Ozempic and The Return of the “Skinny” Ideals
In recent years, drugs like Ozempic have become extremely popular for weight loss, especially among influencers and celebrities. Ozempic was created to help those with type 2 diabetes; however, it is now widely known online as a way to become skinny quickly.
As more people use these medications and show the huge difference in weight loss, teens are now showing more pressure to look a certain way, bringing back the old, unhealthy beauty standards.
For a while, body positivity movements helped promote the idea that people of all sizes deserve equal representation and respect. Plus-sized models had a bigger impact and appeared more in social media and fashion, which made teens feel accepted.
However, with the rise of weight loss drugs like Ozempic, being thin is being praised once again as the ideal body type. When teens see celebrities and influencers losing weight quickly, it can lead them to think that being skinny is the only way to feel confident.
Research by Newsweek and medical experts has warned that Ozempic is not a harmless solution. According to Dr. Cynthia Edwards-Hawver, improper use of the drug can cause serious side effects like muscle loss and stomach issues.
Despite these risks, social media often ignores the dangers and focuses only on the results. This can be especially harmful for teenagers, who are still growing physically and mentally and may already struggle with body image.
The pressure does not just come from celebrities. Teens see these messages daily on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where weight loss is often celebrated without context, through trends such as body checking.
As a result, some students may feel insecure about their bodies or compare themselves to unrealistic standards. This can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, or even unhealthy behaviors surrounding food and exercise.
“I feel like Ozempic should not be used to make skinnier models, I feel like we should have more plus-sized girls on the runway,” said junior Mariana Bedoya. “I feel like beauty standards are going back in time. I personally don’t see many models with my body type, and I’d like to see more representation, especially on social media.”
Another concern is that Ozempic’s popularity may erase the progress made toward body diversity. When brands and media focus only on thin bodies again, teens who don’t fit that image may feel excluded. This can discourage students from participating in activities like sports, school events, or even social gatherings because they feel judged based on appearance.
“I think that models of all sizes should be included in social media and advertising, especially those targeted to younger people. Teenagers need physical activity to stay healthy, and those unrealistic beauty standards can lower their self-esteem,” said senior Sandy Lin.
Although Ozempic may be helpful for people who need it for medical reasons, the way it is portrayed in the media can send harmful messages. Teens should be reminded that health looks different for everyone and that body trends constantly change. What matters most is physical and mental well-being, not fitting into a trend created online.
By questioning what we see on social media and supporting diverse representation, students can help create a healthier environment where people are valued for who they are, not how closely they match a “perfect” body type.
