Ree Drummond says she didn't used Ozempic to lose weight and shares what she did instead (2024)
Ree Drummond is setting the record straight about her weight loss in recent years, clarifying that she hasn't relied on drugs like Ozempic in her transformation.
In a recent update to a blog post on her website, the "Pioneer Woman" shared how she's been able to drop 50 pounds since January 2021, writing, "I did not take 'weight loss gummies' or other supplements." There were "false articles/ads" circulating on social media claiming she was using such a product, she wrote, adding, "not only does it rob people of money, it also falsely suggests a gummy/supplement can result in weight loss."
"I did not take Ozempic, Wegovy, or similar medications," she continued. "Isupport anyone who has success using the above medications. I know they have been an absolute godsend for so many people; I have friends who’ve experienced incredible results. For me, the simple, boring truth is that when I set out to lose weight in January of 2021, I had never heard of that class of drugs."
"To be honest, if I had heard of them and had seen all the results that are out there, I might have been tempted to try them. ... Today, even though I have gained a few pounds up and down, I still have not chosen that option ... but you’ll never hear a second of judgment from me about people who choose that direction!"
Drummond previously spoke with TODAY.com in an exclusive interview about the diet and lifestyle changes that she started in January 2021, when she began her weight loss journey with the goal of feeling better.
There’s no secret to her success, she says, noting that a combination of moderate diet and exercise changes made all the difference. “I tackled it from different directions,” Drummond tells TODAY.com.
“The biggest takeaway, which I don’t always adhere to, is trying not to waste calories. I could eat a plate of delicious food with different elements and colors and flavor, or I could eat a donut,” Drummond explains. She asks herself what would serve her body better — a balanced meal rich in protein and nutrients or something that may be delicious but a little less nourishing?
"Sometimes, it’s the donut,” she jokes. “But it’s just a good thing to have in mind.”
Drummond’s realistic approach to weight loss is exactly what makes her success so relatable. She didn’t buy into weight loss programs, try intermittent fasting, go on an extreme crash diet or stock her refrigerator with fat-free, sugar-free versions of her favorite ingredients. She simply exercised regularly, added more protein and vegetables into her diet, cut out alcohol and kept an eye on how many sweets she was consuming.
While daily walks with her dogs help her stay active, she credits a rowing machine for building her tone and muscle. “I’m an impatient home exerciser, so the rowing machine was probably my favorite," says Drummond in a cheeky nod to her new cookbook, "The Pioneer Woman Cooks―Dinner's Ready!: 112 Fast and Fabulous Recipes for Slightly Impatient Home Cooks," out last October.
Drummond admits that, like many people, she falls off the exercise wagon from time to time. “Right now, the rowing machine is a clothes rack,” she quips.
“I think what I’ve done over the past two years is knowing that I don’t want to push things away or say no to foods," she continues. "I upped my movement a bit. I take a couple extra walks with the dogs each week. I make sure to get on the rowing machine at least once a day, especially through November and December,” she says.
Drummond is no stranger to a household filled with delicious food. So how does she maintain her weight without completely depriving herself of treats? “One slice of pecan pie is every bite as delicious as three slices of pecan pie,” she muses.
She simply exercised regularly, added more protein and vegetables into her diet, cut out alcohol and kept an eye on how many sweets she was consuming. While daily walks with her dogs help her stay active, she credits a rowing machine for building her tone and muscle.
"I did not take Ozempic, Wegovy, or similar medications. I know this has been a big topic in recent years, so I thought I'd add this paragraph," she wrote in an update to her blog. Drummond made it clear she isn't shaming anyone if they have used weight loss medications.
Doctors believe some people might be resistant to the drugs as a result of genetic differences. Other possible reasons could include certain medical conditions and medications, how much weight a person lost before taking the drugs, and differences in how people metabolize them.
Wegovy, a higher-dose version of Ozempic, is prescribed for chronic weight loss management. The medication received FDA approval in 2021 and is intended for adults with a body mass index of 27 or above, with weight-related health conditions.
When patients suddenly stop taking Ozempic, they may experience a return of their full appetite, which can lead to increased calorie intake and potential weight regain. To avoid these outcomes, it is crucial to have a plan in place for transitioning off the medication.
She simply exercised regularly, added more protein and vegetables into her diet, cut out alcohol and kept an eye on how many sweets she was consuming. While daily walks with her dogs help her stay active, she credits a rowing machine for building her tone and muscle.
Research suggests Ozempic supports weight loss of around 1kg or around 1.1% of body weight after one month. After two months, it's around 2kg or 2.2% of body weight. However, as this is an average rate of weight loss, it's unclear how much weight loss an individual will lose in a month on Ozempic.
Some doctors may prescribe Ozempic to help individuals without diabetes manage weight. But this use is considered “off-label” because it's not FDA approved for weight management. Wegovy is the FDA-approved weight loss version of Ozempic, explains Dr. Johnson, and contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic.
Users Report Severe Long-Term Effects from Ozempic
Some users have reported heart palpitations, chest pain, and other cardiac-related issues. Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions should be especially cautious and discuss the risks of Ozempic with their healthcare providers.
Oprah Winfrey shares the 'greatest' lesson she learned after filming Ozempic special. The talk show host focuses on the impact of anti-obesity medications in the new program after confirming she takes one herself.
Winfrey, who in December admitted to using weight loss medication, empathized with the guests who shared why they turned to prescription medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Victoza and Wegovy. "This is what I got for the first time after I took the medication.
Fatigue, constipation, and headaches are also possible. Most digestion-related side effects improve over time as your body gets used to the medication. More severe semaglutide side effects, such as pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and kidney damage are rare.
Sagging or wrinkled skin on a person's face or butt is commonly known as “Ozempic face” or “Ozempic butt.” The often quick weight loss people see when taking weight loss drugs can lead to the issue of sagging skin.
The comedian revealed in a 2023 appearance on Today that he's been using Ozempic. Morgan shared that he goes to the gym every morning, but credited his weight loss to Ozempic. “That's how this weight got lost,” he said “I went and got a prescription and I got Ozempic. And I ain't letting it go.”
Due to a Wegovy shortage coupled with Ozempic's weight loss effects going viral on social media, people without type 2 diabetes have begun using Ozempic off-label for weight loss.
Kardashian clapped back via social media and denied that she was using Ozempic. “Let's not discredit my years of working out. I get up 5 days a week at 6am to train. Please stop with your assumptions,” she responded.
Research suggests that people can lose an average of 5 pounds monthly on Ozempic. The amount of weight you can lose in a month with Ozempic depends on your dose. Other factors affecting the amount of weight loss you can expect with Ozempic include your starting weight, diet, exercise, and other medications.
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