Josh Gad, the star known for his role in Frozen and many other hits, recently shared something personal. He talked about using a medication called a GLP-1 to help with weight loss. For the first time, he opened up about his experience on the podcast Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard and Monica Padman.
Josh called the medication a “miracle drug.” He said it helps him control hunger and cravings that often feel overwhelming. He explained that before using the medicine, waking up with hunger pains was a daily struggle. But the drug changes that by blocking the signals in his brain that tell him to eat when he might not really need to.
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. That’s a mouthful, but basically, these drugs work in your brain to make you feel full. You’ve probably heard of some popular brands like Ozempic and Mounjaro. They have become well known for helping people lose weight in a healthy way.
Josh has been on this journey for a while. He said he lost 40 pounds on a different medication before. Unfortunately, he had to stop because it caused diverticulitis, which is inflammation in the colon. That was a tough setback for him. He felt “bummed out” because the first drug worked so well.
Now he’s using a new GLP-1 medicine and says it’s life-changing. But he is honest that the medication isn’t a magic fix. It doesn’t replace having a healthy relationship with food or exercise. Josh knows that lifestyle habits still matter a lot.
He said, “It can’t be in the place of having a healthy relationship with food.” He also said it can’t replace regular exercise. The medication helps him manage hunger, but he still needs to do the work to stay healthy.
Josh also shared that his wife, Ida, is “not thrilled” about the medication. She worries that he might be avoiding dealing with the deeper reasons behind his weight gain. This shows that even with medical help, emotional and mental challenges around weight don’t just disappear.
Another thing Josh talked about was how losing weight changes how people see him. He joked about being known as “the funny fat guy.” Now, he wonders if he can be “the funny skinny guy” or “the hot leading man.” It’s a real fear for him, wondering if people will accept him differently.
Despite those worries, Josh is focused on what matters most. He said his number one goal is to be there for his kids. He has two daughters, Ava and Isabella, and he wants to be healthy and strong for them. He told the podcast, “Everything else is bulls—t.” That honesty is refreshing.
Josh Gad’s story shows that weight loss is complicated. It’s not just about what medicine you take or how many calories you eat. It’s about feelings, identity, and family. It’s about balance and finding what works for you.
His openness helps break down the stigma around weight and health. It reminds us that many people struggle with these issues, even celebrities.
If you’re thinking about weight loss or medications like GLP-1 drugs, Josh’s story is a good reminder. These medicines can help. But they’re just one part of a bigger journey. Taking care of your mental health, being active, and learning to enjoy healthy food are all important too.
Most of all, it’s about being kind to yourself. Weight loss doesn’t happen overnight. It’s okay to have ups and downs. What matters is trying and keeping your reasons close to your heart.
Like Josh, many people find strength when they focus on what truly matters—family, health, and feeling good in their own skin.
