The widespread use of Ozempic and similar weight-loss drugs has led to dramatic physical transformations among celebrities, raising questions about whether this trend represents a shift towards body positivity or a reinforcement of traditional beauty standards in Hollywood. Last weekend, Meghan Trainor stunned fans with her slimmer appearance at Kris Jenner’s birthday party, a far cry from her curvy image that defined her rise to fame with body-positive anthems like ‘All About That Bass.’ This change is part of a broader pattern where stars such as Amy Schumer, Ariana Grande, and Mindy Kaling have visibly lost weight, often attributed to the use of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro.
Trainor has been open about her journey, crediting weight-loss medication after her second pregnancy and emphasizing health over appearance. Similarly, Amy Schumer recently deleted old photos from Instagram and posted new ones showcasing her weight loss, while explaining her motivations were rooted in managing health issues like Cushing syndrome and perimenopause, not vanity. Schumer clarified that she is proud of her past appearances and focused on being pain-free, highlighting improvements in conditions like endometriosis.
Insiders like celebrity publicist Monique Lewis observe that Hollywood is reverting to thinner body ideals, with casting calls increasingly favoring sizes 4 to 8, undoing progress made during the body positivity movement. This shift comes despite earlier strides, such as Ashley Graham’s Sports Illustrated cover and Lizzo’s fame, though Lizzo herself has experimented with weight-loss drugs. Lewis notes that body shapes are becoming homogenized, moving away from the diversity celebrated in the 2010s.
Image consultant Amanda Sanders finds the newfound openness about medication use refreshing, as it avoids the cliché of attributing weight loss solely to diet and exercise. However, she points out that many of these stars were never unhealthy at their previous sizes, which aligned more with average American women than Hollywood norms. Sanders appreciates the honesty but questions whether it challenges or reinforces beauty standards.
The trend extends beyond weight loss, with celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Jennifer Lawrence discussing plastic surgery openly, gaining ‘cool-girl’ credibility. Rapid weight loss from drugs has also led to increased demand for cosmetic treatments to address sagging skin, as noted by Dr. Jennifer Levine, who uses laser therapies for ‘Ozempic face’ and other issues. Dr. Levine sees this openness as positive, advocating for personal choice without shame.
Dr. Levine views the conversation as empowering, emphasizing that people should not be shamed for being thin or heavy. Conversely, Lewis questions the authenticity of this ‘choice,’ pointing to peer pressure in Hollywood that pushes stars towards thinner ideals, potentially undermining the body positivity movement’s core message of self-acceptance. The debate highlights tensions between individual health and societal expectations.
As more celebrities embrace medical interventions for weight loss and aesthetics, the entertainment industry faces a critical juncture in defining beauty standards. This evolving landscape balances personal health journeys against pressures that may perpetuate unrealistic expectations, leaving the future of body image in flux.
