Jade Thirlwall, a member of the popular girl group Little Mix, has opened up about her ongoing struggle with weight loss medications, specifically Ozempic. In a candid interview with The Guardian, the 32-year-old singer revealed that she battles daily with the temptation to use such drugs, particularly due to her history with eating disorders.
Thirlwall expressed her concerns regarding the impact of using weight loss medication on her mental health. “I have a daily battle with myself not to go on Ozempic,” she stated. “I don’t judge people that do, but because I have a history of eating disorders, I don’t know where taking something like that would end for me.” Her remarks highlight a nuanced perspective on the pressures surrounding body image and weight loss in the entertainment industry.
Reflecting on her journey, Thirlwall noted the evolving perceptions of body image among her fans. “Little Mix fans were all about empowerment and celebrating your body however you look. Now I’m in my 30s and the healthiest I’ve ever been, but every time I post a picture, there are comments saying, ‘She must be pregnant,’” she shared. The singer pointed out that these comments often come from women, indicating a broader societal issue regarding body standards.
Thirlwall also recalled her experiences during her time with Little Mix, remembering periods where she felt her eating disorder was evident. “I didn’t think it at the time, but when I look back at photos of periods when I was quite unhappy, I think, wow, girlie, you were very, very thin,” she reflected. This self-awareness underscores the often detrimental effects of fame on mental health and body image.
The singer elaborated on her relationship with food, describing it as a way to exert control over her life during challenging times. “Historically, if I’ve ever felt that something is out of my control, then restricting food has been a means of controlling my life in a very toxic way.” Her openness contributes to a growing conversation about the importance of addressing mental health and body image issues, especially in the public eye.
Thirlwall’s candidness adds to the ongoing discourse about the use of weight loss medications among celebrities. Many public figures have recently spoken out about their experiences with Ozempic, prompting discussions about the societal pressures to conform to certain body ideals.
In sharing her journey, Jade Thirlwall not only raises awareness about the complexities of body image but also encourages a dialogue around the implications of weight loss medications. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and the challenges faced by those in the spotlight.