Dolores Catania is clarifying her comments about taking an Ozempic-style medication, after getting slammed by fans. Plus, her physician is reportedly speaking out.
After admitting her use of Mounjaro for weight loss on Watch What Happens Live (according to Dolores, Mounjaro is an “another part” of the branch of Ozempic) the Real Housewives of New Jersey star was thrown into controversy.
In an interview for Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” podcast, Dolores clarified her previous comments about the drug.
“There are layers,” she said, and added that she has medical reasons for taking it.
“I’m going through menopause, I have a thyroid issue, I have inflammation, and weight is hard to take off,” said the star. “And I work out, and I don’t eat crazy, and I was gaining weight, and it’s a lot of different layers. … Let’s just let everybody know.”
On her previous WWHL interview, Dolores stated: “I wasn’t going to come to the [‘RHONJ’ Season 13] reunion looking any bigger than anyone else, so I got on the bandwagon.”
She also joked that all of her castmates were also on the medication.
During the recent podcast, however, Dolores suggested her “reunion” statement was actually a joke.
“You know what? It’s not just for the reunion, by the way,” Dolores explained. “Like, me and Andy were having like a funny kind of banter, and that’s all it meant — and I took a little hit for that.”
According to reports, there are shortages of Ozempic amid drug misuse, and it’s meant to treat diabetes.
“I have never gotten so attacked in my life. And I’m OK with it … because it’s not going to make me be somebody who I’m not and not be honest moving forward,” said Dolores. “I will still be who I am regardless of what people want to say to me for it.”
Several viewers slammed Dolores on Twitter.
“Wait isn’t there a shortage of ozempic for diabetes patients? And Dolores just casually admitted she’s on it with a big smile on her face?” wrote a fan.
“Dolores admits to being on Ozempic ahead of the Jersey reunion. Unhealthy and triggering,” said a different viewer.
“Kind of messed up that Dolores and the rest of the #RHONJ cast was so quick to jump on the Ozempic train as their cast mate Jackie is recovering from an eating disorder…” wrote another.
Meanwhile, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, the doctor who reportedly prescribed Dolores’ Mounjaro, is speaking out on the use of the drug.
“Whenever we see somebody that we may think they don’t need the medication, unless you’re their doctor, you don’t know their medical history,” said Dr. Salas-Whalen, in an interview with TODAY.com, via Yahoo. “You don’t know what medications they’re taking, you don’t know their internal health and the reasoning for a patient … to be on this type of medication.”
Speaking generally, the physician said many middle-aged women have difficulties losing weight because of hormone changes – despite their healthy lifestyle.
“Menopause comes with many health complications. There’s higher risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia — and if you add to that mix being overweight or having obesity, then we increase the risk for disease for the patient,” the doctor continued.
“Entering menopause (at) a healthy weight is very preventative for long-term complications from aging and weight and menopause,” added Salas-Whalen. “Many middle-aged woman, they benefit from this medication because it’s out of their control.”
The physician claimed, “Nobody can assume just by looking at somebody that they don’t need it or that they’re doing it for the wrong reasons.”
Dr. Salas-Whalen suggested the backlash after Dolores’ statement is due to society’s emphasis on losing weight for looks, rather than getting healthier.
“It’s our own misconception that we have of how somebody should look and what it means,” said Salas-Whalen. “Weight loss is complex. (It’s) not just the number on the scale going down.”
The Real Housewives of New Jersey season 13 airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Bravo.