Trump Says He Has Not Used Weight-Loss Drugs, Adds He “Probably Should
 |
| Getty Images |
US President Donald Trump has said he has never taken popular weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic or Wegovy, but admitted that he “probably should.” The remark came during an interview with The New York Times on Wednesday, marking the first time Trump directly addressed speculation around his personal use of the new class of obesity medications known as GLP-1 drugs.
Trump has previously joked in public about friends and staff using what he has referred to as “the fat drug,” but until now had avoided confirming whether he himself had tried them.
Why This Matters
Weight-loss medications have become a cultural, medical, and political flashpoint in the United States. Their rapid rise has sparked debates around healthcare costs, insurance coverage, drug pricing, and government intervention. Trump’s personal disclosure comes at a time when his administration is actively pushing policies aimed at lowering prescription drug prices, including obesity treatments.
By commenting on his own potential use, Trump placed himself directly within a national conversation that blends personal health choices with public policy.
Background on Trump’s Health
Trump’s weight has long drawn public attention. During his first term in 2020, he reportedly weighed 244 pounds, a figure considered obese for his 6-foot-3 frame. At his most recent physical examination in April 2025, the White House physician listed his weight as 224 pounds, categorising him as “overweight” under US health guidelines.
The noticeable reduction occurred without any public disclosure of medical intervention, which had fuelled speculation about whether the president had joined millions of Americans using GLP-1 drugs to manage weight.
The Policy Angle
Trump’s comments also follow a recent administration announcement of a drug pricing deal designed to significantly reduce the cost of prescription medications, including obesity drugs, potentially lowering prices to around $149 per month.
While promoting the initiative at an Oval Office event, Trump openly asked senior aides whether they were using the medication. He questioned Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who replied that he was not, earning Trump’s approval. Trump also mentioned CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, before joking that White House communications director Steven Cheung was taking the drug.
The Bigger Picture
Trump’s remarks highlight how weight-loss drugs have moved from private medical decisions into the mainstream political spotlight. His candid admission positions him as both an observer and a potential user, reflecting how deeply these medications have entered public discourse in America.
Our Thoughts
Trump’s comments underscore how health trends can quickly become political talking points. As weight-loss drugs reshape conversations around healthcare access and affordability, leaders discussing them openly signals a shift toward normalisation. Whether framed as humour or honesty, such remarks reinforce how personal health, policy, and politics are increasingly intertwined.