Kourtney Kardashian Baker’s new weight loss pill leaves netizens divided

Kardashian Baker’s latest business venture under scrutiny. Picture: Instagram

Kardashian Baker’s latest business venture under scrutiny. Picture: Instagram

Published Sep 17, 2024

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Kourtney Kardashian Barker, the reality star-turned-wellness mogul, has expanded her Lemme brand with a new product titled Lemme GLP-1 Daily.

The pill is touted as a natural way to boost the body's production of GLP-1, a hormone known for regulating appetite and metabolic health.

According to the brand, Lemme described the product as a “one-of-a-kind supplement”.

This supplement is designed to help users manage their weight by reducing hunger and promoting fat reduction.

However, the product's launch has been met with widespread scepticism, with many questioning its efficacy and safety.

According to the brand,Lemme described this GLP1 Daily pill as a “one-of-a-kind supplement. Picture: Instagram

The claims behind Lemme GLP-1 Daily

According to the brand, as people age, their body’s ability to produce GLP-1 diminishes, leading to increased hunger and difficulty managing blood sugar levels.

The supplement contains three primary ingredients: Eriomin® Lemon Fruit Extract, Supresa® Saffron Extract, and Morosil™ Red Orange Fruit Extract. These ingredients are said to be clinically studied and patented for their abilities to:

  • Increase GLP-1 levels
  • Reduce hunger and cravings
  • Support fat reduction and healthy weight management

The brand also highlighted results from clinical studies, claiming participants experienced a 69% decrease in hunger and a 65% reduction in sugar cravings by the second month of use.

By the sixth month, participants supposedly saw reductions in body weight and visceral fat.

However, despite these claims, many social media users quickly expressed scepticism.

Social media users, particularly on platforms like Instagram, X and TikTok, expressed concerns about the product’s safety, efficacy and potential interactions with other medications.

One Instagram user commented: "I know supplement regulation is the wild Wild West, but this screams class action lawsuit to me."

Another voiced doubts about the product’s effectiveness and asked: "Is the dosage of GLP per capsule even enough to make a significant impact on weight," reported Wionews.com.

Critics also pointed out the lack of comprehensive data. "There should be data in all 3 [ingredients] together. Also, there are very small studies, and the data isn’t that impressive," wrote another user.

— Luminescent (@insightful1one) September 14, 2024

The concerns highlight a broader issue within the supplement industry: the lack of stringent regulation compared to pharmaceuticals, raising questions about long-term safety and the risk of interference with other medications.

@howrosdoesit #grwmmakeup as we discuss the new #kourtneykardashyan weight loss supplement #lemmeglp1daily #weightlosssupplements ♬ original sound - howrosdoesit

In response to the backlash, Kardashian Barker defended Lemme GLP-1 Daily in a press release.

She emphasised the years of research that went into developing the supplement, claiming it is "the most effective and researched GLP-1 supplement on the market".

She also highlighted the use of "clinically studied and patented ingredients" as a key factor in the product’s formulation.

The brand’s defence did little to sway some critics, though. One TikTok user, @howrosdoesit, posted a video criticising the launch, particularly in the context of the current weight-loss craze surrounding drugs like Ozempic, a GLP-1 receptor agonist commonly prescribed for diabetes and weight management.

"I think she’s really sort of milking on people’s insecurities about weight loss," the user said.

“It’s one thing to buy beauty products, cosmetics, and skin care products from celebrities, but really, natural supplements and weight loss when we know they all afford to go on the real thing and they’ve had a lot of plastic surgery — nothing about them is natural."

Many netizens also raised concerns about the supplement industry as a whole, which is not regulated as strictly as pharmaceuticals.

This lack of oversight leads to uncertainties around dosage, effectiveness, and potential side effects when supplements are taken alongside prescription medications.

“The ‘natural supplement’ industry is not regulated like drugs are. So you just don’t know what you’re getting or how it can interfere with other medications you are on,” the TikTok user added.

Kardashian Barker’s latest venture has also been accused of exploiting societal pressures around body image. "She’s preying on the insecurities of an obsessed population by looking thin.

“There’s no doubt that people are going to try it because … you know, it’s the Kardashians. But I personally think that this is one area that just doesn’t need a celebrity involvement," the TikToker said.

TikTok creator @howrosdoesit weighed in, expressing doubts about Kardashian’s authority in the weight loss space.

“Successful celebrity brands like Rare Beauty make you feel like what they’re doing is linked to who they are. But it’s surprising this is coming from Kourtney because she’s always been thin and never had a weight loss problem,” she said.

“Where’s the credibility in all of that?”

The TikToker also questioned the broader trend of celebrities promoting weight loss products. “I don’t think we should be taking weight loss advice from celebrities,” she added, echoing a sentiment shared by many others on social media.

The conversation isn’t just happening on TikTok. On X (formerly known as Twitter), users have also expressed concerns about the legitimacy of Lemme GLP-1 Daily.

The account @TheCosmeticLane pointed out a significant issue with supplements in general, tweeting, “Lemme GLP-1 Daily is not FDA-approved.

Supplements are not approved by the FDA. Brands are responsible for ensuring their products are safe and do not have to prove scientific benefits before selling their products."

This lack of FDA oversight has raised red flags for potential customers. As the product, which costs $72 a month with a subscription, gets ready to hit the market, many are left wondering whether the herbal ingredients it contains can truly deliver the promised results.

The brand claims that the supplement may boost natural GLP-1 hormone levels to reduce hunger and cravings, but as @TheCosmeticLane pointed out, there’s no requirement for brands like Lemme to prove scientific efficacy before selling their products.

They ended their tweet with a question many are asking: “Would you try it?”

Other users on X were quick to join the conversation, with some calling out what they see as opportunism by the Kardashian family.

“There ain’t a cheque a Kardashian won’t cash! Y’all thought they’d let everyone hop on Ozempic & not get a piece of the action?” wrote one user, reflecting a growing cynicism around celebrity wellness products.

@MissGraziellar questioned whether someone like Kardashian, who has never struggled with significant weight issues, should be promoting a weight loss supplement at all.

“Someone who has been relatively thin and hasn’t had major weight issues shouldn’t be pitching weight loss medication,” she wrote. “I’m getting more turned off by these celeb spokespersons.”

While some were willing to give the product a shot, others were questioning whether it’s wise to take weight loss advice from celebrities who may not have personal experience with the struggles of weight management.

As social media continues to fuel this debate, it’s clear that the scrutiny surrounding Lemme GLP-1 Daily isn’t going away any time soon.