Harvey Fierstein has been caught in a cycle of weight fluctuation for years, oscillating between being skinny and overweight. Reflecting on his journey, the 70-year-old actor shared, “I’ve been skinny before, that’s the sad part. I’ve been skinny, I’ve been fat, I’ve been skinny, I’ve been fat.” This time, however, Fierstein feels a sense of normalcy without the constant pressure of dieting.
The acclaimed playwright attributed his 120-pound weight loss to a specific weight-loss medication, highlighting the transformative effects it has had on his approach to food. Fierstein explained, “What’s different is what the drug actually does for you, which is, I don’t feel like I’m dieting. I feel like a normal person. I can go and have dinner with friends and not have to eat every piece of bread on the table and then not go have ice cream when I’ve done with dinner.” Emphasizing the newfound sense of satiety, he added, “I know what it is to be full like a normal person.”
Opening up about his heaviest weight of 310 pounds, Fierstein underscored the misconception surrounding weight issues, stating, “people don’t understand that being fat is not a choice. It’s something that your body is out of whack and this puts your body in whack.” Expressing his confidence in the efficacy of the medication, he affirmed, “I’m a great believer in it.”
Celebrities across the entertainment industry have also turned to weight-loss medications in their quest for healthier lifestyles. Notable figures like Oprah Winfrey, Kelly Clarkson, and Sharon Osbourne have embraced treatments like Ozempic. However, the medication, initially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for Type 2 diabetes, does not yield universal results. Comedian Tracy Morgan candidly shared his experience with Ozempic, revealing that he managed to “out-eat” the medication, leading to weight gain rather than loss. During an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Morgan humorously confessed, “I’ve learned to out-eat Ozempic. I out-ate Ozempic. I’ve gained 40 pounds. I’m like Magic Johnson. I gained 40 pounds.”
Honest and transparent discussions surrounding weight management and the challenges individuals face in achieving their desired goals remain crucial within the public sphere. Harvey Fierstein’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities associated with weight transformation and the diverse paths individuals may take to navigate these challenges.
