British pop icon Robbie Williams has publicly shared concerns about his deteriorating eyesight, which he believes may be connected to weight loss injections he has been using for several years.
Celebrity Warning About Medication Risks
The former Take That star spoke candidly about experiencing blurred vision and its impact on his daily life and performances. Williams specifically mentioned being unable to distinguish individual faces during concerts and described football players appearing as "blobs on a green field" when attending matches.
"I want to warn people reading this of the potential risks, to make sure they do their research," Williams told The Sun. "I was quite an early adapter of the jabs but what I'm also noticing is that my eyesight's not very good."
The singer revealed that his vision problems have become significant enough to require a change in his glasses prescription, and he's found that others using similar treatments report comparable symptoms.
Scientific Research on Weight Loss Injection Risks
A comprehensive 2024 study examining 17,000 patients over six years found concerning connections between semaglutide-based medications and vision problems. The research indicated that patients prescribed semaglutide were seven times more likely to develop a rare but serious eye condition that could potentially lead to vision loss in one eye.
It's important to note that the study, while revealing statistical correlations, could not definitively prove that semaglutide directly causes the eye condition. Researchers also emphasised that the actual number of affected patients remained relatively small.
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in popular weight loss injection brands including Ozempic and Wegovy, which have gained significant attention for their effectiveness in weight management.
Williams' History with Weight Loss Medication
Williams first disclosed his use of weight loss injections in 2023, describing the treatment as a "medical necessity" connected to his mental health struggles. The singer has been open about his battles with depression and body image issues throughout his career.
"I've been diagnosed with type 2 self-loathing," Williams previously told The Times. "It's shockingly catastrophic to my mental health to be bigger."
He explained that his weight loss journey was complicated by body dysmorphia, where concerns from others about being too thin were perceived as achievements rather than warnings.
The health concerns have had practical consequences for Williams' career, with the singer forced to cancel a scheduled performance in Istanbul in October to ensure public safety.
Williams' experience highlights the importance of understanding potential side effects when considering medical treatments, even as he acknowledges the benefits he's received from the weight loss injections.
