Barbra Streisand's recent comment on Melissa McCarthy's Instagram post has stirred up discussions about body shaming and the use of weight loss medications. McCarthy, 53, shared photos from a gala in Los Angeles, which prompted Streisand, 82, to comment, "Give him my regards," referring to director Adam Shankman, and asking, "did you take Ozempic?"
Streisand later explained that she meant to compliment McCarthy but forgot about the public nature of social media. The comment, which was captured by Comments by Celebs, sparked a debate about the stigma around weight loss drugs like Ozempic.
Over the past few years, medications for weight loss, including Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, have become more popular. While these drugs are FDA-approved for treating Type 2 diabetes or managing weight, they are sometimes prescribed "off-label" for weight loss.
Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey have faced criticism for using these medications, with some labeling it as "the easy way out." However, many argue that these medications are a valid choice for managing weight and should not be stigmatized.
Doctors emphasize that obesity is a medical condition affecting a significant portion of the U.S. population and should be treated with compassion and understanding. They also highlight the role of genetics in obesity and the misconception that medications for weight loss are a shortcut, emphasizing that these drugs work by mimicking natural hormones in the body.
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