62-Year-Old ‘Ugly Betty’ Actress Reveals She’s Been Taking a GLP-1 for Weight Loss for 2 Years

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Actress and singer Vanessa Williams, famous for playing Wilhelmina Slater in the popular show Ugly Betty, has been sharing details about her health. In a recent interview, the 62-year-old revealed she’s been using a weight management medication for the last two years.

Williams explained that she began taking medication due to significant physical changes she experienced after turning 50 and going through menopause. In an interview with Hello! magazine, she called the treatment a “game-changer” that greatly improved her lifestyle and self-confidence. The medication she uses is Mounjaro, a brand name for tirzepatide, a prescription drug approved by the FDA and often used to treat type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss.

The performer shared that it became harder to stay in shape as she got older, even though she continued with her strict diet and exercise plan. She explained, “It’s frustrating because you’re putting in the same effort, but your body isn’t responding like it used to.” She added that changes in her metabolism during perimenopause and menopause made it almost impossible to get the same results she was used to.

Williams had a realization on her 60th birthday. She wanted to live a long, healthy life and feel good doing it, so she started looking into medical options to complement her already healthy lifestyle. As she remembered, reaching that milestone made her think, ‘I want to be here for a long time, and I want to look my best. So what am I going to do?’

After two years on her current health plan, Williams feels much more in control and balanced. She explained that the medication is only one part of her overall approach to healthy aging. The actress stressed that her focus isn’t about looks, but about maintaining the energy and ability she needs for her busy acting career.

Beyond her weight loss plan, Williams shared other ways she stays youthful. She’s a strong believer in hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which she says has helped her manage menopause. She also recently began getting NAD+ injections, a treatment gaining popularity for potentially repairing DNA and increasing energy at the cellular level.

She prioritizes self-care, and that includes a dedicated skincare routine. Williams shared that she gets professional facials called “P5 facials,” which use her own blood to boost collagen and improve skin. She also uses at-home devices that gently tone her facial muscles, showing that her youthful look comes from consistent effort and a variety of methods.

I’m so impressed with everything Williams is accomplishing! Even while prioritizing her well-being, she’s absolutely killing it professionally. I recently heard she’s starring as Miranda Priestly in the musical version of The Devil Wears Prada over in London’s West End, and everyone’s saying it’s amazing! Plus, Elton John wrote the music – can you believe it? The Dominion Theatre is packed every night, and I can totally see why!

It makes perfect sense that Williams would play Miranda Priestly, as she’s known for portraying strong, fashionable villains. Critics have highlighted her ability to bring both a cool confidence and impressive vocal skills to the role, originally made famous by Meryl Streep in the 2006 movie. The musical itself dives into the competitive world of fashion magazines, focusing on a driven young journalist, Andy Sachs, and the challenges she faces working for her intimidating boss.

I’m so excited about this production! Robin Williams isn’t the only talent involved, though. Matt Henry is fantastic as Nigel, the creative director at Runway magazine, and Georgie Buckland really shines as Andy Sachs, the journalist trying to make it. Amy Di Bartolomeo is perfect as the stressed-out assistant, Emily. Honestly, everyone’s talking about how incredible the costumes are and how much fun the music is – it’s really cementing Williams’ reputation as a total force in theater.

In addition to her acting, Williams recently made a successful comeback to music. She released her first studio album in 15 years, Survivor, in August 2024. The album demonstrates her ability to work with different musical styles, combining elements of pop, R&B, and dance. The lead single, “Legs (Keep Dancing),” has been popular with both fans and music critics.

Vanessa Williams is known for her ability to bounce back and successfully transition between different types of entertainment. She first gained fame as Miss America and then became a popular singer with songs like “Save the Best for Last.” She’s also had a strong career on television, with well-known roles on shows like Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty, for which she received an Emmy nomination.

Williams isn’t showing any signs of stopping her impressive career. She’s confirmed to continue her role in The Devil Wears Prada through April 2026, meaning she’ll be based in London for the near future. Plus, she’s planned a series of cabaret shows at the renowned 54 Below in New York City in early 2026, where she’ll perform her most popular songs and share stories from her long and successful career.

By openly discussing her use of weight-loss medication, she joins a growing number of celebrities who are honestly addressing the challenges of aging. Williams hopes that by sharing her experience with Mounjaro and other treatments, she can help remove the stigma around women using these tools to manage menopause and feel good about themselves. Her honesty is a welcome change in an industry often focused on unrealistic standards of perfection.

We’d love to hear from you! If you’ve used GLP-1 medications or have thoughts on how Vanessa Williams openly talks about aging, please share your experiences in the comments below.

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2026-01-13 10:15