Ozempic, a prescription medication for type 2 diabetes, has recently gained popularity for its weight loss effects. Comedian and actress Amy Schumer openly shared her negative experience with the drug, highlighting the importance of honesty surrounding weight loss journeys. While she initially lost 30 pounds, the severe side effects led her to discontinue use.
Ozempic, the brand name for semaglutide, works by affecting the brain’s satiety signals, leading to reduced appetite and weight loss. It’s administered weekly via injection. While effective for many, Schumer’s experience was far from positive.
During a January 2025 appearance on Howard Stern’s SiriusXM show, Schumer described debilitating nausea and lack of energy while on Ozempic. She attributed her extreme reaction to a specific gene, GDF15, which makes her highly susceptible to nausea. This gene also contributed to her severe sickness during pregnancy. Schumer emphasized that while her experience was negative, others have had success with the medication.
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Schumer’s initial weight loss of 30 pounds was rapid, but the inability to even lift her head due to nausea negated any positive effects. She humorously referred to the advertised benefits of Ozempic as “red flags,” given her debilitating experience.
In a prior appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in June 2023, Schumer revealed she couldn’t even play with her son due to the medication’s side effects. The extreme weight loss left her feeling weak and unable to participate in simple activities.
Common side effects of Ozempic and similar medications include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. Dr. Ania Jastreboff, an obesity medicine specialist at Yale University, confirmed these potential side effects.
Schumer’s decision to stop using Ozempic stemmed directly from these intolerable side effects. She acknowledged the widespread use of the medication and predicted its popularity, stating, “And you’re like, ‘OK, this isn’t livable for me.’ But I immediately invested [in it] because I knew everyone was going to try it.”
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Schumer criticized celebrities who attribute their weight loss to “smaller portions” or other misleading explanations. She advocated for honesty regarding weight loss methods, emphasizing her own transparency about undergoing liposuction. Schumer urged others to “Be real with the people,” advocating for open and honest discussions about weight loss journeys and procedures.
