Jillian Michaels Warns Against Ozempic Weight Loss Craze

Jillian Michaels visits SiriusXM Studios in New York City on Jan. 6, 2020. Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Renowned fitness expert Jillian Michaels has expressed concerns about the growing popularity of Ozempic, a diabetes drug marketed as a weight loss solution.

In an interview with E! News, Ms. Michaels highlighted potential drawbacks and urged caution for those considering the injectable medication originally designed for treating Type 2 diabetes.

Ms. Michaels underscored the seriousness of Ozempic’s side effects, as outlined on the drug’s official website. These include inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), with symptoms such as severe and persistent abdominal pain, potentially radiating to the back. Vision changes are also listed, prompting users to inform their health care provider if any vision alterations occur during Ozempic treatment.

The risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is emphasized, particularly when using Ozempic in conjunction with other medications that may lower blood sugar levels.

Kidney problems, including the potential for kidney failure, are highlighted, with dehydration exacerbating these issues. Users are advised to stay adequately hydrated to minimize the risk.

Serious allergic reactions are listed as a potential side effect, with individuals urged to cease Ozempic use and seek immediate medical assistance if symptoms such as swelling, breathing difficulties, severe rash, or rapid heartbeat occur.

Gallbladder problems are mentioned as a concern, with users advised to contact their health care provider promptly if they experience symptoms like upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, or clay-colored stools.

In addition to these serious side effects, Ozempic’s website acknowledges common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation.

Lawsuit

In a recent legal development, a lawsuit was filed against pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly concerning their diabetes drugs, Ozempic and Mounjaro. The plaintiff, a 44-year-old woman from Louisiana, alleges that her use of both drugs led to the development of severe symptoms associated with gastroparesis or stomach paralysis. This condition reportedly manifested in intense vomiting, leading to the loss of teeth.

The lawsuit, officially announced on Aug. 2, 2023, is grounded in the claim of a “failure to warn.” The plaintiff contends that Eli Lilly and Co. and Novo Nordisk failed to label their products appropriately, neglecting to inform consumers, including the plaintiff, about potential risks associated with using these drugs.

Novo Nordisk denied the allegations, telling Reuters the drug company “believes that the allegations in the lawsuit are without merit, and we intend to vigorously defend against these claims.” A hearing for the lawsuit is set for Jan. 25.

Biotech entrepreneur, pharmacist, and Georgetown Law adjunct professor Rik Mehta told The Epoch Times: “Just recently this year, the Supreme Court held that even generic drugs could not necessarily be liable for the risks associated with the failure to warn, and so I don’t think the case will even reach litigation. More likely than not, they will work toward a settlement.”

Mr. Mehta, a former senior adviser at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) who worked to advance the fight against counterfeit medicine, said that there’s “a good chance Ozempic is coming off the market.”

“The bottom line is these drugs carry a high degree of risks associated with them,” he noted. “Patients should really think about whether the benefit-risk is appropriate for them and discuss this with their prescriber before starting these products.

“Both the FDA and European regulators have identified a signal related to increased psychiatric, adverse effects associated with Ozempic. So it will be interesting to see what regulators end up coming back and whether this product will stay on the market.”

Mr. Mehta pointed out similarities between Ozempic and another non-FDA-approved weight loss drug.

“Back in 2009, there was another drug, Rimonabant, that was approved in Europe where the FDA declined to approve it. Europe allowed it on the market and slowly thereafter withdrew it because of increased psychiatric side effects associated with the drug. There’s a lot of uncovering happening with Ozempic at the moment in terms of its overall adverse effect.”

Meanwhile, Ms. Michaels cited warnings from experts like Dr. Peter Attia, who raised concerns about significant muscle loss and the so-called Ozempic face, where drastic weight loss may lead to facial sagging.

She clarified that her intention is not to judge individuals considering Ozempic but emphasized the potential long-term consequences. Ms. Michaels argued that the drug, by imitating GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone, could lead to a biochemical shift, lower metabolism, and muscle loss. She expressed skepticism about the sustainability of Ozempic use and predicted future backlash.

Contrary to Ozempic’s marketing, Ms. Michaels pointed out that the drug is not FDA-approved for chronic weight management. She warned about challenges associated with getting off the medication, potential weight regain, and the need for long-term management of obesity.

Alex Spencer, digital marketer at Optimize Influence, told The Epoch Times: “The marketing of Ozempic is interesting because not only has celebrity promotion and advocacy played a large part in the success, but it also became a meme of its own pretty instantly.

“Most of the public conversation about Ozempic is actually very negative in nature, yet the drug has become increasingly popular beyond celebrity culture,” Ms. Spencer noted.

“Based on the internet’s reaction to Ozempic, I would have assumed that its customer base was solely the Hollywood elites, yet I’ve heard firsthand accounts from multiple acquaintances that have hopped on the train.”

Lamenting the negative press surrounding the drug, Ms. Spencer added: “The misuse of the drug is the only reason anybody started talking about it, setting it aside from other drugs or weight loss options. It’s a direct reflection of the consumer behavior and an example that customer needs surpass company intent.”

Comedian and actor Tracy Morgan touted Ozempic’s results. During an appearance on “Today With Hoda And Jenna” in August 2023, the comedian said: ‘“I went and got a prescription, and I got Ozempic. And I ain’t letting it go ... It cuts my appetite in half. Now I only eat half a bag of Doritos.”

On an episode of “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” actor and comedian Amy Schumer said the drug made her ill. “Like a year ago, I tried it. I was one of those people that felt so sick and couldn’t play with my son.”

In 2023, actor Anthony Anderson told People Magazine that the drug’s popularity is impacting people like him with Type 2 diabetes. “I will say this, it’s creating a shortage for those of us who need the medicine that we need and not for weight loss issues, but for our health.”

Other celebrities who have admitted to taking Ozempic include Oprah Winfrey, Sharon Osbourne, and Shahs of Sunset star Golnesa Gharachedaghi.

Ms. Michaels recommended a return to basic weight loss principles, advocating for a balanced diet and regular exercise. She suggested creating a calorie deficit, tracking calories burned with a smartwatch, and understanding the calorie content of regular foods. Ms. Michaels emphasized the simplicity of the approach and discouraged relying on shortcuts.