Hollywood’s obsession with Ozempic and similar weight-loss drugs is largely reshaping how we view body image, and not necessarily for the better. Once celebrated for promoting self-acceptance and diversity in body shapes, the entertainment industry is now leaning back into an era of extreme thinness, driven by the widespread use of these medications. Stars who once spoke about positivity, like Mindy Kaling, are now noticeably slimmer, sparking conversations about whether the message of self-love is being overshadowed by a new wave of unrealistic standards.
Dr. Charlotte Markey, a psychology professor at Rutgers University, points out that the rise of Ozempic has shifted the whole conversation. “We’re seeing less emphasis on accepting natural body diversity and more on achieving a specific, often unattainable, look,” she says. While the desire to be thin isn’t new, Markey believes society had made progress in recent years by embracing a lot of healthier attitudes toward body image. But the ease of weight loss through drugs like Ozempic has disrupted that whole momentum.
Ozempic: The Diabetes Drug Turned Viral Weight-Loss Trend Shaping Hollywood and BeyondiStock
Celebrities, under constant pressure to maintain their appearance, are increasingly turning to these medications. Stars like Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Bates, and Rebel Wilson have openly discussed using weight-loss drugs, while others, like Kim Kardashian, face speculation about their rapid transformations. For many, these drugs offer a quick fix, but they also come with their own risks. Side effects, such as nausea and disordered eating patterns, are common, and some, like Sharon Osbourne, have warned about the dangers of becoming overly reliant on them.
Markey cautions against comparing ourselves to celebrities, who often have access to resources like personal trainers, chefs, and medical professionals that most people don’t. “Celebrities are paid, in part, for how they look,” she notes. “It’s important to remember that their standards aren’t realistic for the average person.”
Stars and Semaglutide: Celebrities Who Have Spoken About Using Ozempic for Weight LossGetty Images
The trend isn’t just about Hollywood though, it’s influencing broader beauty standards. Social media and the constant spotlight on celebrity bodies are amplifying the pressure to conform to a slim ideal. This shift is concerning, especially after years of progress toward body positivity. Markey stresses that body positivity isn’t about perfection but about feeling good in your own skin. “To say body positivity is over is to say we’ve given up on mental health,” she argues. “And that’s not something we should be willing to do.”
As Hollywood’s thin aesthetic makes a comeback, it’s worth questioning whether this trend is sustainable or healthy. While weight-loss drugs may offer a solution for some, they also risk perpetuating harmful beauty standards that leave little room for self-acceptance. In a world that often values appearance over substance, the real challenge lies in finding a balance and remembering that health both physical and mental should always come first.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.