Rosie O’Donnell’s health struggles explored as comedian shows off dramatic weight loss after taking Mounjaro for diabetes

Rosie O’Donnell, 63, has been managing type 2 diabetes for a couple of years now. In January 2023, she revealed losing ten pounds in a quick Instagram video. People reported that she spoke about her doctor prescribing her Mounjaro and Repatha two months ago.

The renowned talk show host opened up about her striking weight loss in a recent Instagram post. On May 23, she shared a glimpse of her slimmer physique and disclosed the reason behind shedding off he extra pounds, too.

The View alum uploaded her slimmer image, writing in the caption:

"i cant believe this is me now"

It appears she has attributed Mounjaro for the noticeable change in her figure and health, as she added "mounjaro," "weight loss," and "body dysmorphia" in the post's hashtags.

Us Magazine reported in March that Rosie O’Donnell openly discussed her diabetes treatment and included Mounjaro in the process.

She said in a TikTok video:

"I’ve lost more weight. I am on Mounjaro for my diabetes and one of the side effects is you lose weight. But it’s also because I had a chef for over two years in Los Angeles and I don’t have a chef now. It’s me cooking for Clay and me."

Later, she added:

"I’m one of those people who always had a weight issue and now that I’m a size large — instead of an XL or a XXL — I find it shocking. I really do. I find it completely shocking."

In January 2023, The Rosie O'Donnell Show host explained her treatment procedure as she was put on Mounjaro and Repatha. She shared:

"One I do every other week and one I do once a week."

In addition to these medications, Rosie further added about avoiding sugar as much as possible and drinking more water. Later, she elaborated:

"My appetite has decreased significantly. It's probably the meds. And I'm trying to move more. So, all those things combined, that's what it is."

A look at Rosie O’Donnell's health struggles over the years

She suffered a heart attack

On August 14, 2012, the Night Stand star had a heart attack at the age of 50. The unfortunate incident took place after she assisted a woman to get out of her car, NPR reported.

She spoke about her health crisis and raised awareness by penning down a heartfelt note on her blog.

Rosie O’Donnell urged readers to "know the symptoms." She asked ladies to "listen to the voice inside" that "we all so easily ignore." She also emphasized calling 911 whenever necessary.

The comedian accepted not calling 911, and also added how:

"50% of women having heart attacks never call 911."

She wrote:

"by some miracle i was not one of them ... the next day i went to a cardiologist ... the dr did an EKG and sent me to the hospital ... where a stent was put in ... my LAD was 99% blocked ... they call this type of heart attack ... the Widow maker ... i am lucky to be here"

Rosie underwent surgery

In July 2013, Rosie O’Donnell underwent vertical sleeve gastrectomy, Glamour reported. In a conversation with ABC News, she disclosed losing 53 pounds after her heart attack.

She reflected on getting leaner, explaining:

"The fact that I look so different has been difficult and unexpected.... Everyone assumes that obese people would just be jumping for joy that they were healthier and thinner and able to fit into store-bought sizes, we don't have to go to the plus store. But it's also filled with a lot of emotional turbulence you wouldn't expect."

O'Donnell also said:

"There are many issues for why people gain weight. Some gain weight as a layer of protection. To keep people away from them. I never wanted someone to want to approach me in a s**ual manner because of my physical body because of child-abuse issues. So I think they are all interwoven."

O'Donnell had a healthy transformation

Following the heart attack, Rosie became careful with her lifestyle and started taking care of her health.

According to a April 2014 Good Morning America report, she lost almost 50 pounds during that time. She shared the dynamic transformation by posting her before and after pictures on X (formerly Twitter). Explaining the weight loss, she wrote:

"Almost 50 lbs off -- I can see it now."

She spoke about what helped her drop more pounds

Rosie O'Donnell actively posts about her health, fat loss, and other topics on TikTok. She also updates her followers with her medicines and healthy habits.

According to a January 2024 Business Insider report, her doctor prescribed her tirzepatide. In a short period, starting from Christmas 2023, she reduced around 10 pounds. Additionally, the diabetes drug helped her control her appetite. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, she lowered her sugar intake and limited her drinking of Diet Cokes, too.

She updated her fans, saying:

"I'd say it feels like freedom. Freedom from intrusive thoughts about food, about what you're eating. I think it's fantastic."

Over the years, Rosie O’Donnell has become an advocate for women's heart health, sharing her experiences and struggles at different points in her life.