Weight-loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many patients turning to GLP-1 drugs for help managing weight and blood sugar.
Still, the drugs do not work the same way for everyone — and their effects are not always permanent, as one reality TV star recently made clear.
Dolores Catania, 54, opened up during the June 6 episode of Jeff Lewis’ SiriusXM show, revealing that she has gained 20 pounds after previously using Mounjaro.
“I’m having a really hard time right now. My Mounjaro stopped working. I gained 20 lbs,” the Real Housewives of New Jersey cast member said.
Catania, who appeared on the program alongside co-star Margaret Josephs, added, “I’ve been looking for therapy for all my friends. I’m really having a bad time with this.”
Dolores Catania, 54, appeared on the June 6 episode of Jeff Lewis’ SiriusXM show, where she revealed she has gained 20 lbs
GLP-1 medications are approved by the FDA and are commonly prescribed to people with diabetes, though some have also become widely known for their weight-loss effects.
Mounjaro’s active ingredient is tirzepatide, while Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names for semaglutide. According to Mayo Clinic, these medications can help people feel fuller for longer, curb appetite, and support the way the body regulates sugar and fat.
Catania initially dropped weight using the medication, but has now gained it back.
When asked if switching her medicine could be helpful, she replied, ‘I did it all.’
She explained that she’s no longer taking Mounjaro due to having a cardiac ablation to correct her abnormal heart rhythm.
The Bravo star said she’s doing ‘fine’ now: ‘I’m on a bunch of medicine, like, 10 pills a day. It’s just a formality now. I have to take it for the next 90 days, then I should be done.’
And she added, ‘Maybe that’s why I gained weight. I’m hoping maybe that’s why.’
Catania was among the first crop of celebrities who openly admitted to using one of the three popular weight loss drugs.
After two years of taking it, she said in a February Hello! magazine interview: ‘I know it’s time for me to wean myself off or go on a lower dose.’
I’m having a really hard time right now. My Mounjaro stopped working. I gained 20 lbs,’ the Real Housewives of New Jersey personality shared
Catania pictured left in March 2024 and right in July 2018
Dolores teased in an Instagram post, ‘Just another chaotic, hilarious, and totally unfiltered day on Jeff Lewis Live with @jljefflewis, @therealmargaretjosephs & @shane.douglas’
The reality television personality seen in a RHONJ season 11 promo picture in 2020
Catania weighed 157lbs when she started taking the GLP-1 medication, starting with Ozempic before switching to Mounjaro.
She cautioned that anyone considering the medications ‘must always go through a real doctor, who knows what they are doing.’
‘Research is everything,’ she emphasized.
The mother-of-two added that the medicine was ‘a life changer’ for her and boyfriend Paul Connell, who lost 60 pounds.
She shared: ‘He no longer takes a certain blood pressure medication, and it’s been really positive. There are side effects like nausea, but you take a pill for that.’
Other stars who have been candid about turning to the weight loss support of Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy include Amy Schumer, Oprah, and Eric Stonestreet.
