Amy Schumer has revealed what it was like on the weight loss drug Ozempic, urging other celebrities to be honest about their use of injections to shed the pounds. Appearing on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Schumer explained she had taken the drug for weight loss last year, but had to stop after claiming it made her ill.
On the talk show, she told Cohen: "Like a year ago, I tried it," before admitting that she stopped taking the medication because of its side effects. "I was one of those people that felt so sick and couldn't play with my son. I was so skinny and he's throwing a ball at me and [I couldn't]."
Schumer admitted that she was "immediately invested" in Ozempic when it first hit the market, but ultimately decided that using the injections just wasn't "liveable" for her. The Trainwreck star went on to blast celebrities who don't admit to using the drug, saying: "Everyone's like: 'Smaller portions'. Shut the f*** up. You're on Ozempic, or one of those things."
Semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, is an antidiabetic medication, which is now being used for weight loss. It works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) that targets the area of the brain responsible for regulating appetite.
It means you are less hungry and therefore eat less food. However, it does come with some health side effects, which everyone thinking about using it, should be aware of.
According to the brand, Ozempic can 'lead to possible thyroid tumours, cancer, pancreatitis, changes in vision, serious allergic reactions, kidney problems and gallbladder issues'. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and constipation.
In the UK, Semaglutide has been approved for NHS use by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. It will be recommended to people with at least one weight-related health condition.
As well as those who have a body mass index (BMI) which is near the top of the obese range. The injections are to be prescribed by a specialist and those taking the medicine will only be on it for a maximum of two years.
