The release of Stranger Things season five has sparked an unexpected online frenzy, but not about the plot. Instead, viewers are fixated on the dramatically altered physique of the show's central villain, Vecna, with many jokingly accusing him of turning to the popular weight-loss medication Ozempic.
The 'Snatched' Waist That Stole the Scene
Netflix dropped the first four episodes of the hit show's fifth and final season over the Thanksgiving period. While fans were eager for the supernatural action in Hawkins, Indiana, they were quickly distracted by the antagonist's new look. In these new installments, Vecna, portrayed by actor Jamie Campbell Bower, appears with a strikingly more defined and slender waistline, a stark contrast to his bulkier, more monstrous form in the previous season.
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), erupted with side-by-side comparisons of Vecna from season four and season five. The visual difference prompted a wave of humorous comments speculating on the cause of his slimmer silhouette. 'Vecna coming back with a snatched waist wasn't on my 2025 bingo card,' one user wrote. Another declared, 'They put Vecna on Ozempic!' while a third quipped, 'Ozempic has gone too far, even Vecna on Ozempic now.'
From Zumba Jokes to Canon Explanations
The joke even reached the actor himself. When a fan on X pondered why Vecna looked so different, specifically noting his slimmer waist, Campbell Bower playfully replied with a single word: 'Zumba.' However, the actor has provided a legitimate, in-universe explanation for the character's transformation in interviews.
Campbell Bower explained to Screen Rant that Vecna's new appearance is a direct result of the events at the end of season four, where the villain suffered a severe fall and was 'almost burned alive.' He stated, 'My understanding of it is that the reason he looks the way he does now is a byproduct of partly of that process. And also, just having spent more time, not in the human world.' The actor added that Vecna has become 'more resentful and hideous' within the otherworldly dimension.
What is Ozempic and Why the Comparison?
The jokes tap into the widespread cultural conversation around Ozempic and similar GLP-1 agonist drugs like Wegovy. Originally developed for treating Type 2 Diabetes, these injectable medications work by:
- Increasing insulin production.
- Slowing gastric emptying to prolong feelings of fullness.
- Acting on the brain's satiety centres to reduce hunger and cravings.
This leads to significant weight loss for many users, making it a frequent topic of discussion when any notable physical transformation is observed, even for fictional characters.
Fans will have to wait until December 26 to see the next batch of episodes, with the grand series finale scheduled to air on January 1, 2026. Until then, the debate over Vecna's waistline—whether achieved by otherworldly torment or modern medicine—continues to entertain the show's dedicated audience.
