Andy Cohen’s comments about Ozempic leave a bitter taste in the public’s mouth.
The 54-year-old reality TV king was forced to hit back at fans who accused him of ‘praising’ stars who have lost weight with the increasingly popular diabetes drug in recent months.
Cohen addressed the issue on his Sirius XM show “Radio Andy,” sharing a DM from a viewer who wondered why Ozempic had become such a hot topic.
“Tonight was the third ‘Watch What Happens Live’ guest I’ve heard brag about losing weight and ask about Ozempic,” they wrote, referring to the guest’s latest interview with fellow ‘Real Housewives’ New Jersey”, Dolores Catania.
During last Thursday’s “WWHL,” Catania admitted that she jumped on the Ozempic “wagon” after Cohen asked her about her new look. “I wasn’t going to come to [‘RHONJ’] the reunion feels bigger than anyone else,” he said.
The Bravo host ended up agreeing with his critic, telling listeners, “Well, you know what? This woman… she’s right. She later admitted that talking about weight loss can be a “slippery slope”.
Cohen offered a minor defense, claiming he never complimented Catania’s weight loss, only saying it was “skinny.”
“I’m trying to deliver the goods for my audience,” he explained. “I mean, if Dolores shows up 30 pounds lighter, I need to find out how that happened.”
Ozempic and other similar injections, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, have been heralded as a weight-loss miracle since they were approved for the treatment of obesity in 2021.
While the drugs, originally developed to control glucose levels, can slow digestion and reduce appetite, the list of side effects includes nausea, vomiting, constipation, gas and heartburn. More serious long-term reactions, such as thyroid cancers, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney problems, have also been reported.
While stars like Catania, Rosie O’Donnell and Chelsea Handler have all been open about using Ozempic, others in Hollywood have expressed concern.
“Game of Thrones” actress Sophie Turner recently launched ads for the treatment, telling her Instagram followers: “The Ozempic ads in the Times Square subway station can kick your ass.”
