Comedian Lil Rel Howery is addressing critics who claim his recent weight loss is due to Ozempic. In an Instagram video, Howery clarified, “That’s not my journey,” and instead credited his transformation to a spiritual journey and quitting drinking.
The discussion began when the Get Out star shared a photo on Instagram from a promotional event for Harold and the Purple Crayon, where his slimmer physique was noticeable.
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In the caption, the 44-year-old wrote, “I’ve worked really hard on myself over the last 5 years physically, mentally, spiritually, professionally, and personally. I’m so proud of myself. This is the best I’ve ever felt and looked in my whole life. Honestly. Stopping drinking, eating better, working out almost every single day, writing, building a closer relationship with God, therapy, and accountability have taken my life to… the next level of pure happiness.”
While celebrities like Terry Crews and Lena Waithe offered support, some comments expressed doubt, suggesting Howery had used semaglutide (a drug class that includes brands like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro, originally for diabetes but also used for weight loss).
One commenter questioned, “Why can’t people tell the truth about how they lost weight,” while another added, “O o o Ozempic!!!!!!!!!!!!! You ain’t fooling no one.”
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In response, Howery posted a somber black-and-white video, captioned, “I’m on that Godzempic, Happyzempic, Hardworkzempic, PurposeZempic, and just plain Truthzempic. I’m grateful and glad I said yes to God’s assignment on my life and friends still here and gone that kept it 100 with me… #BlessedAndHighlyFavored.”
The Vacation Friends star explained that he shared his weight loss journey to inspire others, having started focusing on his health five years ago.
“It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon, and this is what it looks like and feels like when you actually put in the work and put in the time to do it,” he said.
However, he noted, “Yesterday, seeing all the comments saying, ‘Yeah, yeah, he said this and that, but we know it’s Ozempic.’ That’s not my journey. I don’t even know where to get it from, to be quite honest.”
Howery emphasized that it was his faith, not medication, that guided him.
“I heard God and decided to move in that way,” he said. “God showed up in people.”
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He mentioned impactful “random conversations” with late Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman and others that significantly influenced his journey.
“I was going through it. I was stressed. I had anxiety. My assistant once found me sitting on my stairs, bawling. I didn’t know why," he shared. "There were many crazy and beautiful moments. People spoke life into me and helped me get on this journey.”
He admitted it “wasn’t easy. I really worked my butt off. I’m not taking any supplements, even with just working out. I don’t do any of that. This has been a spiritual journey. It’s been a mental journey. It’s been a journey full of love.”
“I would have never met [wife] Dannella if I hadn’t started this journey because I wouldn’t have been in the right space, and I am proud of me.”
Visibly emotional at the end of the video, Howery confessed, “the tears are going now,” but concluded, “I was in a dark space, but I said yes to God. And that’s just the truth.”
The Quran - Chapter Al-Munafiqun : 03
This is because they believed and then abandoned faith. Therefore, their hearts have been sealed, so they do not comprehend.
