Following months of speculation, American Idol Kelly Clarkson finally admitted to using a medical weight loss drug to lose weight. After amazing fans with her slim physique in late 2023, the Grammy winner initially insisted that diet and exercise alone had led to her dramatic weight loss. Despite her repeated denials, the rumor mill maintained that the TV show host must have jumped on the Ozempic bandwagon to shed almost 40 pounds.
Interestingly, it seems that, for once, the public may have been onto something. During a recent episode of her show, Clarkson admitted to guest Whoopi Goldberg that she had indeed used a weight loss drug in her wellness program, but it’s not Ozempic.
What’s the big deal with Ozempic?
Since medical weight loss hit the mainstream a few years ago, several celebrities have been linked to numerous weight loss drugs. While many have kept mum, others have been very open about their use. For instance, Mama June Shannon, initially of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo fame, has been very vocal about using Ozempic shots. According to her statement on Entertainment Tonight, the main star of Mama June: From Not to Hot lost 30 pounds in just nine weeks.
Given these results, why are so many celebs adamant that they don’t use any weight loss drugs? First, it has to do with the common misconception that using medical weight loss drugs is an “easy way” to lose weight. In reality, while these drugs do even out the biological playing field that makes it harder for obese individuals to shed excess fat, they still require patients to follow a balanced diet and exercise routine. The best and most sustainable results, in fact, are only achieved through a well-rounded doctor-guided program.
Aside from this, many people worry that drastic weight loss may have less-than-pleasant physical effects, chief among these being Ozempic face. Described as a side effect of the weight loss drug, this facial condition includes sagging skin, a hollowed-out appearance, and more pronounced lines due to the sudden loss of fat and volume. Apart from this, there is also Ozempic butt. According to experts, rapid weight loss can cause overall fat to reduce, including in areas like the butt. Aside from this, sudden weight loss can impair the skin’s ability to contract. Overall, this gives the appearance of a smaller, saggier bottom. Understandably, these unexpected side effects are undesirable to most, but they are avoidable. Research says that consuming plant-based foods can improve collagen and elastin, while aerobic and strength-based exercises can enhance skin elasticity. This underscores the need for professionals when considering medical weight loss since they can tailor programs per person.
Kelly Clarkson’s weight loss journey
The “Breakaway” singer has always been known to be a staunch supporter of body positivity. In a previous People interview, Clarkson said, “Even on American Idol, I was really thin, but I was bigger than the other girls on the show, so people would say things to me.” Reality TV fans will remember that Clarkson was the very first winner of American Idol back in 2002. “But luckily, I’m super confident, so I’ve never had a problem with shutting people down and saying, ‘Yeah, you know, that’s just what I’m rocking. It’s fine,’” she continued.
Because of this, it took some fans by surprise when Kelly started flaunting a noticeably slimmer figure last year. Humorously dubbed a “post-divorce” glow by some media outlets, Clarkson credited her slim-down to adopting a new diet and exercise plan. Specifically, the singer said she started walking more and following a balanced diet prescribed by her doctor. A source allegedly close to the star also told Life & Style in 2023 that Clarkson was strictly limiting her sugar and carb intake. This seemed to quiet speculations for a while until mid-2024, when Clarkson herself opened up on her daytime show. After complimenting Goldberg, who admitted she’d lost weight from Mounjaro, Clarkson followed it up by saying she, too, had used a weight loss drug. “Everybody thinks it’s Ozempic,” she stated. “It’s not.” Instead, she explained that the drug she used helps break down sugar, which her body doesn’t do correctly.
Although most people praised her new appearance, Clarkson explained that she underwent this weight loss for health reasons. Despite being only 5’3”, Clarkson said she weighed over 200 pounds at her heaviest. Multiple pregnancies and a previously diagnosed autoimmune disorder further caused Clarkson’s weight to fluctuate to the point where she was on medications and couldn’t recognize herself. Though she’s yet to name the specific drug she used, by admitting to using medications for health reasons, she’s helping rightly shift the medical weight loss narrative away from vanity and towards wellness.