Sam Wood, a prominent figure in the Australian fitness industry, has sparked controversy with the launch of his new medical weight loss business, OLLO for Women. The announcement, made during an appearance on the Fascinated podcast where Wood discussed the rising popularity of peptides and GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, has led some fans and followers to accuse him of capitalizing on the booming medical weight loss trend.
Wood, 46, who previously built his career promoting exercise and healthy eating through his "28 by Sam Wood" fitness empire, acknowledged that the decision to enter the medical weight loss sector was a significant departure from his long-held philosophy. He stated that he had wrestled with the idea for approximately two years, admitting that a decade ago he would have dismissed such an approach. However, he cited the rapid evolution and undeniable presence of medical weight loss treatments as a factor that could no longer be ignored.
His new venture, OLLO, is exclusively for women. While Wood positioned it as an extension of his existing business, the move has drawn criticism from some who feel it contradicts the core message of his fitness brand. Critics expressed concerns about the ease with which these medications are being accessed and promoted, questioning the long-term implications of widespread GLP-1 use, particularly for individuals without a clear medical indication. Some voiced worries about potential risks and the shift from promoting general health to focusing primarily on weight loss.
"This is really disappointing," one follower wrote, expressing a sentiment shared by others who felt it was "really disappointing" and indicative of people "selling out." Another commenter noted Wood's apparent lack of conviction, stating, "He doesn't seem convinced that it's a good idea himself." Accusations of profiting from a trend Wood previously resisted were also prevalent.
However, not all reactions were negative. Some supporters applauded Wood for recognizing the need for medical assistance to complement lifestyle changes. Comments such as "Good on him for understanding that people sometimes need medical support and health is more than just willpower" and "He's keeping up with the times! Good on him!!" indicated a segment of his audience that viewed the move positively.
The debate arises amidst a global surge in demand for GLP-1 medications, originally developed for type 2 diabetes but now widely used for weight management. Australian health authorities have also been addressing the illegal sale of unapproved peptides, warning of serious health incidents linked to black market products.
Wood, who rose to fame on "The Bachelor Australia" in 2015, previously sold his "28 by Sam Wood" program in 2022 for $71 million. He continues to hold a stake in the company and has also invested in real estate.