Sharon Osbourne is cautioning individuals to “exercise caution in their desires” as she discloses her current weight of less than 100 pounds, a result of her use of semaglutide for weight loss. The 71-year-old revealed to the Daily Mail that she initiated the medication, known as Ozempic and FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, in December of the previous year.
Osbourne, who has been off the medication for some time, issued a warning against its use in teenagers, emphasizing the ease with which significant weight loss can occur, posing potential dangers. She expressed concern about her own drastic weight loss of 42 pounds, stating, “I can’t afford to lose any more.”
Discussing her appearance, Osbourne acknowledged looking “gaunt” and expressed a desire to gain weight as she is currently below 100 pounds, a weight she finds undesirable. This isn’t the first time a public figure has shared reservations about using this injectable medication.
Golnesa “GG” Gharachedaghi, from the reality show Shahs of Sunset, announced a reduction in her dosage in June due to unexpected weight loss. Osbourne, however, clarified that she has completely discontinued the medication but did not specify the duration of cessation.
Dr. Priya Jaisinghani, a clinical assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine specializing in obesity medicine, highlighted the intended goal of such treatment to prevent or improve weight-related complications. She emphasized the importance of determining a safe rate of weight loss with a healthcare provider, citing the typical definition of clinically significant weight loss as 5 to 10% of total body weight.
Jaisinghani cautioned against rapid or excessive weight loss due to potential health implications, such as hair loss, muscle loss, and malnutrition. She also stressed the possibility of weight regain upon discontinuing any weight loss intervention, emphasizing the need for lifestyle changes in conjunction with medication.
Despite the stigma surrounding the off-label use of the medication, Osbourne has been candid about her experience. She emphasized her commitment to honesty about herself and rejected pretense, stating, “I am what I am,” and acknowledging her inability to maintain a façade at her age.