Jennifer Fessler doesn’t let side effects deter her from using weight loss injections.
In the first episode of her Two jerseys of Js podcast with her The Real Housewives of New Jersey actress Jackie Goldschneider, 53, revealed she was in hospital with bowel inflammation after taking semaglutide — known by its brand name
Semaglutide — also sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy — is an FDA-approved prescription drug for type 2 diabetes or chronic obesity that works in the brain to affect feelings of satiety. It has become Hollywood’s latest weight loss trend due to its unspecified use for weight loss.
“I was on, and I won’t call it Ozempic — that was the umbrella name. But I’ve been on semaglutide for over a year and I’ve lost maybe 22 pounds,” Fessler said during the podcast.
Goldschneider, who has been vocal about her disapproval of using Ozempic for weight loss, called it a “very dangerous trend” but said she respected her friend’s decision to take the weekly injections, asking Fessler if she was nervous about it.
“I’m a raging hypochondriac, but when it comes to things related to my physical appearance, that kind of goes out the window,” Fessler said. “For example, I’m not at all afraid of having surgery for anything cosmetic.”
She continued: “I’m not afraid of Ozempic, and I’ll tell you that I had an experience that wasn’t good — and I’m pretty sure it was semaglutide — where I had to go to the hospital because of an affected bowel … and I’m still not nervous about it.”
‘RHONJ’ Star Jennifer Fessler Hints at Using Ozempic for Weight Loss as She Debuts Facelift, Nose Job: ‘I Had a Glow Up’
Fessler said a few months ago she was constipated, one of the side effects of Ozempic, but didn’t do anything about it, even though it got worse.
“I didn’t drink water, I didn’t eat vegetables. Because something that’s happening, a new experience for me, is that I can eat whatever I want even when it’s not the healthiest choice and still lose weight,” she explained. “So, maybe for the first time in my life I’m losing weight on pizza, pastries and ice cream.
“When I said that, I noticed there was a prison, I didn’t do anything about it. “I didn’t take Miralax, which you take every morning, or any stool softener,” she said. “I didn’t go for a week, and then it was a week and a half.”
Fessler admitted she was aware of the drug’s side effects, but she also “is guilty of ignoring them and letting them escalate to the point where I became under the influence.”
Now the reality star said that she no longer has problems because she drinks more water, tries to eat healthier food and takes Miralax. She also hired a personal trainer to combat the muscle loss she experienced.
“You have to be proactive about a lot of things,” she added. “Am I worried about that? Not. Am I aware of this and am a bit disappointed I didn’t address it sooner? Of course.”
Jennifer Fessler. Jennifer Fessler’s Instagram
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The effects of Ozempic and similar drugs on the digestive system are currently being investigated; In June, the drugs were linked to severe gastroparesis, also known as gastric paralysis, which the Mayo Clinic says:[prevents] that your stomach is not emptying properly.”
In September, the FDA issued a warning that Ozempic can lead to a life-threatening condition known as ileus—a type of intestinal obstruction where parts or all of the intestines become blocked. This blockage can limit blood flow to organs, leading to tissue necrosis.
A spokesperson for the manufacturer of Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, told PEOPLE in a statement: “The safety and efficacy profile of Ozempic has been evaluated in clinical studies involving multiple patients. The most commonly reported side effects were gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain (abdominal ) and constipation. The known risks associated with the use of Ozempic are reflected in the FDA-approved product labeling.”
“We stand by the safety and efficacy of Ozempic® when used as directed,” the company added.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education