At a Glance
- Vanessa Williams told Hello! magazine she has taken Mounjaro for two years to manage weight during menopause.
- The 62-year-old credits the drug, plus HRT and NAD+ injections, for helping her “look my best.”
- Williams described perimenopause as feeling “out of control” despite unchanged diet and exercise.
Why it matters: Her candid story spotlights how GLP-1 drugs are being used off-label for mid-life weight changes.
Vanessa Williams has quietly relied on the GLP-1 medication Mounjaro for the past 24 months, she revealed in a new cover story for Hello! magazine. The actress and singer said the prescription shifted what she called a frustrating, body-changing chapter of menopause.
Williams, 62, explained that she began perimenopause in her late forties. At 51, the changes accelerated. “It’s crazy how your body changes,” she told the outlet. “You feel out of control because you’re working out the same way, eating the same, and your body is not reacting the way it used to.”
Two-Year Timeline on Mounjaro
- Start date: About 24 months ago, after conversations with her doctor
- Dose: Not disclosed in the interview
- Results: Williams calls the drug a “game-changer” for appetite control
Mounjaro, generically known as tirzepatide, is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. The once-weekly injection also carries the brand name Zepbound when prescribed for weight management. It works by:
- Slowing gastric emptying
- Boosting insulin sensitivity
- Signaling fullness to the brain
Williams emphasized she paired the medication with consistent workouts and balanced meals. “I want to be here for a long time, and I want to look my best,” she said. “So what am I going to do?”
Additional Regimen Details
Beyond Mounjaro, Williams said she follows:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to steady estrogen and progesterone levels
- NAD+ injections, which the National Institute of Health notes support cellular metabolism and aging-related pathways
The entertainer’s attitude toward the combined protocol is upbeat. “Science is amazing,” she remarked. “I’m like: ‘What’s next? Bring it on!'”

Celebrity GLP-1 Use
Williams joins a growing list of public figures who have acknowledged using Mounjaro. Others mentioned in the article include:
- Rosie O’Donnell
- Renee Graziano
- Meghan Trainor
- Tori Spelling
- Sunny Hostin
None of these stars have detailed the same two-year timeline Williams shared.
What the Interview Left Out
- Exact dosage or prescribing physician
- Specific weight lost or starting BMI
- Side effects she may have experienced
- Cost or insurance coverage details
The absence of numbers keeps the focus on her overall message: mid-life hormonal shifts can upend familiar routines, and medication helped her regain a sense of command over her body.
Reader Impact
Women in perimenopause often report:
- Sudden weight gain around the midsection
- Slower recovery from exercise
- Sleep disruptions that affect metabolism
Williams’ story offers one data point, not medical advice. The FDA has not approved Mounjaro solely for menopause-related weight changes; any off-label use requires physician oversight.
Key Takeaways
- Vanessa Williams has taken Mounjaro for two years to counter menopause-linked weight fluctuations
- She combines the drug with HRT and NAD+ injections, calling the trio “science” working in her favor
- The 62-year-old’s transparency adds a celebrity voice to off-label GLP-1 use during mid-life
According to News Of Losangeles, Williams’ interview appears in the January 12, 2026 issue of Hello! magazine.

