Celeste Ntuli Kicks Off Witty War on Obesity: “I’ve Tried Everything”
- A new weight loss drug has been launched that promises to curb obesity in South Africa
- South African comedian Celeste Ntuli brought humour to the Johannesburg launch event, sharing her personal struggles with obesity
- Calls for compassion were central to the event, with Ntuli urging society to support those trying to lose weight
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Johannesburg buzzed with excitement on 13-14 August 2025 as Novo Nordisk unveiled Wegovy, a groundbreaking drug for obesity management. Briefly News was on the scene, where the launch doubled as an entertaining spectacle, blending panel discussions, heartfelt stories, and a touch of comedy, courtesy of South African comedian Celeste Ntuli.
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The event wasn’t your typical medical rollout. Ntuli stole the show, sharing her lifelong battle with obesity with a humorous twist. “I’ve tried everything,” she said.
“I once visited a sangoma who told me to drink pee to shed the kilos.”
What are the obesity statistics in South Africa?
While funny, her story raised a crucial point: obesity is a complex struggle, and there is never a shortage of unconventional remedies, which never really work. Ntuli’s journey resonates with the 20 million South Africans struggling with obesity, where 31% of men and 68% of women fall into these categories, as per statistics produced by pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk.
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Dr Mary Ngome of Novo Nordisk emphasised the impact of obesity, calling it a “chronic relapsing disease” tied to over 200 complications, from diabetes to heart issues.
Source: Original
Are Shimza and the Major League DJs on Ozempic?
Discussions turned to the general public outcry of the new looks of celebrities like Shimza and Major League DJs, rumoured to be using weight loss drugs such as Ozempic.
However, Ntuli clapped back at the critics with sass: “We don’t know what someone looked like before losing weight, so how can we judge after? If I lose weight and suddenly have cheekbones, I’m meeting them for the first time too!”
She pleaded for empathy, stressing that negative comments can derail progress.
Dr Ngome added that obesity’s roots, genetics, environment, and more, demand a compassionate approach, not judgment.
Wegovy will be available in South Africa from 15 August 2025.
DJ Shimza shows off more pictures after incredible weight loss
Similarly, Briefly News reported that DJ Shimza debuted his new look, and he just can't help but show it off. The DJ/ producer's incredible transformation after losing weight has been the talk of the town, and social media is loving the new him. He shared some new pictures showing off his new physique and received praise from fans and celebrity friends alike.
Celeste Ntuli bags Comedian of the Year Award
In other Celeste Ntuli news, Briefly News previously reported that the multi-talented South African comedian recently walked away with the coveted prize at the 12th Savanna Comics Choice Comedy Awards held on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Ntuli shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, expressing gratitude and said that the award came at a perfect time in her career.
She shared pictures of herself on stage at the awards ceremony rocking an Amelia Wearhouse outfit.
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Source: Briefly News
