At 64, comedian and actress Rosie O’Donnell said she has never felt healthier, attributing part of her improved well-being to the diabetes medication Mounjaro (tirzepatide). O’Donnell made the remarks during a Tuesday episode of the Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast, noting her doctor prescribed the drug three years ago to manage her diabetes rather than for weight loss.
Similarly, actress Chrissy Metz, 45, publicly discussed her decision to use a GLP-1 receptor agonist after years of skepticism. Metz, who stars in This Is Us, shared her experience on The Today Show Monday, citing perimenopause and her family’s history of obesity as factors in her choice.
Both celebrities described the medications as part of broader lifestyle changes, emphasizing medical guidance and personal health goals.
Celebrity Experiences with GLP-1 Medications
O’Donnell recounted how Mounjaro initially suppressed her appetite unexpectedly. She described attending a celebratory dinner for her son’s engagement at Nobu shortly after starting the medication, where she struggled to eat. "I take the shot, and I go out to Nobu, and I can’t eat anything," she said. Two weeks later, she discovered she had lost 12 pounds without trying, prompting a call to her doctor out of concern she might have a serious illness.
Metz, who had previously dismissed GLP-1 drugs, said she reconsidered after learning more about their effects. She described the decision as part of a broader commitment to longevity and health, incorporating strength training alongside the medication. "It’s not just, ‘Oh, I’m going to take a medication,’ because it’s not the easy way out," she said. Metz also noted feeling more energetic and healthier overall since starting the treatment.
How GLP-1 Drugs Work
The medications O’Donnell and Metz referenced belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which regulate blood sugar and appetite. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, while other drugs like semaglutide (found in Ozempic and Wegovy) primarily target GLP-1.
These drugs were initially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for type 2 diabetes. In 2023, the FDA also approved tirzepatide under the brand name Zepbound for chronic weight management. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea.
Broader Context of GLP-1 Medication Use
O’Donnell and Metz are among several public figures who have publicly discussed their use of GLP-1 medications, contributing to broader conversations about their accessibility and role in weight management. The drugs have gained significant attention for their effectiveness in helping individuals with obesity or diabetes achieve weight loss, though they remain prescription-only and require medical supervision.
Both celebrities emphasized that their experiences were part of individualized health journeys guided by medical professionals, rather than quick-fix solutions.