Josh Gad, known for his versatile roles from Broadway to film, including voicing the beloved snowman Olaf, has been candid about his impressive 40-pound weight loss journey. In a recent podcast appearance, the actor shared his experience with GLP-1 medications, which have played a pivotal role in his health transformation, although not without complications.
Gad, who has long embraced his “funny fat guy” persona, revealed to Dax Shepard and Monica Padman on the Armchair Expert podcast that he’s been using a GLP-1 medication, a class of drugs known for their weight management benefits. “I’m on a GLP-1,” he admitted, sharing that this is the first time he’s publicly discussed his use of the medication.
GLP-1s, including popular brands like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, have become game-changers in the field of weight management, particularly for individuals dealing with metabolic resistance or type 2 diabetes. According to Giselle Prado-Wright, MD, MBA, medical director at Exert BodySculpt, these drugs mimic natural hormones that regulate appetite, helping patients feel full faster and reducing overall food intake.
Gad explained that the medication has been effective in quieting the psychological “noise” around hunger. “It has suppressed, in a great way, that noise. When I wake up, I feel hunger pains, and so much of that is psychological. And what this does is it takes away that signal.”
However, Gad’s journey with GLP-1s was not without its hurdles. He shared that while another GLP-1 medication had been highly effective for weight loss, it led to a health issue—diverticulitis. “I was on a different drug that caused me diverticulitis,” he said. “And I had lost 40 pounds, and I was really bummed out because it was working incredibly for me, and I had to switch.”
Diverticulitis, an inflammation of small pouches in the colon, is one of the potential side effects of weight loss medications, especially those that affect the digestive system. While mild cases can be treated with antibiotics and dietary adjustments, more severe cases may require hospitalization. Dr. Prado-Wright explained that managing digestive health is crucial, emphasizing a fiber-rich diet and proper hydration to prevent flare-ups.
Despite these challenges, Gad remains optimistic about his weight loss journey. He acknowledged that while GLP-1 medications have been life-changing, they are not a substitute for maintaining healthy habits. “It also doesn’t negate the fact that it can’t be in the place of having a healthy relationship with food, and it can’t be in the place of having a healthy relationship with exercise,” he noted.
Gad also opened up about the mixed emotions he feels regarding the use of weight loss medications. “Sometimes I feel like I’m cheating myself by doing this,” he admitted. “I know a lot of people who aren’t overweight like I am who are taking it, and then I feel like, ‘Okay I should be able to do this because I need it for health.’”
However, Gad is steadfast in his primary goal—being healthy for his children. “I want to be there for my kids. Everything else is bulls***,” he said, making it clear that his motivations are rooted in long-term health and family.
Dr. Prado-Wright emphasized that there should be no shame in using GLP-1 medications as part of a weight loss plan, but she stressed the importance of doing so under professional supervision to ensure safe and sustainable results.
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