Hollywood Stars Slim Down as Ozempic, Social Media Rewrite Beauty Standards

Hollywood’s red carpets are looking a little slimmer these days, and it’s not just about the designer gowns. During the 2025 awards season, stars like Demi Moore, Nicole Kidman, and Mindy Kaling showcased noticeably slender figures, sparking discussions about the ever-evolving beauty standards in the entertainment industry.

According to Beverly Hills cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Jason Emer, a mix of factors is driving this trend. From the influence of social media to the growing accessibility of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, it seems Hollywood’s obsession with thinness is getting a modern twist. Emer noted that advances in aesthetic procedures and a renewed focus on health and fitness are playing their part as well.

But let’s not forget the ghosts of the 90s and early 2000s, when extreme thinness reigned supreme. Stars like Moore have opened up about the intense pressure to conform to that ideal. In her 2019 memoir, "Inside Out," Moore shared her struggles with an eating disorder, describing how she felt compelled to over-exercise to fit into her role in the 1992 film "A Few Good Men."

Just when it seemed Hollywood had turned a corner with the body positivity movement, led by champions like Demi Lovato, Lizzo, and Ashley Graham, the pendulum appears to be swinging back. Dr. David Amron, founder of The Roxbury Institute, expressed concern about the resurgence of "dangerous thinness" fueled by social media and unrealistic beauty expectations. "We’re witnessing a return to impossible standards that pressure people to shrink themselves at any cost," Amron warned.

The popularity of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, originally designed to manage Type 2 diabetes, has skyrocketed in recent years, with some celebrities openly crediting these drugs for their weight loss. While FDA-approved for treating obesity, many are using them off-label for aesthetic goals, leading to a surge in demand and, unsurprisingly, a fair share of controversy.

Take Mindy Kaling, for instance. Rumors swirled in 2022 that she relied on Ozempic after reportedly losing 40 pounds. However, the actress clarified that her transformation was the result of lifestyle changes, including portion control and a consistent fitness routine. On the flip side, stars like Sharon Osbourne have shared cautionary tales, describing severe side effects like persistent nausea. "It’s easy to become addicted to the results," Osbourne said, raising concerns over the unchecked use of these drugs, especially among younger individuals.

Even Hollywood royalty like Oprah Winfrey have joined the conversation. After leaving her longtime role with WeightWatchers, Winfrey admitted to using weight-loss medication, calling it a "relief" and "redemption" from years of self-blame. "Obesity is a disease," she told People magazine, emphasizing that it’s not about willpower but biological factors.

Not all weight-loss journeys in Hollywood are tied to medication. Academy Award winner Kathy Bates, who shed 100 pounds over seven years, credits a combination of diet, fitness, and, yes, Ozempic for helping her lose the last 20 pounds. Despite her success, Bates stressed the importance of hard work and determination, especially during challenging times like the pandemic.

So, what does this all mean for the rest of us? Hollywood’s beauty standards might shift with the seasons, but the pressure to conform remains relentless. While tools like Ozempic offer new ways to achieve weight loss, they also raise ethical and health questions that extend far beyond the glitter of the red carpet.