Gracie McGraw, daughter of country music stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, has spoken out about her experience with Ozempic, stating that the weight-loss drug contributed to the return of her eating disorder. McGraw, 29, detailed her journey on Instagram Stories, explaining that she began taking Ozempic in 2022 after being diagnosed with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), previously known as PCOS.
McGraw initially viewed the medication as a positive step, stating on Instagram that she believed it was the best decision she had made because she lost weight and became thin. She also noted that Ozempic helped manage her PMOS symptoms. However, she later realized the drug had a detrimental effect on her mental and physical health, contributing to the return of her eating disorder and negative body image.
"Yes, it f–king worked and made my PCOS symptoms easier to control, but it also brought back my ED (eating disorder) and negative views on my body," McGraw shared. She described becoming "way too skinny" and attributed this to succumbing to "skinny culture."
Looking back, McGraw called her time on Ozempic "one of the worst things I’ve ever done for myself." She is now off the Type II diabetes medication and is regaining weight. McGraw observed that as she regains weight, people's perceptions of her have shifted, impacting her personal life, friendships, and career opportunities. She indicated that she received more opportunities after losing weight.
McGraw also touched on persistent body shaming she has faced throughout her life, with critics commenting on her appearance compared to her sisters and parents. Despite her struggles with body image, she stated that she is currently doing well but still experiences occasional setbacks.
In 2023, McGraw had previously shared that she was using Ozempic before switching to a lower dose of Mounjaro, another weight-loss medication, to help regulate her body and maintain health. She noted that her endocrinologist suggested the medication might have been a factor in her weight issues.
According to the Mayo Clinic, PMOS is a hormonal health issue that can result in irregular periods and polycystic ovaries. Weight loss is often recommended as an early treatment to reduce the risk of long-term health problems such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
McGraw emphasized the importance of empathy when discussing health concerns, distinguishing between genuine concern and body shaming. She stated, "Having concern for someone doesn’t also mean you can’t have empathy for their situation." She cautioned against discouraging discussions about these issues, arguing that it promotes an unhealthy standard of thinness.
For individuals seeking help or information regarding eating disorders, resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available, or one can text "NEDA" to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line.