Kate Winslet stands firm against weight-loss drug hype, urges embracing natural aging |
Medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Clinically, they are prescribed to people with diabetes or obesity to help regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite. Under medical supervision, they can significantly lower weight and improve metabolic health.However, doctors warn that their growing off-label use for aesthetic weight loss is concerning. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, digestive distress, muscle loss, nutritional deficiencies and, in some cases, psychological dependence. Long-term safety data for non-medical use remains limited.What studies show about weight-loss drugsStudieshighlight the important caveats related to these weight-loss drugs. Rapid, medication-assisted weight loss has been associated with significant lean muscle loss, especially when protein intake and resistance exercise are inadequate. Loss of muscle mass is associated with long-term health risks, including reduced strength, slower metabolism and higher risk of weight gain.Beyond physical effects, emerging evidence points to psychological implications. Studiesexamining weight-loss drug use alongside body image issues suggest that reliance on pharmacological shortcuts may reinforce appearance-based self-worth, particularly among women exposed to beauty-driven social media content.Embracing ageing, not erasing itAt 50, Winslet says she has fully embraced natural aging and has never used Botox, fillers or weight-loss injections. She spoke passionately about celebrating features many try to hide.
