Influencer and wellness advocate Janelle Rohner is making headlines after revealing her use of GLP-1 medication, specifically Ozempic, to assist with her weight loss journey. Following her announcement, Rohner faced a wave of criticism online, with many labeling her approach as “cheating” or an “easy way out.” In response, she took to social media to clarify her stance and share her personal experience with the medication.
On June 17, Rohner shared a candid post on Instagram, addressing the backlash head-on. “People are saying, ‘Ozempic is cheating,’ and ‘Ozempic is the easy way out,’” she wrote. “Here is my experience: You still need to prioritize macros, especially protein and fiber. You need to continue to fuel your body with nutrients, especially if you’re planning to maintain muscle and if your goal is a toned look. It helped me stay on track with my macros, but I can assure you it does not magically build muscle.”
Rohner emphasized that her weight loss journey has been anything but effortless. She maintains a rigorous workout schedule, exercising five days a week, lifting heavy weights, and logging over 10,000 steps daily. She also enjoys playing pickleball frequently. “GLP-1s do help with appetite suppression and help suppress the desire to overindulge,” she explained. “But it is not a magic shot, at least not in my experience, especially at a microdose. I’m taking .5mg once a month. It has been a great tool for me, but it is just that—a tool along with everything else I was already doing.”
Rohner, who boasts over 700,000 followers on Instagram, first disclosed her use of a GLP-1 medication in an April YouTube video. In this video, she expressed her desire to be transparent with her audience, stating, “This isn’t easy to say, but I owe it to you to be honest. I’ve quietly been working on my mental health, trying to find peace in the chaos. I know sharing this might open me up to judgment, but hiding it would mean losing the most important thing: my truth.”
Despite her commitment to honesty, Rohner faced significant backlash from some followers, particularly those who had invested in her health programs. In a TikTok video from April, she expressed her willingness to refund anyone who had purchased one of her classes within the last 11 months. “I still wholeheartedly believe in tracking macros and the workouts that I do and my classes,” she stated. “I did not take a GLP-1 because I don’t believe in my classes and macros; it wasn’t working. I did it for other personal and health reasons to use as a tool to hit my goals. If people felt deceived by that, I truly am sorry, and I am willing to do a refund for anybody who bought a class in the last 11 months.”
Rohner’s journey highlights the complexities of weight loss and the varying methods individuals may choose to pursue their goals. While GLP-1 medications like Ozempic can aid in weight management, they are not a substitute for a balanced diet and regular exercise. Rohner’s experience serves as a reminder that each person’s path to health is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.
In her posts, Rohner has encouraged her followers to focus on their individual health journeys rather than comparing themselves to others. “I’m not perfect, but I’m healing, and I hope that means something to someone out there who’s struggling too,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and personal growth.
As the conversation around weight loss and the use of medications continues to evolve, Rohner’s openness about her experience with Ozempic has sparked a broader dialogue about health, wellness, and the pressures of societal expectations. Whether you’re a fan of Janelle Rohner or simply interested in the latest trends in health and wellness, her journey offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a healthier lifestyle.
Ultimately, Rohner’s story serves as a reminder that achieving health goals requires a multifaceted approach, one that includes self-care, nutrition, and physical activity. By sharing her experience, she hopes to inspire others to prioritize their health in a way that feels authentic and sustainable for them.