Mark Labbett has denied claims that weight loss drug Ozempic is the reason for his incredible transformation.
Since starting on The Chase in 2009, the quizmaster known as ‘The Beast’ has lost an impressive 10 stone.
Last week (May 22), Mark posted a pic of himself enjoying a steak on X – formerly known as Twitter – and fans could not believe their eyes. However, Mark says the transformation isn’t down to the popular drug.
Mark Labbett weight loss
In the new image, Mark looks trimmer than ever as he tucks into steak and chips at the Seasons Restaurant. He captioned the photo: “Having a sneaky steak and chips at Seasons Restaurant. Protein loading.”
Having a sneaky Steak and Chips at Seasons Restaurant. Protein loading 🙂 pic.twitter.com/XycCefcR8D
— Mark Labbett (@MarkLabbett) May 22, 2024
While some fans were quick to congratulate him on the remarkable weight loss, others claimed medical interventions such as gastric band or Ozempic were at work.
Responding to one user’s comment claiming he used Ozempic, Mark replied: “Nope. Would take it if prescribed it.”
He also said speculation over a gastric band was “not true”.
Meanwhile, one person gushed: “You look so slim!!!” to which Mark replied: “10 stone lighter love.”
Another wrote: “Inspirational weight loss journey! Looking great, amazing transformation.”
How Mark Labbett lost weight
Mark, who once weighed a whopping 29 stone, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2016. This was the wake-up call he needed to revolutionise his lifestyle.
He credits three changes for his weight loss: regular gym visits, eating less and walking his golden retriever Baloo.
The Chaser is known to frequent the gym with his presenter girlfriend Hayley Palmer.
In January 2024, Hayley posted an Instagram Story featuring Mark at the gym as she praised his dedication. She said: “I’m so proud of @markthebeatlabbett. He started to come to the gym with me in the mornings and he is doing so well. He is down to 124 kilos/ 19.5 stone. We’re planning to tone and improving conditioning.”
Ozempic drug
Ozempic is the brand name for the anti-diabetic drug semaglutide, which is sometimes prescribed to those with type 2 diabetes. It is administered at home as an injection.
However, it has recently received global recognition due to celebrities using it as a weight loss aid. British celebrities including Sharon Osbourne and Jeremy Clarkson have been open about using the drug to lose weight.
Meanwhile, social media is awash with rumours of Hollywood stars taking the drug to keep their slim frames.
Read more: Beat the Chasers star Mark Labbett apologises to co-stars for ‘false start’ blunder
The Chase airs weekdays from 5pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
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