Jillian Michaels Warns Against GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic for Weight Loss

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Former ‘Biggest Loser’ trainer Jillian Michaels has raised concerns about the widespread use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic for weight loss, urging individuals to explore alternative methods. In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com this month, Michaels, 50, criticized the trend of relying on medications for weight management, citing sustainability issues and potential side effects.

GLP-1 medications, originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes, have surged in popularity as weight-loss aids after gaining FDA approval. Ozempic, for instance, contains semaglutide, a compound that mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which suppresses appetite and promotes a feeling of fullness. When combined with diet and exercise, these drugs have been marketed as effective tools for weight loss, particularly among celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Rebel Wilson.

However, Michaels, known for her no-nonsense approach to fitness, expressed skepticism. ‘Everything with medication, for me personally, is a cost-benefit analysis,’ she told DailyMail.com. She compared GLP-1 drugs to antibiotics, emphasizing that while they can be life-saving in certain situations, they should not be used casually. ‘If you’re morbidly obese, if you’ve tried everything, generally, there will also be a deep psychological component, a physiological addiction, if you have other elements of your health that have failed you, in this cost-benefit analysis, you will absolutely twist my arm,’ she admitted.

Despite acknowledging potential benefits for some individuals, Michaels warned against the drugs’ long-term sustainability. She referenced studies showing that a high percentage of users discontinue the medication after one year, often experiencing rebound weight gain. ‘Once they get off of the drug, it does the rebound effect,’ she explained. ‘So you’re not gaining anything. You get off the drug in a year and go all the way back. You’ve not learned anything. You’ve not built any physical strength or endurance. You haven’t learned how to eat healthy.’

Michaels also highlighted the risks associated with GLP-1 drugs, including severe side effects such as stomach paralysis, tears in the esophagus, and suicidal thoughts. While Wegovy and Zepbound are FDA-approved specifically for weight loss, Ozempic remains primarily a diabetes treatment. The growing demand for these medications has led to shortages, sparking debates about their appropriate use.

This isn’t the first time Michaels has spoken out against weight-loss drugs. In a February 2023 interview with People, she revealed that she had persuaded several friends to stop using Ozempic. ‘If you’re taking this to lose 20 pounds, 30 pounds, 45, 50 pounds, I would strongly suggest trying anything else,’ she reiterated.

As the popularity of GLP-1 drugs continues to rise, so do legal challenges. Drug manufacturers face thousands of lawsuits related to severe side effects, further complicating the conversation around their use. Michaels’ critique adds to a growing chorus of voices questioning the long-term implications of relying on medication for weight management.