Superstar Barbra Streisand may very well be forgiven for not realising she was stumbling right into a social media minefield when she reacted to an Instagram photo of her friend Melissa McCarthy.
But when Barbra, 82, commented innocently ‘did you are taking Ozempic?’, the web response was swift – and brutal.
‘Shame on you,’ wrote one online critic. Others added, ‘Rude, Barbra’ and ‘Babs. No, honey. Just no.’
But I do not think Barbra has any reason to apologise. For one thing her message – that Melissa had slimmed down and was looking great – was an honest compliment from an old pal. More importantly, the outrage brigade have gotten all of it unsuitable about Hollywood, beauty and weight.
Alongside broadcasting, I’ve spent most of my working life as a fitness trainer and like thousands and thousands of others, my clients look as much as film stars as role models. They copy their hairstyles, ape their fashion sense and, greater than anything, envy their figures.
Barbra Streisand commented on a photograph of her slimmed-down friend Melissa McCarthy (pictured) asking if she had taken Ozempic. The online response was brutal, writes Nana Akua
What they often don’t realise is that the sirens of Tinseltown aren’t naturally more beautiful, higher dressed and thinner than the remaining of us. That is all only a lie.
Yes, some film stars have a head-start within the looks department, but they keep in shape by ravenous themselves half to death and figuring out day by day with personal trainers. Most are aided by tweakments – liposuction, tummy tucks, Botox, sympathetic lighting and the world’s best hair and make-up artists.
More recently, lots of them have been resorting to the so-called ‘miracle’ weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, which lower the quantity of sugar within the blood, decelerate movement of food through the stomach and, most significantly, curb appetite.
But in Hollywood, most take the drugs in utmost secrecy.
Take formerly roly-poly Rebel Wilson, who attributed her impressive weight reduction in 2020 to rigorous high-intensity interval workouts, nature hikes and a high-protein, low carb food regimen, documenting her regime non-stop on social media.
This is the kind of thing that will prompt my clients to curse themselves for failing to be as disciplined as Wilson.
But the fact is that exercising more and eating less is difficult. It’s only natural for people to struggle.
So I wasn’t surprised last month when Rebel sheepishly admitted she had also been taking Ozempic: ‘Someone like me could have a bottomless appetite for sweets, so I believe those drugs may be good.’
In initially refusing to confess that she was on prescription medication, while basking within the praise that got here along with her newly slim figure, Wilson may very well be seen as perpetuating the parable that film stars are a special breed, who never succumb to temptation.
But Barbra’s post brilliantly punctures that myth. A-listers do struggle with their weight like everyone else. And if they’re going to use synthetic methods to shed a number of kilos, they ought to be honest about it.
After all, despite their obvious advantages, Ozempic and Wegovy include very concerning negative effects: ‘Ozempic face’ – the phenomenon where your facial skin hangs wrinkly and saggy around hollowed cheeks – plus gastrointestinal problems and even pancreatitis.
Those tempted by these wonder-drugs have to give you the chance to balance the professionals and cons – and so they have to know whether their idol’s supermodel figure is down a brand new food regimen, exercise routine or a prescription.
So good on the brave celebrities who have come clean.
Barbra Streisand should not be vilified, but praised for starting a crucial conversation, writes Nana Akua
Take Sharon Osborne, who has said she is now struggling to placed on enough weight after undergoing a course of Ozempic injections. Oprah Winfrey is one other who has gone public along with her use of Ozempic after a few years of battling weight problems – though she too initially denied having succumbed.
American comedian and actress Amy Schumer has brilliantly nailed Hollywood’s big fib: ‘Everyone has been lying,’ she said. ”Smaller portions’ – like, shut up. You are on Ozempic otherwise you got work done. Be real with people.’
Barbra Streisand should not be vilified, but praised for starting a crucial conversation.
She has reminded the world that weight reduction drugs are Hollywood’s big latest secret and second, she’s suggested that it’s healthy to discuss reducing weight in a society increasingly blighted by obesity.
And do not forget that, unlike her critics, Barbra Streisand wasn’t criticising anyone, but praising them. She later clarified: ‘She looked incredible! I just desired to pay her a compliment.’
And it was a compliment! Even McCarthy knew it, saying: ‘Barbra Streisand knows I exist. She reached out to me, and he or she thought I looked good! I win the day.’
Sadly, today’s reactive keyboard warriors are only too sensitive to see it.
