Sharon Osbourne appeared nearly unrecognizable during a recent outing in Los Angeles, looking noticeably frail in a loose white sweatshirt and cream pants. Despite the oversized outfit, the 72-year-old’s dramatically slimmed-down frame was still clearly visible—drawing renewed attention to her use of Ozempic, the diabetes drug turned weight-loss trend. Osbourne was one of the first celebrities to admit using Ozempic, which she began in December 2022. While initially pleased with her rapid weight loss, she has since expressed concern that the drug caused lasting changes to her body. “I can’t put on weight now, and I don’t know what it’s done to my metabolism,” she revealed on Howie Mandel’s podcast. “I think I went too far.” In a February interview with The Guardian, she admitted to losing “three stone [42 pounds] in four months. Too much.”
Sharon Osbourne’s struggle to gain weight
In an earlier interview with DailyMail.com, Sharon said she now weighs just over 7 stone (98 pounds) and remains frustrated: “I need to put on 10lb, but however much I eat, I stay the same weight.” Even doctors are baffled by her inability to regain weight, months after she stopped using Ozempic. “They can’t figure it out,” she said. “But I think it’s just because I’m getting older—you lose weight anyway and shrink and shrivel off.” Meanwhile, having undergone a number of procedures over the years—from a gastric band to facelifts and Botox—Sharon said she’s finally stepping away from cosmetic interventions. “I couldn’t have much more facial surgery — there’s not that much skin left to stretch, pull or cut,” she said. “I don’t think I’ll ever be happy with the way I look. But I’m now satisfied… It’s finally time to leave well alone.”
Sharon Osbourne’s long struggle with weight
In various interviews, including Celebrity Big Brother and Loose Women, Osbourne opened up about the emotional toll of struggling with weight. “People who don’t have to worry about weight have no idea what it’s like,” she said. “At one point I was 230lb. It’s a killer.” Despite the criticism over her recent appearance, Sharon maintains she has no regrets about trying Ozempic. “Everything with weight with me was, ‘I want it now,’” she said. “The injections worked, but now I can’t put anything on. I lost over 40lbs. If I could, I’d put back another 10.” Meanwhile, there are also other celebrities including Meghan Trainor, Lizzo, Lottie Moss have also used Ozempic for weight loss.
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What is Ozempic?
Ozempic, or semaglutide, is a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for managing type 2 diabetes in adults. It’s administered as a once-weekly injection and works by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, thereby helping to control blood sugar levels. While not officially approved for weight loss, some doctors prescribe it off-label for that purpose.
How does Ozempic aid in weight loss?
Ozempic mimics a natural hormone that signals fullness to the brain, reducing appetite. It also slows down digestion, prolonging the time food stays in the stomach—similar to the effects of bariatric surgery. Though its primary use is for diabetes treatment, weight loss is a common and notable side effect. Ozempic is intended for long-term use.