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Eli Lilly rolls out Oscar ad slamming use of weight-loss drugs for vanity

March 11, 2024

A new Hollywood-themed ad called "Big Night" aired this weekend and was timed to coincide with Sunday's broadcast of the Oscars. The spot opens with a shot of a sequined dress as a woman gets ready for the awards show. (Cerullo, 2024)

"Some people have been using medicine never meant for them. For the smaller dress or tux, for a big night, for vanity," the voiceover says. The message is clear in this unconventional pharmaceutical ad: Drugs like Lilly's Mounjaro or Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy aren't intended for general weight loss.

"People whose health is affected by obesity are the reason we work on these medications. It matters who gets them," the ad says.

In an interview with CNN, Lilly's CEO David Ricks said “We have a point of view about how these drugs are being used ... These medicines were invented for people with a serious health condition; they were not invented just to have someone who’s famous look a little bit better.” (Etienne, 2024)

Sources:

Cerullo, M. (2024, March 8). CBS News. Eli Lilly's new ad says weight-loss drugs shouldn't be used out of "vanity." https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2024-oscars-eli-lilly-ad-weight-loss-drug-mounjaro-ozempic/

Etienne, V. (2024, March 7). People. Weight Loss Drugmaker Eli Lilly Releases Oscars Ad Jabbing People Who Use the Drugs for 'Vanity': 'It’s Not for That' https://people.com/eli-lilly-releases-oscars-ad-about-using-weight-loss-drugs-for-vanity-mounjaro-ozempic-wegovy-8605755