Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager reveal what they REALLY think about celebrities who use Ozempic for weight loss - and the 'weird thing' about stars turning to 'magic pill' to slim down

Today host Hoda Kotb has suggested that celebrities who are using Ozempic to lose weight should be 'straight up' about using the controversial drug because it's 'more fun'.

During Wednesday's show, Hoda, 59, and her cohost, Jenna Bush Hager, were discussing the outrage sparked by Barbra Streisand after she publicly asked actress Melissa McCarthy if she was using Ozempic in a now-deleted Instagram comment.

'What do you think about asking people if they are on Ozempic? Because that's kind of been a weird thing,' Hoda said, before claiming: 'Some people say it from the mountaintops...' as Jenna, 42, name-dropped Oprah Winfrey as an example.

Throwing her arms up in the air, Hoda mimicked: '"I did Ozempic!" and some people are like, "I don't..." or maybe they're not on it, we don't know but there is that kind of thing where certain people are saying it, certain people aren't saying it.'

Hoda Kotb has suggested that celebrities who are using Ozempic to lose weight should be 'straight up' about using the controversial drug

Jenna Bush Hager argued that people can 'still get in good shape by working out and eating less'

The TV hosts were discussing the fact that Barbra Streisand asked Melissa McCarthy on Instagram if she was using Ozempic

Ozempic (semaglutide) works by targeting the hormone GLP-1, which tells the body that it's full and you don’t want to eat any more

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a diabetes drug, but for those looking to shed the pounds, it works by targeting the hormone GLP-1, which tells the body that it's full and you don't want to eat any more.

Mother-of-three Jenna said of it's popularity: 'Well it's so interesting to me because you can get in good shape by working out and eating less. You still can do the things that we used to do before this magic pill or whatever existed.

'I mean people will be like, "you look great, we know what you're on..." and I'm like, "erm you know..." but it's interesting to straight up ask it,' she added.

'That takes some moxie!' Hoda replied, before admitting: 'I like when people just straight up tell you, that's more fun,' as Jenna agreed and said: 'Yeah me too.'

Their comments come after Barbra, 82, broke her silence on the Instagram comment that she swiftly deleted.

Melissa first caught the singer's eye when she posted an image of herself and pal Adam Shankman, 59, in Los Angeles on Sunday at CTG's The Gala 2024 at the Ahmanson Theatre.

The comedian - whose weight has fluctuated over the years - showcased her newly slimmed down figure in a stylish mint dress and blazer. 

Barbra responded in the comment thread with the question, 'Give him my regards did you take Ozempic?' - leading to a tidal wave of online criticism.

A groveling Barbra later returned to social media on Tuesday to issue a mea culpa and wrote: 'OMG - I went on Instagram to see the photos we'd posted of the beautiful flowers I'd received for my birthday!

Barbra sparked outrage after she publicly commented on Melissa's weight on Instagram

The 82-year-old singer left fans reeling after asking the Ozempic question before quickly backtracking and deleting the remark 

Barbra later returned to social media on Tuesday to issue a mea culpa and wrote: 'OMG - I just wanted to pay her a compliment'

'Below them was a photo of my friend Melissa McCarthy who I sang with my on Encore album.

'She looked fantastic! I just wanted to pay her a compliment. I forgot the world is reading!'

Melissa also spoke publicly on the remark, attempting to brush off the drama as she said: 'Barbra is a treasure, I love her!' 

Barbra isn't the first to question if Melissa's transformation is a result of Hollywood's new favorite weight loss drug. 

For months, fans have speculated if she was using Ozempic, but the Bridesmaids star hasn't publicly confirmed nor denied the rumors.