Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

‘I work really hard and it really bothers me’: Kyle Richards responds to ‘frustrating’ Ozempic diet rumours

The ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ star has been accused of using diabetes medication to lose weight

Ellie Muir
Thursday 02 February 2023 15:55 GMT
Comments
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: season 9 reunion - trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Kyle Richards has hit out at critics accusing her of using the diabetes medication drug, Ozempic, for weight loss purposes.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star responded to the rumours in a new interview, saying that she works “really hard” for her figure.

Richards, 54, said that she “cannot stand” people alleging that she uses Ozempic to lose weight, adding that she goes to the gym for two hours every morning.

“I cannot stand people saying that because people that know me, know that I’m up every day at like 5.30am, 6am at the latest,” she told Extra at the American Heart Association’s concert on Wednesday (1 February) in New York City.

She continued: “I really put a lot of effort into my diet and exercise and taking care of myself, so when people like to think I took the easy way out, it’s frustrating.

“Sometimes I turn my cheek the other way and ignore it, but I work really hard and it really bothers me, and I would like to be able to be an inspiration to people. So don’t think I took the easy way out. Like, follow what I’m doing and you’ll see changes.”

Last month, the reality TV star posted a selfie in the gym to her Instagram, writing: “I work out every day. Chasing it up between running, cycling, hiking and yoga.”

Ozempic, which is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes, became a viral weight loss remedy on TikTok after it was used as a weight loss method by celebrities and TikTok users.

Recently, the diabetes medication has been trending on social media as many celebrities have been rumoured to use Ozempic to quickly lose weight. This known side effect has caused an increase in demand for Ozempic, which has sparked a global shortage. The medicine can now cost up to $1,500 per month (£1,225).

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
The reality TV star has been accused of using diabetes drug Ozempic for weight loss
The reality TV star has been accused of using diabetes drug Ozempic for weight loss (Getty Images)

In January, Richards posted a comment on Instagram responding to the initial rumours: “I am NOT taking Ozempic. Never have.”

Responding to an Instagram user who claimed Richards’ figure was due to “many visits to the plastic surgeon”, the Halloween Kills actor replied: “I have never tried Ozempic and this is not from plastic surgery. I did have a breast reduction in May.”

Speaking on the Two Ts in a Pod podcast, with hosts Tamra Judge and Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave, Richards also spoke out against the speculation.

“A lot of people think I’ve been taking Ozempic. To clarify, I’ve never taken Ozempic,” she said, also denying that she has taken any similar injections and or had a tummy tuck.

Richards said that she achieved her figure by going to the gym and cutting down on sugar, carbs, and alcohol.

“After gaining weight during the summer. On 15 July, after getting off the boat, I said, ‘That is it. I’m not having any sugar, any carbs, any alcohol,’” she explained.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in