Chantelle Houghton has hit back at speculation surrounding her dramatic five-stone weight loss, saying she is “p***ed off” by claims that she used Ozempic to slim down.
The 41-year-old Celebrity Big Brother star strongly denied ever taking the weight-loss drug, insisting her transformation came through sheer determination, hard work and “blood, sweat and tears.”
Chantelle began overhauling her lifestyle after her weight climbed to 13 stone in the wake of her 2021 split from former fiancé Michael Strutt, a period during which she said she was subjected to cruel trolling over her appearance.
Rather than let the online abuse defeat her, the TV personality said she channelled the criticism into motivation, eventually losing an impressive five stone without even setting foot in a gym.
Her weight loss journey centred on a disciplined diet, cutting out processed foods and prioritising healthier meals — but despite her efforts, Chantelle has found herself facing repeated accusations that Ozempic was behind her slimmer figure.
Speaking to The Sun, she said: “There was an article online not long ago, and the comments section was full of people saying, ‘Ozempic, Ozempic.’ But I’ve never taken it. If I had, I’d happily admit it – I’m an open book.”
Chantelle Houghton has said she is “p***ed off” by accusations that Ozempic was behind her five-stone weight loss transformation (pictured in October 2023)
The 41-year-old Celebrity Big Brother winner has insisted she has “never taken” the drug and credits her results to hard work and lifestyle changes (pictured in March 2025)
‘But I worked hard to lose that weight through blood, sweat, and tears, and it really p**sed me off that people dismissed my effort. I’ve had to learn to have thick skin and do what’s best for me, but the comments did hurt.’
Chantelle said she would never take the drug but warned people if they do turn to Ozempic to make sure it is ‘from a legitimate source’.
She continued: ‘I personally wouldn’t take it – things like that scare me – but I can understand why some people do. If you’re going to use it, make sure it’s from a legitimate source and not something dodgy. It’s your body, and you have to do what feels right for you.’
Previously Chanelle also said she had cut out alcohol from her diet because of the high sugar content as she gave an insight into her lifestyle overhaul.
It comes as Chantelle has ruled out ever having cosmetic surgery again – despite being tempted after she gained three and a half stone during lockdown.
She last went under the knife in 2016 when she had her breast implants removed, saying the original surgery was her ‘biggest regret’.
She previously told The Sun: ‘When I had my breast implants removed completely, I knew that was my very last cosmetic surgery. I made a promise to myself I’d only go under the knife again for medical reasons.’
In a recent interview with New magazine, Chantelle lifted the lid on her dating life and shared her dismay that ‘only old men’ are interested in her.
Chantelle first embarked on her weight loss transformation after reaching 13 stone following her split from ex-fiancé Michael Strutt and was relentlessly trolled for her weight (pictured in 2021)
She said: ‘There was an article online not long ago, and the comments section was full of people saying, ‘Ozempic, Ozempic. But I’ve never taken it. If I had, I’d happily admit it – I’m an open book’
She said: ‘But I worked hard to lose that weight through blood, sweat, and tears, and it really p**sed me off that people dismissed my effort’
She said: ‘I’m open to meeting somebody. I’m not closed off from it, but I certainly haven’t met anyone that I’d want to progress things with.
‘I don’t date, I’m not on any dating apps. If it’s going to happen, it will happen naturally. But I’ve spent so much time on my own that I’m alright.
‘I don’t need someone to feel whole. I’m not trying to find my happiness in somebody else. I am happy on my own; if I meet someone, they’re just going to add to that happiness.
‘Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had a few offers, but I’ve politely declined. Most of them are really old as well.’
Chantelle shares her daughter Dolly, 12, with her ex-fiancé Alex, but their relationship broke down after claims he had been unfaithful in 2011.
Alex and Chantelle have been far from amicable since their split, but have since moved on with their lives as Alex went on to have children with partner Nikki Manashe.
Chantelle went on to get engaged to Michael Strut but the couple went their separate ways in 2021.
She revealed in March that she’s been celibate for the last two years following a string of disastrous relationships.
The beauty said she has ‘given up’ looking for love due to the lack of ‘gentlemen’ in the world.
The mother-of-one told The Sun: ‘It’s been about two years now and without sex I feel empowered, independent and free’.
‘Chivalry appears to be dead and I’d much rather go through the rest of my life single than settle for someone who makes me miserable’.
Back in 2006, Chantelle found love with Ordinary Boys singer Preston after meeting on Big Brother and admitted she was given almost £1million for their wedding interview.
Since their split a year later, Chantelle has had a string of other high-profile relationships.
