Gabriel Iglesias (49) Opens up About Gaining 20 Lbs After Stopping Ozempic

Gabriel Iglesias spoke about the complexities of his health journey during an appearance on the Club Shay Shay podcast. The 49-year-old comedian discussed his experiences with Ozempic, a medication that has become a prominent tool for weight reduction.

While he acknowledged the drug’s effectiveness in suppressing his appetite, he described the experience as somewhat unsettling. “Ozempic is scary how good it works because it does curb your appetite to a place where you’re like, ‘Do I even need food?’” He told host Shannon Sharpe.

Despite the initial success over five months, the comedian became concerned about the specific type of weight he was losing. He noticed a significant decrease in his muscle mass rather than just body fat, which prompted him to cease the treatment.

The decision to stop the medication led to an immediate reversal of his progress. “I got off the Ozempic, and immediately I gained back 20 pounds like that,” he shared, adding that “it is scary how quickly you regain the weight.”

Iglesias revealed that his weight had reached a peak of 440 pounds before he began taking his health more seriously. He has successfully shed more than 100 pounds since that high point and expressed a firm commitment to maintaining this downward trend.

He framed this lifestyle shift as the one major goal that has eluded him throughout his professional life. “I’ve put it off long enough,” he remarked while discussing his newfound focus on personal well-being and longevity.

The comedian admitted that while he could handle the physical burden of his size in his younger years, age has made the situation untenable. “It just got to a point where it became uncomfortable. I started getting panic attacks. I would wake up, and I can’t breathe right, I don’t feel good,” he recalled.

These frightening physical symptoms often required him to seek immediate relief from the elements just to stabilize his breathing. “I’d stand up, and I’d have to go outside, and I’d have to take off my shirt and just stand there and let the cold air hit me,” he explained.

Now, Iglesias is prioritizing his ability to function over the “fluffy” image that defined his early career. “So, if I lose 100 or whatever the amount of weight is, yeah, I might not be fluffy, but man, I’m gonna be alive,” he stated firmly.

He believes his supporters value his health more than the physical aesthetic that served as the basis for many of his jokes. “And I think my fans and people would rather see me alive and able to function and do what I do rather than be the big guy,” he added.

Gabriel Iglesias remains one of the most successful touring comedians, recently wrapping up his Don’t Worry Be Fluffy stadium tour. He has also been active in voice acting, lending his voice to various animated features and streaming series.

As he approaches his 50th birthday this year, the comedian is looking toward a future that involves more physical activity. His journey serves as a relatable look at the difficulties of weight management in the era of pharmaceutical solutions.

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