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Margaret Josephs is down 22 pounds after beginning a GLP-1 agonist regimen about one year ago.
During a new interview, the Real Housewives of New Jersey cast member opened up about her decision to get weekly injections of the drug, which is in the same class as the controversial diabetes medication Ozempic, and reacted to shortages plaguing actual diabetics.
“I take them as a shot once a week, and that helps you lose weight and improves your metabolism,” Margaret told Insider on March 31.
Margaret revealed she was prescribed the drug by NYC physician assistant Jamie Gabel but didn’t specify which medication she’s actually taking, only stating that she’s not using Ozempic.
“Everyone is like, ‘Marge, you look great,’ although some of my costars think some of my weight loss is not a great idea,” Margaret said. “But I think it’s ridiculous. I think it’s whatever works for me.”
Although Margaret has lost a lot of weight over the past year, she said her decision to seek help wasn’t exclusively about looks. Instead, she arrived to Gabel’s office after noticing she was feeling sluggish. And, she wasn’t put on the GLP-1 until she underwent a number of tests, including a measuring of her hormone levels and blood-sugar levels, which found her A1C was elevated.
“I wasn’t familiar with GLP-1s when I started taking them,” Margaret admitted. “But as far as I was concerned, it’s a peptide that’s already in your body, and it evens out your blood sugar.”
According to Margaret, she’s taking the drug to “maintain” her health and didn’t change her diet or exercise routine.
“My cholesterol is down. All my blood work is better,” Margaret revealed. “I want to stay around for the people I love, so I’m about maintaining myself. Because if you don’t have your health, you have nothing … [And] healthy people look good.”
“I’ve never had an issue with my physicality,” Margaret continued. “But I was getting older. I’ve had a facelift. Was I morbidly obese? No. I was a voluptuous Sex kitten; Now, I’m a thin, middle-aged white woman.”
While Margaret is happy with the results she’s seeing, her RHONJ co-star and friend, Jackie Goldschneider, has spoken out about the type of drugs she’s using, taking specific aim at Ozempic, saying it’s been harmful to her eating disorder recovery to see those around her rapidly losing weight.
“A lot of people in the Housewives world are on Ozempic,” Jackie said on Page Six’s Virtual Reali-Tea podcast. “It was tough for me to come back and suddenly no one’s eating when we go out to dinner.”
In addition to Real Housewives and other celebrities facing rumors of Ozempic use, including Kyle Richards, they’ve also been accused of being responsible for shortage issues plaguing those who actually need the drug to treat their diabetes. But, as Margaret noted, she’s not causing a lack of product for those in need.
“What I’m taking, I’m not taking from anybody who needs treatment. It doesn’t come from the same company,” Margaret insisted.
She also defended her decision to take a GLP-1 for weight loss.
“As long as everybody feels good about themselves, I think that’s good. People can assume whatever they want. I am on TV, so if I look good, that’s great,” Margaret said. “My packaging has always been important, but all that counts is that you feel good about yourself.”
The Real Housewives of New Jersey season 13 airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Bravo.