Controversial Remarks on Ozempic Spark Backlash
Donald Trump has come under fire for his recent comments about Ozempic, a widely-used diabetes medication, after he referred to it as the “fat pill” during a press briefing on September 23, 2025. Speaking in the Oval Office with RFK Jr., Trump questioned the drug’s effectiveness and mocked its high price, claiming that it doesn’t work as well for some people.
Ozempic, a GLP-1 injectable medication, was approved by the FDA in 2017 to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. In recent years, however, it has gained attention for its weight loss benefits. Many celebrities and individuals have shared their success stories, crediting the drug for helping them shed pounds. While Ozempic is not officially a weight-loss drug, its ability to curb appetite and regulate insulin has made it popular among those seeking to lose weight.
Trump’s Dismissive View on Ozempic
During his press briefing, Trump commented on the cost of prescription drugs in the U.S., particularly Ozempic, which can cost as much as $1,300 per shot. He referred to it as the “fat pill” and expressed skepticism about its effectiveness. “Sometimes it works for people, the ones I’ve seen, it hasn’t worked so well,” Trump said. “A lot of friends, they are fat, they say ‘yeah I’ve lost some weight,’ I say ‘you don’t look it to me.’”
Trump’s comments raised eyebrows, with many online users arguing that he should not be offering medical advice or labeling medications with such a casual and potentially misleading term. One critic wrote, “What in the ever-loving F*** is wrong with this guy? Ozempic isn’t a fat drug. It’s diabetic medication.” Another added, “Trump calls Ozempic ‘the fat pill’ and admits it ‘hasn’t worked well’ for some. Reality: it’s a legit diabetes and weight-loss drug, not a magic fix.”
Ozempic and Other GLP-1 Drugs
Despite the controversy surrounding Trump’s comments, Ozempic is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which have been proven to be effective in managing type 2 diabetes. Other similar drugs include Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda, which are also used for weight management in addition to controlling blood sugar. Ozempic works by regulating blood sugar levels and promoting insulin production, while also curbing hunger, which results in weight loss for some users.
While Ozempic has proven effective for many individuals, it is important to note that it is not a “magic pill” for weight loss. It is a prescribed medication with specific medical uses, and its effectiveness can vary depending on the individual. Nevertheless, Trump’s labeling of the drug as a “fat pill” has fueled misconceptions and sparked confusion about its true purpose.
Trump’s Past Remarks and Medical Advice Concerns
Trump’s remarks about Ozempic are not the first time he has made headlines for controversial comments on medical topics. In the past, he has also made statements about pharmaceuticals and health care that have drawn criticism. Many believe that public figures like Trump should refrain from giving medical advice and instead leave such matters to healthcare professionals who are trained to provide accurate information.
A Plan for Weight-Loss Drugs Under Trump’s Administration
Ironically, despite his dismissive comments about Ozempic, the Trump administration is moving forward with a plan to use weight-loss drugs to tackle obesity in the United States. This initiative, originally proposed under the Biden administration, aims to provide Medicaid and Medicare recipients with coverage for weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. The pilot program is set to begin in the next few years and will test the effectiveness of these drugs in treating obesity under government insurance plans.
Conclusion: The Debate on Weight-Loss Drugs and Public Perception
Trump’s recent comments about Ozempic have ignited a debate about the role of weight-loss medications in healthcare and the importance of accurate medical information. While Ozempic is a crucial medication for managing diabetes, its increasing use for weight loss has raised questions about its true efficacy and safety for non-diabetic individuals.
For now, many continue to rely on medical professionals for guidance on weight-loss medications and other treatments, recognizing that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions. In the midst of the growing popularity of GLP-1 drugs, it remains important to approach them with caution and understand their intended purposes.
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