Brooks Nader Discusses Public Reaction to GLP-1 Addiction
Brooks Nader was taken aback by the overwhelming support from women across various backgrounds after she shared her journey with weight loss drug addiction.
“I didn’t quite realize how many other women were experiencing the same issues as I was,” Nader, 28, told Us Weekly exclusively at iHeartRadio’s Z100 Jingle Ball in New York City on Friday, December 12. “When I spoke up about it, it was truly in a vulnerable state, and I’m grateful that so many women have reached out expressing similar struggles. It’s all about community; we, as women, need to support each other. There’s so much we endure that we carry on our shoulders.”
Nader mentioned hearing from women of all ages. “I’ve had mothers approach me, as well as college students sharing similar challenges,” she shared with Us. “I hope that by using my voice, we can unite and perhaps create a workout group or something that reinforces the idea that we aren’t alone.”
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model has been candid about her use of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic. (These medications are primarily used to control diabetes by managing blood sugar and appetite, often leading to weight loss. Their casual use for weight loss is not advised.)
She opened up about the side effects of these medications on her reality show, Love Thy Nader, and further discussed her addiction in an interview with Bustle in November.
“What surprised me on the show was the number of people who reached out, saying, ‘I’m also addicted to GLP-1. I feel ashamed to talk about it because there’s significant stigma. It’s a crutch for me,’” she mentioned to the outlet at the time. “I’m still using it. It’s a crutch for me as well. It’s not healthy. I recognize I should discontinue use; I’ll be honest about that.”
Stating that she lost 30 pounds to advance her modeling career, Nader disclosed that she “got all the jobs” after using the weight loss drugs.
When Us asked Nader if she continues to use the medications last month, the reality star stated, “I fluctuate like everyone else. It just depends.”
Love Thy Nader debuted on Freeform in August and follows Brooks, alongside her three younger sisters, Sarah Jane, Grace Ann, and Mary Holland Nader, as they navigate life as models in New York City. The reality show was renewed for a second season in November.
Having completed one season of reality TV, the Nader sisters aim to be more intentional in their approach for the second season.
“I’m planning to make different choices regarding my style, hair, and makeup,” Grace Ann told Us, sharing her plans for the next season. Brooks shared her own goal: “I want to make different choices in men, for me. For season 2, we’re leveling up.”
Sarah Jane and Mary Holland also have plans to elevate their participation.
“I feel like I’m going to share less with everyone and develop my own relationship with the camera,” Sarah Jane told Us, referring to her sisters. “Because you all give away everything.”
As for Mary Holland? “I feel like I’m shedding my filter a bit,” she shared with Us. “I was a little apprehensive in season 1, but get ready, girls.”
While season 1 showcased Brooks’ rocky breakup with her former Dancing With the Stars partner and ex-boyfriend, Gleb Savchenko, the model indicates that anything could unfold in the upcoming season of Love Thy Nader — but for the moment, she’s single.
“Honestly, I won’t lie, I’ve been so occupied with work that there’s very little time for romance right now,” Brooks informed Us. “I’m saving it all for the cameras.”
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