Barely a minute into the Golden Globes of 2025, host Nikki Glaser threw down the gauntlet with a proclamation: “Ozempic’s biggest night.”
While Jimmy Kimmel had previously labeled weight loss drugs as Hollywood’s open secret, Glaser’s quip at the Golden Globes highlighted just how mainstream these medications have become. Lilly, the pharmaceutical giant behind several popular weight loss drugs including Zepbound, even sponsored the event. This revelation added more fuel to the already roaring conversation about these drugs both within and beyond the Hollywood hills.
The red carpet was especially buzzing when Kathy Bates showed off her stunning transformation after shedding 100 pounds. Bates, who credits her weight loss to a combination of lifestyle changes and Ozempic, was spotlighted for her healthier look as she graced the red carpet. Her noticeable change had the media in a frenzy, sparking discussions about the role of weight loss drugs in her journey.
Throughout the event, Glaser peppered her monologue with diet-related humor that resonated with a room full of celebrities. She humorously claimed that the servers were the hardest-working actors of the night for delivering food and drinks that the attendees would merely ‘look at.’ Meanwhile, audiences watching from home were bombarded with a series of commercials for weight loss products. A notable ad featured WeightWatchers’ new clinical program and used Olivia Newton-John’s ‘Physical’ in its jingle. Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Zepbound, along with a compounded semaglutide product, were also advertised.
The heavy influence of these medications on the event led to some tongue-in-cheek commentary online. After the broadcast, social media was ablaze with comments joking about how weight loss drugs were the true winners of the night. As one user put it, ‘The winner of the Golden Globes tonight was Ozempic.’
On a more serious note, Lilly’s sponsorship and their released ad before the Oscars brought forth important conversations about the ethical use of such medications. The ad emphasized that their products are intended for individuals facing health challenges due to obesity, rather than for mere vanity. This message underscored an ongoing debate about the off-label use of weight loss drugs among the rich and famous.
While the 82nd Golden Globes celebrated cinematic achievements, the spotlight on weight loss medications revealed an industry trend that has captured public attention. As the influence of these drugs continues to grow, important discussions about their role in healthcare and beyond are likely to intensify.
