2020. While many praised her candidness, some critics have branded her comments as “tone deaf,” particularly given the ongoing debate surrounding the drug’s popularity among celebrities and its implications for those with limited access to such treatments.
Chrissy Teigen has opened up about her use of Ozempic (Noam Galai/Getty Images for Hearst Magazines)
Teigen’s Candid Reveal
On Johann Hari’s Self-Conscious podcast, Teigen spoke openly about her experience with Ozempic, a medication that has gained attention due to its use for weight loss, particularly among high-profile figures. The drug, which was initially developed for diabetes management, has now become a go-to option for many seeking to shed pounds quickly.
Teigen admitted that her decision to take the drug came after the heartbreaking loss of her son, Jack, at 20 weeks into her pregnancy. She reflected on how her body had changed after the loss, admitting that she had gained about 40 pounds during her pregnancy, which she struggled to lose afterward.
“I really let myself indulge when I was pregnant,” she said. “So, when I had lost that baby at 20 weeks, I had probably gained an extra 40 pounds that I wasn’t comfortable with.”
Teigen went on to describe how her body felt “completely stuck” after the miscarriage, leading her to try Ozempic. Although she reported little success for the first year, she later experienced significant weight loss, which she attributed to the medication.
Teigen is married to John Legend (JC Olivera/Variety via Getty Images)
The Backlash and Mixed Reactions
While many applauded Teigen for her honesty in sharing her personal struggles, others found her comments insensitive. One critic wrote, “I’m sorry I love you but this is incredibly tone deaf. I really appreciate your content most of the time but complaining about this is something you do with friends, not on a public forum.”
Another comment suggested that Teigen should simply be grateful for having access to a weight loss solution, saying, “Just be thankful it is an option for you.”
Despite the criticism, some fans defended Teigen, applauding her for being “brave” and “real.” One commenter said, “You are brave, witty, relatable, honest…Thank you for ‘being real’ and sharing many of your experiences with the masses, regardless of judgment or backlash. The good you do is BIGGER than the critics, please always remember that.”
Teigen’s Struggle with Grief and Body Image
In her podcast appearance, Teigen also reflected on how the loss of her son, Jack, deeply affected her. She had previously described the miscarriage as a deeply traumatic experience and later acknowledged that her medical procedure to terminate the pregnancy was technically an abortion to save her life. Teigen’s openness about her grief and the decisions she had to make has resonated with many, as she continues to advocate for awareness and support for those who have experienced similar losses.
Her comments about Ozempic, however, have raised concerns about how weight loss drugs are portrayed in the media and whether they contribute to unrealistic expectations about body image. While Teigen’s transparency is appreciated by many, the conversation about weight loss drugs is complex, particularly in a time when societal pressures on women’s bodies are at an all-time high.
Novo Nordisk’s Statement on Ozempic Use
Ozempic, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, has been a game-changer for some users, but the company stresses that the medication should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Novo Nordisk recently reminded users that Ozempic is intended for those with specific medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, and that patients should be monitored closely for any side effects.
“Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Novo Nordisk,” the company said in a statement to UNILAD. “We recommend patients take these prescription medications only for their approved indications and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.”
Conclusion
Chrissy Teigen’s revelations about her use of Ozempic have sparked an important conversation about body image, grief, and the growing influence of celebrity culture on weight loss trends. While her openness about her personal experience with the drug is appreciated by many, the backlash highlights the complexities of discussing weight loss solutions in a public forum, especially when they are perceived as privileges not accessible to everyone.
Teigen’s candidness about her body’s transformation after her loss has opened the door for more discussions about grief, recovery, and self-acceptance. However, her comments also remind us of the importance of being sensitive to the diverse challenges that individuals face when it comes to body image and health.
As the conversation around Ozempic and similar weight loss drugs continues to evolve, it is clear that more thoughtful dialogue is needed about their implications for society, especially in an age where public figures have significant influence on the way we perceive beauty and health.
