On a February 2026 episode of The View, Joy Behar dropped a surprising revelation: she had lost 25 pounds using Ozempic — and she wasn’t alone. Three of her co-hosts had also used GLP-1 medications to lose weight, turning the morning show into an unexpected forum on America’s most talked-about weight loss drug.
Here’s exactly what she said, the unusual side effect she experienced, and what it means for anyone considering a GLP-1 — or looking for a natural alternative.
What Joy Behar Said on The View
During the February 18, 2026 episode of The View, Behar revealed her weight loss news while discussing a study about lobsters feeling pain.
“Ever since I went on Ozempic, I lost like 25 lbs,” the 83-year-old host told her co-hosts. But it wasn’t just the weight loss that caught attention — it was the side effect she described.
“I can’t look at shrimp, I can’t look at fluke, nothing anymore,” she said, revealing she had developed a complete aversion to seafood since starting the medication.
Her co-hosts quickly related. “We all did it!” Behar exclaimed, as Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin both confirmed they had also used GLP-1 medications:
- Whoopi Goldberg — used Mounjaro, lost a significant amount of weight. “I did it because I was almost 300 lbs. and I’m looking good now!”
- Sunny Hostin — used Mounjaro in 2024 after gaining 40 lbs during COVID. “I love to cook, and I found out I love to eat.”
- Joy Behar — used Ozempic, lost 25 lbs
The Unexpected Side Effect: Losing Her Taste for Seafood
The most viral moment from Behar’s revelation was the food aversion side effect. After starting Ozempic, she developed a strong aversion to seafood — particularly shrimp and fluke — foods she previously enjoyed.
This isn’t unique to Behar. A 2025 study published in Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism found that GLP-1 receptor agonists may influence users’ perception of taste. On Reddit, multiple threads document similar experiences — fish tasting “metallic,” loss of enjoyment for previously loved foods.
Why does this happen? GLP-1 receptors exist not just in the gut and pancreas but also in the brain’s taste-processing centers. When Ozempic activates these receptors, it appears to alter how some foods are perceived — particularly proteins and seafood for certain users.
Quick Facts: Joy Behar’s Weight Loss
| Age | 83 |
| Weight lost | 25 pounds |
| Medication used | Ozempic (GLP-1) |
| Where she revealed it | The View, February 18, 2026 |
| Main side effect | Seafood aversion — can no longer eat shrimp or fish |
| Co-hosts who also used GLP-1 | Whoopi Goldberg (Mounjaro) · Sunny Hostin (Mounjaro) |
What Is Ozempic and How Does It Work for Weight Loss?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist — a weekly injectable medication originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which:
- Suppresses appetite by signaling satiety to the brain
- Slows gastric emptying (food stays in the stomach longer)
- Reduces blood sugar spikes after meals
- Reduces cravings, especially for high-fat and high-sugar foods
The result for most users is significantly reduced appetite and gradual weight loss — typically 15–25% of body weight over 12–18 months for those who stay on the medication.
For a complete guide on GLP-1 medications and recipes that support their effects, see our GLP-1 recipes for weight loss →
Natural GLP-1 Alternatives: What Works Without the Injection
Not everyone wants — or can access — Ozempic. The good news is that natural GLP-1 stimulation through diet is real and well-documented, just milder than pharmaceutical intervention.
The gelatin trick is the most accessible natural GLP-1 support method. Glycine — the dominant amino acid in unflavored gelatin — stimulates natural GLP-1 production in the gut. It won’t produce the dramatic results of Ozempic, but for people looking for gentle appetite suppression without medication, it’s one of the most evidence-backed options available.
Natural alternatives that stimulate GLP-1:
| Method | Mechanism | Strength vs. Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| Gelatin trick recipe | Glycine → GLP-1 | Mild |
| High-protein diet | Protein → GLP-1 | Moderate |
| Fiber-rich foods | Fermentation → GLP-1 | Mild |
| GLP-1 gelatin diet | Combined protocol | Moderate |
| Ozempic / Wegovy | Direct GLP-1 receptor agonist | Strong |
For the gelatin-based GLP-1 protocol that many people use as a natural alternative, see our GLP-1 gelatin diet guide →
The View’s GLP-1 Moment — What It Means
Joy Behar’s revelation on The View was notable not just for the personal detail but for what it represents: GLP-1 medications have become so mainstream that multiple co-hosts on a morning talk show have taken them simultaneously — and talk about it openly.
For context, this follows a broader wave of celebrity GLP-1 disclosures:
- Kelly Clarkson — used a medication to help manage blood sugar (not confirmed as Ozempic)
- Meghan Trainor — used Mounjaro with her husband
- Jelly Roll — briefly used a GLP-1, then stopped to continue naturally
- Lizzo — tried GLP-1 medications, ultimately chose to continue without them
Each story is different — which is exactly the point. GLP-1 medications work differently for everyone, and the side effects (like Behar’s seafood aversion) are real and unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Joy Behar use Ozempic?
Yes — Joy Behar confirmed on The View in February 2026 that she used Ozempic and lost 25 pounds.
What side effect did Joy Behar experience on Ozempic?
She developed a complete aversion to seafood, particularly shrimp and fluke — foods she previously enjoyed. This taste change is a documented but not universal side effect of GLP-1 medications.
Is Joy Behar still on Ozempic?
Based on her February 2026 comments, she appeared to still be taking the medication at the time of the revelation. She did not mention stopping.
Did Whoopi Goldberg also use Ozempic?
Whoopi Goldberg used Mounjaro (tirzepatide), not Ozempic. She lost a significant amount of weight and revealed her experience on the same episode of The View.
What is a natural alternative to Ozempic for weight loss?
The gelatin trick recipe — using unflavored gelatin before meals — naturally stimulates GLP-1 production through glycine. It produces milder effects than Ozempic but is accessible, affordable, and side-effect-free for most people. See our gelatin trick recipe →
Related Articles
- GLP-1 Recipes for Weight Loss
- GLP-1 Gelatin Diet — Natural Protocol
- Gelatin Trick Recipe — Natural GLP-1 Support
- Kelly Clarkson Weight Loss — Her Complete Story
- Jelly Roll Weight Loss Recipe
- Mounjaro Jello Recipe for Weight Loss
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. GLP-1 medications are prescription drugs — consult your doctor before starting any weight loss medication. Individual results vary.