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Kardashian's 'Ozempic' Pill Sparks Outrage: Doctors Warn Against 'Dangerous' Celebrity Health Fads

Published 1 month ago4 minute read
Precious Eseaye
Precious Eseaye
Kardashian's 'Ozempic' Pill Sparks Outrage: Doctors Warn Against 'Dangerous' Celebrity Health Fads

The Kar-Jenner family has long been associated with discussions surrounding weight loss and body image, with claims of Ozempic use frequently circulating among the sisters. Capitalizing on this trend and her wellness-focused persona, Kourtney Kardashian Barker's £2.4 billion supplement brand, Lemme, has launched several products that have drawn significant criticism from fans and medical professionals alike. Established in September 2022 with a stated aim to create "science-backed" vitamins, Lemme has faced considerable backlash for controversial offerings making unsubstantiated health claims.

One of the most contentious products is "GLP-1 Daily," explicitly marketed as an "Ozempic-style" weight-loss supplement. Ozempic, originally a diabetes medicine, gained widespread popularity as a weight-loss aid due to its active ingredient, a synthetic version of the GLP-1 hormone, which slows digestion, dulls hunger pangs, and aids in shedding body weight. While Lemme's pill does not contain semaglutide or any of the key ingredients found in pharmaceutical Ozempic, it is promoted as a natural alternative designed to "reduce body weight, visceral fat, and hip and waist circumference" by aiming to naturally increase GLP-1 levels over time using lemon and saffron extracts. Kourtney herself fueled the comparison by promoting a WWD article that discussed her desire to be "in on the Ozempic boom," and Lemme's marketing described the product as "a GLP-1 solution without the side effects" associated with the injectable drug.

These claims, however, have been met with widespread skepticism and condemnation. Fans quickly criticized Kourtney, who has previously been outspoken about body positivity, for what they perceived as a "facade" and "false marketing" aimed at profiting from body insecurities. Medical experts, including plastic surgeon Naveen Cavale, echoed these concerns, slamming the product as a "cash grab" and "incredibly misleading." Cavale emphasized that the supplement lacks the scientifically proven impact of injectable medications like Ozempic and could exacerbate mental health issues among young women by creating false hope. He pointed out that oral supplements cannot mimic the systemic effects of GLP-1 medications for weight loss due, in part, to enzymatic breakdown. Crucially, Lemme’s small print reveals that its claims have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), explicitly stating, "This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of drugs and approved supplements, a standard Lemme products do not meet.

Beyond weight management, Lemme has faced criticism for other products in its lineup. Its "Lemme Smooth" capsules, launched in June, claim to reduce cellulite in just 28 days, supposedly formulated with clinically-studied ingredients like French Cantaloupe Melon (SOD B Dimpless) extract. Again, health experts, including Naveen Cavale, dismissed this offering as a "fad" and an "ineffective solution to a perfectly normal condition." Doctors reiterated that cellulite is a very common, harmless skin condition affecting the majority of women, and these pills lack robust scientific backing for delivering significant, long-lasting results. Similar to GLP-1 Daily, Lemme Smooth also carries an FDA disclaimer regarding its unverified claims.

Another product that sparked controversy was "Lemme Purr" vagina gummies, released in February of the previous year. These gummies were marketed to boost vaginal health and alter its taste using ingredients like pineapple, Vitamin C, and probiotics. This product drew sharp rebuke from prominent gynecologist Dr. Jen Gunter, author of "The Vagina Bible," who vehemently stated that "Anyone who suggests that your vagina isn't fresh or needs an improved taste is a misogynist and awful person. And yes, that includes you Kourtney Kardashian and your Lemme grift." Dr. Gunter also disputes the belief that consuming pineapples can affect the taste of bodily fluids.

Kourtney Kardashian, who has cultivated an image as the most health-conscious sister—her interest in wellness reportedly sparked after the birth of her eldest son, Mason—has now come under fire for leveraging her brand to sell products that many consider unproven and exploitative. Critics argue that Lemme’s supplements exploit societal pressures and insecurities regarding body image, offering costly "quick-fix solutions" (£69 for a one-time purchase) without the scientific backing to deliver real results. Such products, experts warn, can lead to frustration, feelings of failure, worsened body image issues, and intensify anxiety, stress, and even depression for consumers struggling with their weight or self-perception.

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