Jessica Simpson responded to online critics who claim her weight loss is due to her taking the diabetes drug Ozempic.
During the 42-year-old singer/actress’s cover piece for Bustle magazine, the “Dukes of Hazzard” star hit back and made it clear “it is not” how she dropped the pounds after online trolls suggested the mother of three was “too skinny” and was taking “Ozempic.”
“Oh Lord. I mean, it is not — it’s willpower,” Simpson replied when asked about the anti-obesity medication. “I’m like, do people want me to be drinking again? Because that’s when I was heavier. Or they want me to be having another baby? My body can’t do it.”
“Am I going to let the negativity derail me? No, I’m too old for that,” she added. “I am too connected to myself right now to let that derail me. It doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt.”
Simpson said her weight changes over the last decade were a result of alcohol abuse, side effects from psychiatric medications, and hormonal changes, the outlet noted. But Simpson said she sees it now as an asset as a fashion designer.
“I am fortunate to have been every size,” Simpson said. “For [my] brand, understanding the women [who buy our products], and for my psyche.”
Jessica Simpson addresses claims about taking Ozempic to lose weight. pic.twitter.com/9LeK5EBmK8
— E! News (@enews) July 6, 2023
In September 2022, Simpson opened up about losing 100 pounds after giving birth to her and husband Eric Johnson’s third child, a daughter named Birdie.
“I have gained and lost 100lbs 3x so I never thought this moment could or would happen, but I’m finally spring breakin’ wearin’ a BIKINI!!!!!!,” Simpson captioned her Instagram post.
“Hard work,” she added. “Determination, Self Love. I enjoyed a good proud cry today.”
A few months later, Simpson’s Pottery Barn ad sparked concern from fans who thought the singer was acting strangely. Fans said she appeared “frail,” leading them to question her health.
Simpson posted a video in response and said that even though she’s learned to “block out destructive noise…peoples’ comments and judgments can still hurt deeply.”
“I woke up at the same time anxious and insecure but also also angry and defensive,” Simpson captioned her post. “Nothin’ and nobody will rob me of my joy. Ya might come close but it is mine to own.”
The superstar singer has been very open about her personal struggles with everything from weight loss to sobriety as noted in her 2020 memoir “Open Book.”
In 2021, Simpson celebrated her four years of sobriety with an image she posted on Instagram, the day she said she would allow herself “to take back” her “light.”