Full Breakdown
Joy Behar's Unusual Side Effect from Ozempic
4/18/2026, 11:03:20 AM
Weight Loss and Taste Changes
Joy Behar, co-host of "The View," recently shared her experience with the weight loss drug Ozempic, revealing that she lost 25 pounds while also experiencing a significant change in her sense of taste. During a March 2024 episode, Behar explained that her aversion to seafood developed after starting the medication, stating, “I cannot eat seafood anymore... Dead or alive, I’m not eating them.” This change in taste is not unique to Behar; anecdotal evidence suggests that other users of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications have reported similar food aversions, particularly towards seafood.
Anecdotal Evidence and Research
Research on the side effects of GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic, indicates that they may not only suppress appetite but also alter taste perception. While clinical studies on this specific side effect are limited, discussions on platforms like Reddit reveal that many users have experienced changes in their enjoyment of foods, particularly fish, describing the taste as more “metallic” after beginning treatment.
Co-Hosts' Perspectives
Behar's co-hosts on "The View" have had varying experiences with GLP-1 medications. Sunny Hostin, who has also taken Mounjaro, another GLP-1 drug, reported that she has not experienced any changes in her seafood preferences, stating, “Lobster is like my favorite thing.” In contrast, Whoopi Goldberg shared her own reasons for avoiding lobster, recounting a past incident where her meal was undercooked and still moving, leading her to abstain from eating anything with a face.
Broader Implications
The discussion surrounding Behar's experience highlights the potential side effects of weight loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro, which are becoming increasingly popular. As more individuals turn to these drugs for weight management, understanding their effects on taste and food preferences may be crucial for both users and healthcare providers.
Official Statements & Responses
While there is no official statement from the manufacturers of Ozempic regarding these specific side effects, the conversation among users and healthcare professionals continues to evolve. The anecdotal reports from Behar and others underscore the need for further research into the broader implications of GLP-1 medications on dietary habits and quality of life.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ever since I went on Ozempic, I lost like 25 lbs,” — Joy Behar, Co-host of "The View."
- “Dead or alive, I’m not eating them.” — Joy Behar, Co-host of "The View."
- “Lobster is like my favorite thing,” — Sunny Hostin, Co-host of "The View."
- “I don’t eat lobster because years and years and years ago, we were in a giant group of people and so everyone was having lobster and they had not finished cooking mine and it moved,” — Whoopi Goldberg, Co-host of "The View."
This narrative illustrates the personal experiences of individuals using GLP-1 medications and the potential for unexpected side effects that may influence their dietary choices.
