Crystal Kung Minkoff is keeping it real about the “Real Housewives” Ozempic craze.
“Of course I’ve thought about it,” the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star, 40, exclusively told Pvnew at Dorit Kemsley’s Homeless Not Toothless Hollywood Gala Saturday night at Los Angeles’ Beverly Hilton.
However, Kung Minkoff — who has been vocal about her eating disorder struggles — added, “But it’s not a good place for me, personally for my recovery.”
Ozempic is an FDA-approved prescription medication intended for people with type II diabetes which has become popular among celebrities because of its appetite-regulating effects, resulting in weight loss.
“From someone who has struggled [with an eating disorder] their whole life, I’ve always looked for things to fix it for me,” Kung Minkoff told us.
Many in the Bravo world have openly admitted to using Ozempic — a brand name for semaglutide, also known as Wegovy — including “Shahs of Sunset” OG Golnesa “GG” Garachedaghi and “Real Housewives of New Jersey” personality Dolores Catania.
“I’ve never judged or looked down on anyone that finds different avenues for [weight loss]. I would be lying if [I said] I haven’t thought about it,” Kung Minkoff said of the medication’s increasing ubiquity.
“And then I have to check myself if that’s right for my recovery and I’m in a very specific situation.”
Garachedaghi, 41, confessed in March that she lost 11 pounds after taking semaglutide, the generic version of the trendy drug. But Catania, 52, recently clarified to Pvnew that she takes it for medical reasons.
Meanwhile, Jackie Goldschneider — “friend of” the “RHONJ” cast — previously said on Pvnew’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” podcast that she was “horrified” by “Housewives” using Ozempic amid shortages for diabetes patients.
“From what I understand, there’s a shortage for people with diabetes in which case I think people should completely stop using it … for just vanity if that’s really the case,” Kung Minkoff acknowledged.
“That’s my issue with it. It’s really about making sure people who really need it first get it. Other than that, it’s really people’s decision. It can be private, it can be public, it’s on them.”
During her chat with Pvnew, Kung Minkoff said that she is in a “really good place” in her ED recovery and happy to share more of her story so long as it benefits others.
“I think that’s really where I use my platform, to share with people that, like, it’s one minute at a time and it’s OK if you have a minute that wasn’t great because the next one can be,” she said. “And I go through that all the time.”
The Real Coco CEO is equally happy to shed light on efforts made by Homeless Not Toothless, the non-profit that gained plenty of attention in “RHOBH” Season 12 for its unique name.
“Obviously, it became a big deal last year,” she said. “Even though there was a lot of chuckles about it, it brings awareness and that’s ultimately what they want and I think it’s awesome.”
Kemsley, 46, hosted the charity event meant to raise funds for veterans, the homeless, foster youth and low-income persons in LA to receive quality dental care.
“I’m an Angeleno, I was born and raised and I’ve seen the homeless population grow exponentially since I’ve been a kid,” Kung Minkoff said of her connection to the cause.
“My dad was on oral surgeon, so it’s definitely close to me. I didn’t know they were doing this until Dorit told us, and I think it’s an incredible and powerful move to help people get on their feet.”
Paula Abdul was on hand to introduce the silent auction and special guest performer, ’80s pop icon Taylor Dayne, with Kemsley’s Homeless Not Toothless co-board members Sharon Stone and William H. Macy present.
The party was filmed for “Beverly Hills” Season 13, which has yet to receive a premiere date. The cast — including Kung Minkoff, Kemsley, Kyle Richards, Erika Jayne, Sutton Stracke, Garcelle Beauvais and newbie Annemarie Wiley — were all in attendance.
Despite any drama in their group, Kung Minkoff — who joined the series in 2020’s Season 10 — noted that the ladies show up for each other when it’s important.
“At the end of the day, whatever the conflicts we have,” she explained, “I feel like in the three years I’ve been in this group, everyone always supports where it counts — and that I really respect.”
If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder, visit the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders (ANAD) website or call their hotline at (888)-375-7767 to get help.
