'Real Time' host Bill Maher opens discussion on Ozempic as he addresses Oprah Winfrey's revelation of using weight loss drug
LOS ANGLES, CALIFORNIA: During the "Overtime" segment of the recent edition of HBO's 'Real Time', Bill Maher sparked a thought-provoking discussion centering around the use of Ozempic, a medication primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes but also recognized for its potential off-label use for weight loss.
Maher was joined by Ray Romano, Laura Coates, and Walter Kirn on the panel as they delved into the intricacies surrounding Ozempic and Oprah Winfrey's confession of using a similar drug to aid in her drastic weight loss.
The iconic talk show host recently spoke to PEOPLE Magazine about using the medication as a way to keep her weight off and that no one should be blamed or shamed for taking its help.
Bill Maher and 'Overtime' panel talk about Oprah Winfrey's confession of using an Ozempic-type weight loss drug
Reading from a card, Maher said, "What does the panel think of Oprah revealing she used a weight loss drug? How dramatically will drugs like Ozempic impact the obesity epidemic in America?"
He soon opined, "Well, it's already happened. It's already you know...And, I think Oprah was very complimentary about Ozempic, right?"
Subsequently, Kirn noted, "I knew she'd used a drug because she kept the weight off. It seems like every other Oprah diet hasn't worked, so it had to be something, right?" as Maher nodded.
The panel acknowledged Winfrey's positive remarks regarding Ozempic and emphasized the importance of destigmatizing discussions around weight management.
Coates notably advocated against associating shame with individuals' choices regarding weight loss strategies, underscoring the need for open conversations without judgment.
She stated, "I think Oprah looks wonderful, but I will say, I'm glad that she's talking about the lack of it. There should not be shame associated with what people are doing."
"However, you know, if it's gonna turn into, "You get an Ozempic, and you get one, and you get one," different story," added Coates, voicing concerns about the commodification of such medications, possibly resulting in an overprescription culture reminiscent of Winfrey's iconic giveaways.
Bill Maher talks about the uncertainties and broader implications of Ozempic's use
An essential aspect of the discussion was the exploration of the unknown aspects of Ozempic and similar drugs.
"Are we okay with Ozempic? Is there...What's the downside?" asked Romano, and Kirn said, "We don't know yet," provoking a chuckle from the audience.
While laughing, Maher noted, "I'm hearing good I hear good things. Right. In that, it's not only gonna be useful for weight loss but...but addiction. I mean, it does something to your brain. I don't know. I mean, would I use it? No."
Subsequently, Romano took the opportunity to poke fun at the host and said, "And you use everything, right?" only for Maher to call himself a "drug aficionado," as the audience broke out in applause and laughter.
