Mark Wahlberg criticizes Ozepmic and reveals he prefers ‘good, old-fashioned exercise’

Mark Wahlberg is weighing in on the latest Hollywood weight loss trend, Ozempic. Ozempic, also known as semaglutide or Wegovy, is a prescription medication used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic has been found to cause weight loss as a side effect in some people regardless of their diabetic status. Due to its appetite-regulating effects, the drug which is taken by injection in the thigh, arm, or stomach has become popular among celebrities.

To each their own

Despite its newfound popularity, the drug isn’t for Wahlberg. “To each his own, but I do encourage people to eat right and exercise,” the Oscar-nominated actor told Page Six.

Wahlberg told Page Six he prefers to stay fit “the good old-fashioned way,” calling it the “most sustainable” route. The actor is known for his 4 a.m. workouts, and has spent a considerable amount of time getting in shape for his roles in movies such as ‘The Shooter, The Fighter and Lone Survivor’ and ‘Me Time’.

“To each his own, but I do encourage people to eat right and exercise,” he told the outlet. “It’s much more [of] a lifestyle change. “You’d be surprised what you can accomplish when you’re willing to do the work.”

But he’s not judging anyone who opts for Ozempic. “Everybody has their own path. I don’t knock anybody for making their own choices,” he said.

“But I prefer, and I’ve seen lots of people accomplish amazing things, ordinary people doing extraordinary things on a fitness base, and they’re now encouraging other people that look like them. That’s what I’m into.”

Changing his workout routine

The actor who also doubles as an F45 Training investor, frequently posts videos of his latest intense workout routine to his Instagram account. Wahlberg previously chatted with People about the evolution of his gym routine.

“I mean, I’ve fluctuated my weight from 215 lbs. to 137 lbs., which is pretty extreme,” Wahlberg told People, while also recounting the 30 lbs. he put on for ‘Father Stu’ and noting he would “probably not” do that again. “It took quite a toll on me,” he says of the weight gain.

“I’m starting to realize that I’m 51 years old, I need to stay in my lane and know that I don’t have to try to out-lift everybody or outwork everybody,” Wahlberg explained. “I just have to push myself a little bit more and continue to just try to drag this beautiful life out as long as I can.”