Ashley Graham is the latest public figure to open up about the rise of GLP-1s for weight loss. In a new interview, the Sports Illustrated model called the latest movement “disheartening” while reflecting on how she believed the body positivity trend was supposed to stop what seemed to have slowly taken over the industry.
Speaking with Marie Claire, Graham expressed her sadness about the apparent rise in the use of GLP-1 to achieve body goals. “There was a pendulum that swung that was so body acceptance, positivity, everybody be who they want to be. And now it’s going back this whole opposite way that feels like a smack in the face to the women who have felt like they’ve had a voice,” she said.
Even then, the public figure said that people using GLP-1s and other popular brands such as Ozempic and Wegovy would eventually fade away. “I know that there are and there’s gonna still be women who are considered plus size forever. This drug isn’t going to wipe out a whole statistic of women,” she said.
Ashley Graham Said She Will Continue To Fight For Body Positivity Amid The Rise Of Popular Weight Loss Drugs
Graham, who made a surprise appearance in Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep’s “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” said that despite weight loss drugs gaining popularity, she believes the industry has shown support for plus-sized models over the last several years.
“There’s so many [plus size influencers and creators]…they’re all over the place with their sizes and their proportions and how they look and how they’re relatable,” she said.
Graham explained that she’s been inspired by plus-sized content creators who use their platforms to raise awareness. “Seeing that these girls, who were raised on social media at such a young age are now coming in and they have a platform to say to the younger generation, ‘Be yourself, be who you want to be. If you have cellulite, who cares?’” she added.
Adding to that, Graham said that she wouldn’t be moved by the rise of weight loss drugs, vowing to continue her mission of spreading the message of body positivity. “I put my head down and I focus on the women we’ve built the community with,” she said.
Ashley Graham Isn’t The Only Celebrity Speaking Out About GLP-1s
Graham isn’t the only celebrity to have shared concerns about the use of GLP-1s for weight loss, according to The Blast.
In a lenghty social media video, Mo’Nique questioned what effects the drugs could have on the body. She also implied that GLP-1 users could end up regretting their choices down the line.
“You may get down to that size two or size four or that size eight or whatever that thing is. But I would ask you to research what you’re putting in your body,” she said.
The “Precious” actress became emotional while encouraging her followers to listen to the facts rather than to celebrities endorsing the product.
“They got us caught up in trends,” she said. “They’re taking away our willpower.” She added, “They’re taking away our fight. They’re taking away our ability to say, I believe in myself, I’m [going to] trust the process.”
Kate Winslet Upset About Ozempic
In another interview, “Titanic” actress Kate Winslet shared a similar stance, calling the Ozempic trend “devastating” and adding that a person’s “self-esteem” shouldn’t be tied to how much weight they can lose.
“And it’s puzzling because I have moments when I think it’s better, when I look at actresses at events dressed how they want, whichever shape — but then so many people are on weight-loss drugs. It’s so varied,” she said.
Vanessa Williams Confessed To Using Ozempic To Help Her Look Her ‘Best’
The first Black Miss America, Vanessa Williams, had a different opinion on the matter, according to The Blast.
In a past interview, the actress credited Ozempic and GLP-1s as a “game changer” in helping her reach her fitness goals.
She also got candid about how aging influenced her decision to use the drug. “My fifties were hard. I started perimenopause in my late forties but suddenly, at 51, it’s crazy how your body changes. You feel out of control because you’re working out the same way, eating the same, and your body is not reacting the way it used to,” she said.
“Science is amazing,” she added. “I’m like: ‘What’s next? Bring it on!’”
