Meghan McCain has spoken out against people who have urged her to take the diabetes drug Ozempic to lose weight just four weeks after giving birth to her second child. The US TV personality, 38, wrote in a column for the Daily Mail that she refuses to take the drug, which has become popular among celebrities as a slimming tool.
McCain, who gave birth with husband Ben Domenech, expressed shock at the number of people, from casual friends to industry acquaintances, who have suggested she use the medication. She said she understands that some people legitimately struggle with obesity and may benefit from the drug, but added: 'I am not one of those people.'
Ozempic contains semaglutide and is used to treat diabetes, but has the side effect of weight loss. A new product designed specifically for weight loss, Wegovy, is due to launch in the UK in spring and will be sold at Boots pharmacies. McCain voiced concerns about 'Big Pharma capitalising off culture's fatphobia.'
The former 'The View' co-host also highlighted the moral issue of taking a drug needed by diabetic patients for cosmetic reasons. Her column follows warnings from celebrity trainer Jillian Michaels, who said she has taken family friends off the drug due to side effects including heart palpitations and nausea, and noted that weight often returns after stopping.
McCain concluded by emphasising her responsibility as a mother to set an example for her daughters, saying: 'This is not the world I want for them and not the world I want for myself.'
