During his opening monologue at the recent 95th annual Academy Awards, host Jimmy Kimmel sparked amusement from viewers with a joke about the rumored widespread use of the diabetes drug Ozempic among Hollywood A-listers.

“Everybody looks so great. When I look around this room, I can’t help but wonder, ‘Is Ozempic right for me?’” he said. 

Kimmel’s joke received positive reactions from the audience, and many viewers took to social media to express their amusement and surprise that he made an open reference to Ozempic in front of Hollywood’s elite. One viewer commented that they could not believe Kimmel made the decision to make an Ozempic joke within the first two minutes of the Academy Awards.

Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is a drug that mimics the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. The drug has been shown to help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight, and it is often prescribed to overweight or obese patients with the condition.

However, while Ozempic can help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight, taking the drug for weight loss can be dangerous and may cause serious side effects such as an increased risk of thyroid cancer, damaged vessels in the eye, gallbladder pain, and swelling of the pancreas, according to Healthline. Plastic surgeons and dermatologists have also warned about the trend of “Ozempic face,” premature facial aging that can result from weight loss.

Dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank has observed the trend among his patients taking Ozempic. He shared that some of his middle-aged patients, who have never required fillers before, suddenly appear thin and request fillers. “A 50-year-old patient will come in, and suddenly, she’s super-skinny and needs filler, which she never needed before. I look at her and say, ‘How long have you been on Ozempic?’ And I’m right 100 percent of the time,” he said, adding that Ozempic has become the drug of choice for the wealthy.

Despite the potential risks, there has been speculation that some Hollywood celebrities have turned to Ozempic as a weight loss tool. In fact, Matthew Schneier, a feature writer for New York Magazine suggests the current craze for Ozempic in Hollywood rivals the past popularity of Botox.

The entertainment industry is notorious for its emphasis on conforming to a particular body image, placing actors under significant pressure to maintain a slim figure. Insider reported that several Hollywood celebrities—including Jennifer Lopez and Florence Pugh—have shared instances where they were urged to alter their body in order to advance in their careers.

The unrealistic expectations placed on individuals to adhere to certain beauty standards have resulted in extreme behaviors, including crash diets and the use of potentially harmful drugs, such as Ozempic, to achieve rapid weight loss. 

Kimmel’s joke at the Academy Awards indicates that the Ozempic trend is not going unnoticed. Besides highlighting a need to publicize warnings about Ozempic’s use, it underscores the urgency for a more inclusive attitude for and greater acceptance of diverse body types in the entertainment industry.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, seek professional help: Speak to a school counselor or connect with the TELL Lifeline, a counseling service for Japan’s international community (Chat: https://telljp.com/lifeline/, Phone number: 03-5774-0992).