James Corden, the British comedian and former host of The Late Late Show, has shared his candid experience with weight loss, highlighting his struggles with popular GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and emphasizing the importance of shifting his mindset towards food. Despite experimenting with the widely discussed drug, Corden has achieved weight loss by focusing on long-term lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.
Ozempic’s Limited Effect
In a September 2024 episode of his This Life of Mine podcast, Corden revealed that Ozempic, a medication designed to control appetite and aid weight loss, did not yield the expected results. While many have turned to the drug as a solution for weight management, Corden explained that it didn’t address the root of his eating habits.
“I tried Ozempic, and it won’t be surprising to you when you look at me now, that it didn’t really work,” Corden remarked. He explained that although the medication suppressed his appetite, it didn’t address his habitual overeating, which was not necessarily driven by hunger.
He shared a humorous anecdote, describing a moment when he ate an entire king-size Dairy Milk chocolate bar during a carwash, illustrating how his eating habits were more about emotional comfort than genuine hunger.
The Science Behind Ozempic’s Effectiveness
Ozempic, which contains semaglutide, is an FDA-approved medication typically prescribed for type 2 diabetes. The drug works by mimicking a hormone in the body that regulates appetite, making users feel fuller longer. However, Corden’s experience reflects a broader reality: not everyone responds to the medication. Studies show that around 14% of people are non-responders to Ozempic, and factors like hydration, physical activity, and unchanged eating habits could all contribute to its ineffectiveness in some individuals.
James Corden’s Path to Success
Though Ozempic didn’t work for him, Corden found success in other areas. In 2021, he teamed up with WW (formerly WeightWatchers) as a spokesperson, committing to a new lifestyle focused on overall wellness, not just weight loss.
“I want to change the way that I live,” he said when announcing his partnership with WW. “I want to be better for my children and for my family. I don’t want to wake up tired, or feel embarrassed when I’m chasing my son on the soccer field and I’m out of breath after three minutes.”
Following WW’s program, Corden reported significant progress, losing 28 pounds by the start of 2025. What set his approach apart was his focus on sustainable habits rather than temporary, restrictive diets.
A New Perspective on Eating
For Corden, the key to maintaining his weight loss wasn’t about following a strict diet, but about adopting a healthier, more mindful approach to eating. “What’s working for me is realizing this isn’t a temporary solution, this is a new way of life,” he said. He also emphasized that enjoying life—including indulging in ice cream occasionally—was part of the balance he sought.
This philosophy aligns with his previous statements about dieting, particularly in an interview with BBC Radio in May 2021. He stated that traditional dieting was flawed because it is often a short-term fix, whereas lasting change comes from fundamentally altering one’s relationship with food.
“You’re not going on a diet,” he explained. “You’re gonna change the way you eat. And you’re gonna change the way you eat forever.”
Incorporating Intermittent Fasting
In addition to his WW program, Corden also adopted intermittent fasting, a popular method for weight management. He shared that he refrains from eating until noon each day, dedicating his mornings to boxing with a personal trainer. Intermittent fasting has been found to be effective for many, as it allows for flexibility while encouraging balanced meals within a designated eating window.
Conclusion: Lifestyle Over Quick Fixes
Corden’s journey is a reminder that weight loss and overall wellness require more than just relying on medications or fad diets. It’s about adopting a sustainable approach to food, exercise, and mindset. By making gradual changes, Corden has found lasting success and is now able to enjoy a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
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