Valerie Bertinelli Has Some Candid Thoughts On Ozempic And Other GLP-1's
In a cultural moment where GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have become the most talked-about topic in wellness, Valerie Bertinelli is offering a refreshingly honest perspective. The beloved actress and television personality hasn't tried the medications herself — but she's not judging anyone who has, and she's keeping the door open for the future.
A Supportive Stance Without Personal Buy-In
In a candid interview with People magazine, Bertinelli made her position clear with characteristic warmth and directness. While she hasn't personally turned to GLP-1 drugs for her own weight loss journey, she expressed genuine support for those who have found them helpful. Her philosophy is rooted in personal autonomy rather than blanket prescriptions — whatever helps someone feel better about themselves is a valid choice, full stop.
That said, Bertinelli was equally transparent about her own current stance: it's a "no" for now, but she's intentionally leaving room for change. She's learned enough about herself to know that absolute declarations about health choices rarely hold up over a lifetime, and she'd rather be honest about that uncertainty than perform false certainty for the cameras.
The Botox Experience That Shaped Her Thinking
Bertinelli's measured approach to GLP-1s is informed by her own history with cosmetic procedures. She's spoken openly about trying Botox in the past and ultimately deciding it wasn't for her — not because she thinks it's wrong, but because it simply didn't align with what she wanted for herself. That experience taught her an important distinction: something can be a perfectly valid choice for others while still not being the right choice for you.
This nuanced thinking extends to her broader outlook on aging and appearance. She hasn't ruled out a neck lift or other procedures down the road. The point, she emphasizes, isn't to draw rigid lines but to make thoughtful decisions as they come, without shame in either direction.
Part Of A Growing Wave Of Celebrity Honesty
Bertinelli joins a growing list of public figures who are choosing transparency over secrecy when it comes to GLP-1 medications. While some celebrities have faced backlash for using the drugs — or for denying their use when transformation photos suggest otherwise — a counter-movement of candor has emerged. Figures like Bunnie Xo have shared their negative experiences with GLP-1s, including concerns about mental health side effects, adding important nuance to a conversation that has too often been reduced to dramatic before-and-after photos.
The phenomenon of "Ozempic face" — the gaunt, aged appearance that rapid weight loss can produce — has also prompted more honest conversations about the trade-offs involved. These aren't miracle drugs without consequences, and the growing willingness of public figures to discuss both the benefits and the downsides represents a meaningful shift in how Hollywood approaches body image.
Why Her Honesty Matters
What makes Bertinelli's perspective particularly valuable is its lack of agenda. She's not selling an alternative program, promoting a competing product, or positioning herself as morally superior to those who've chosen GLP-1 medications. She's simply sharing where she stands today while acknowledging that tomorrow might look different — and giving everyone else permission to do the same.
In an industry that has historically demanded perfection while punishing transparency, that kind of candor is worth celebrating. Bertinelli's message isn't about Ozempic itself — it's about the freedom to make personal health choices without performative certainty, public shame, or the pretense that any of us have it all figured out.