Five Strictly Come Dancing celebrities have been taking weight loss medication ahead of the new series, it has been revealed.
Sources close to the show say backstage gossip is “rife” about who has been taking the medication, with five of the 15 stars believed to be taking it.
Weight-loss drugs, including Wegovy, Mounjaro and Ozempic, work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 to slow down digestion and lower appetite.
But concerns have been raised about celebrities taking the drugs before the dance competition, which involves four-months of intense physical activity.
Celebrities learn multiple challenging dances, endure hours of rehearsals, and deal with the pressure of performing in front of a live audience every Saturday night.
The BBC is reportedly unaware of which celebrities could be taking the injectables, as competitors are not obliged to say what medication they are taking, The Sun reported.
The Strictly Come Dancing ballroom (PA)
A source told the newspaper that talk around the jabs has “placed everyone in a heightened state”, with many wondering how it will affected the celebrities in the coming months.
While low-level activity on weight-loss medication can benefit those taking it, the levels required of Strictly contestants is “next level”, the source said.
“The BBC will continue with their normal protocols which see them closely monitor the health of the contestants throughout the time they are on the show, with any sign they’re unwell or struggling physically acted upon immediately,” the added.
Competitors often rehearse for around eight hours a day, with some putting in 12 hours, for at least five days a week to perfect their dance routines.
Strictly Come Dancing judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas (PA Media)
Celebrities competing in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing include reality TV star Vicky Pattison, model and actress Ellie Golstein, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal and former rugby captain for England Chris Robshaw.
In the upcoming months, these celebrities will likely become well-known due to their weekly routines, which, if well-received by spectators, will continue until Christmas.
Pattison, who is best known for her appearances on Geordie Shore, Celebrity MasterChef and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, said she was “absolutely buzzing” to be part of this year’s lineup but said she would be lying if she said she “wasn’t terrified”.
“I am not a natural dancer! However, it’s such an amazing opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself in a completely new way and I just really hope I don’t make too much of a fool of myself.”
Strictly Come Dancing will return to our screens on Saturday, September 20.
Health officials advise patients taking GLP-1 drugs to start with a lower dose and gradually increase the risk of serious side effects, such as pancreatitis and acute kidney injury.
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly on the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 launch show on BBC 1 (PA Media)
The most common side effects of weight-loss jabs are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Other side effects include dizziness, headaches, increased heart rate and infections.
Harvard Medical School advises that small steps can be taken to manage some of these symptoms. For example, eating crackers, mint or ginger-based food and drinks about 30 minutes after taking GLP-1 agonists can help combat nausea.
Staying well-hydrated, avoiding dairy products and eating high-fibre foods can also help alleviate symptoms like nausea, diarrhea and constipation.
“Careful, gradual reduction of insulin doses and close monitoring of blood glucose levels are also essential,” Dr Naveed Asif, GP at The London General Practice said.
“Additionally, I want to stress the importance of obtaining Ozempic from reputable sources. There have been instances of falsified products in the UK that can pose serious health risks.”
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