Boxes of the diabetes drug Ozempic rest on a pharmacy counter in Los Angeles, Calif., on April 17, 2023. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
In a series of emotional Instagram posts last week, singer Avery disclosed that she has developed osteoporosis and osteopenia after taking the diabetes medication Ozempic to lose weight.
The 30-year-old singer, whose real name is Anna Iannitelli, has more than 300,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel and over 250,000 on Instagram. Originally from Phoenix, she shared her story on Instagram to raise awareness about the dangers of misusing the weight loss drug.
"I want to make clear that I DO have an eating disorder, and I did NOT get Ozempic from a doctor. It is very easy to get now days, and many people with eating disorders are getting their hands on it," she wrote in a Jan. 23 post.
She said she took the medication for a year, but stopped two months ago and has been experiencing a lot of pain, which is when she learned about her condition after seeing a doctor.
"I have osteoporosis in some parts of my body, osteopenia in others," she stated in an initial post, according to her Instagram account. She explained that she will be starting a treatment plan and medication regimen to address her condition.
In a follow-up video, she elaborated on her diagnosis, saying, "Osteopenia is reversible. Osteoporosis is not always reversible. It can be permanent."
While in tears, she said she regrets taking the weight loss medication and that she must be careful until she has recovered as her bones have become brittle and are more susceptible to fractures.
The artist took full responsibility for her actions, acknowledging the danger of using Ozempic for weight loss.
"I know it is my fault. I know that I did this to myself ... the reason I'm sharing about it is because I don't want someone else with an eating disorder to make the same mistake as me," Avery said in a follow-up post, where she addressed some initial reactions and questions from her followers.
"A lot of people that shouldn't have it are using it. And I just want to make people aware of what can happen when you do that, this is what happens. My body's falling apart. And if I fall down, my bones could potentially just snap in half," she said.
Avery's revelation comes at a time when the use of Ozempic and similar medications for weight loss has become increasingly prevalent. According to a recent news release from Columbia Psychiatry, anti-obesity medications (AOMs) are now prescribed to an estimated 6 percent of Americans, with prescriptions nearly doubling each year since 2019.
While these drugs have shown promise in treating obesity and related health conditions, experts are warning of potential side effects of doing so. Dr. Robert Klitzman, a psychiatrist and director of the Master of Science in Bioethics Program at Columbia University, cautioned against over-relying on such as a solution for obesity.
"The high costs of anti-obesity drugs and the need for lifelong use pose significant financial challenges, which could worsen health disparities," Klitzman stated in an October 2024 news release from the university.
He also warned that the excitement surrounding these medications may redirect attention from crucial public health efforts aimed at preventing obesity and encouraging lifestyle changes.
Avery's case highlights the dangers of misusing such drugs, especially for people with eating disorders.
The singer emphasized how easy it was for her to get Ozempic without a prescription.
"It is very easy to get ozempic these days. Unfortunately, a lot of people are getting it that don't need it. That is the problem," she said.
According to Columbia Psychiatry, such medication costs between $900 to $1,400 per month and is often more accessible to wealthier individuals or those with comprehensive health insurance.
In her same post, Avery said she doesn't intend to demonize the drug, which serves its purpose for people who have prescriptions from their doctors but advised strongly against using it for any other purpose.
"Please please please be careful with Ozempic if you are not someone that needs to take it," she said.
She said that her decision to use Ozempic stemmed from her struggles with body image and past experiences of being called "fat."
She said as she begins her journey to recovery, she hopes her story will prevent others from making similar mistakes. "I really just want you to know someone with an eating disorder, maybe to see this video and think twice about abusing a drug like Ozempic that it is not meant for people like us," she said.