Credit: JOHN NACION/startraksphoto
Margaret Josephs dropped 22 pounds after starting a GLP-1 agonist regimen about a year ago.
During a recent interview, the The Real Housewives of New Jersey cast members opened up about their decision to get weekly injections of the drug, which is in the same class as the controversial diabetes drug Ozempic, and reacted to the shortages plaguing real diabetes.
“I take it as a shot once a week, and it helps me lose weight and increase my metabolism,” Margaret told Insider on March 31.
Margaret said she was prescribed the drug by NYC physician assistant Jamie Gabel but did not specify which drug she actually took, only stating that she did not use Ozempic.
“Everyone is like, ‘Marge, you look good,’ even though some of the costars think my weight loss is not a good idea,” Margaret said. “But I think this is absurd. I think whatever works for me.
Although Margaret has lost weight over the past year, she says her decision to seek help wasn’t just about looks. However, he came to Gabel’s office after noticing that he was feeling weak. And, he wasn’t put on GLP-1 until he had a series of tests, including measurements of hormone levels and blood sugar levels, that found his A1C was elevated.
“I wasn’t familiar with GLP-1 when I started taking it,” Margaret admits. “But what I’m looking for is that it’s a peptide that’s already in the body, and it can lower blood sugar.”
According to Margaret, she took the drug to “maintain” her health and did not change her diet or exercise routine.
“My cholesterol is down. All my blood is better,” said Margaret. “I want to be there for the people I love, so I have to take care of myself. Because if you don’t have health, you have nothing… [And] healthy people look good.”
“I’ve never had a problem with my physique,” Margaret continued. “But I’m old. I had a facelift. Am I morbidly obese? No. I am a voluptuous type of cat; Now I am a skinny white middle-aged woman.”
While Margaret was pleased with the results she saw, she RHONJ friend and friend, Jackie Goldschneiderhas spoken out about the type of drugs she uses, taking particular aim at Ozempic, saying it has been dangerous for her eating disorder recovery to see people around her rapidly losing weight.
“Many people in Housewife the world is in Ozempic,” Jackie told Page Six’s Virtual Reali-Tea podcast. “It’s hard for me to come back and suddenly nobody’s eating when we go out to dinner.”
Besides Real Housewives and other celebrities facing rumors of using Ozempic, including Kyle Richards, they have also been accused of being responsible for the lack of a problem plaguing that really needs a drug to treat diabetes. However, as Margaret knows, they do not cause a shortage of products for those in need.
“What I want, I don’t take from anyone who needs treatment. It doesn’t come from the same company,” Margaret insisted.
He also defended his decision to take GLP-1 for weight loss.
“As long as everyone feels comfortable with themselves, I feel good. People can think whatever they want. I’m on TV, so if I look good, that’s good,” said Margaret. “My packaging is always important, but it’s important that you feel good.”
Real Housewives of New Jersey season 13 airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Bravo.