Denise Austin's SI Swimsuit model daughter is 'all for' Ozempic but 'personally would never take it'
New Orleans, Louisiana - Swimsuit Illustrated Sports Issue model Katie Austin is supportive of people who take Ozempic, but the wildly popular weight-loss drug is not for her.
Last Friday, the 33-year-old, who is the daughter of fitness icon Denise Austin, hosted a special SiriusXM broadcast on Media Row along with her fellow SI Swimsuit models Camille Kostek, Christen Goff, Jena Sims and Brooks Nader, which aired on the Friday before the 2025 Super Bowl.
During an interview with Fox News Digital ahead of the show, Austin shared her thoughts on Type 2 diabetes medication, which is prescribed off-label for weight loss. Ozempic and GLP-1 inhibitors, including Mounjaro and Zepbound, have become increasingly in demand for their effectiveness, but they have also sparked controversy around their potentially dangerous side effects.
"I actually am all for it if your doctor recommends it. Obviously, as a personal trainer and someone who is in the health and wellness industry, I personally would never take it," Austin said.
"But that's because I don't need it," she continued. "If you need Ozempic to jump-start your weight-loss journey — do you. If your doctor recommends it — absolutely. Some people do actually need those types of drugs. Obviously, for me, in my opinion, if I had my best friend next to me, and she was like, 'How do I lose this weight?' I would say working out, basic exercise and eating healthy. It does not have to be overcomplicated, but I'm not hugely against it for someone who [takes it] as doctor-recommended."
During her own interview with Fox News Digital, Goff echoed Austin's thoughts on Ozempic.
"I think it's a tool that if people need to, they should use, and it's there for a reason," the California native said. "I think if a doctor prescribes it, it's great."
WATCH: DENISE AUSTIN'S SI SWIMSUIT MODEL DAUGHTER SAYS SHE'S 'ALL FOR' OZEMPIC BUT PERSONALLY WOULD NEVER TAKE IT
Austin, Kostek, Goff, Sims and Nader are all previous winners of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue's annual Swim Search, which is an open casting call that affords participants the opportunity to be featured as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie.
"Obviously, as a personal trainer and someone who is in the health and wellness industry, I personally would never take it."
Kostek was crowned the victor of the first-ever Swim Search in 2018, while Nader earned the title the following year. Austin and Goff were co-winners in 2021, and Sims was named a co-winner of the competition's 2023 edition.
According to the Sports Illustrated website, the competition "isn't just about modeling—it's about being part of a supportive network that provides mentorship, exposure, and learning opportunities. SI Swimsuit isn't just about beauty; it's about embracing who you are and what you stand for."
During their interviews with Fox News Digital, the models shared their fitness, diet and wellness tips for staying in top shape.
WATCH: SI SWIMSUIT MODELS CAMILLE KOSTEK AND JENA SIMS SHARE THEIR DIET AND FITNESS TIPS FOR STAYING IN TOP SHAPE
"Number one, walking," Austin said. "Do not underestimate walking. Because walking, you can lose weight. It can be such great low impact cardio and anyone can do it no matter what age level you are. Another fitness tip is every little thing counts. So don't just think like five minutes — that's for nothing. If you do five minutes, four times throughout the day — right there you have your workout. And plus, it's not always for the physical. It's for your mental health, too. So, when you switch that mindset to help your mental health, your productivity, your energy, your positivity.
"My third tip, don't sleep on sleep," she added. "I'm tired right now, and I can't show up 100%. Sleep is so important, especially for stress levels, trying to lose weight. Sleep is very, very, very important."
SI Swimsuit models Camille Kostek and Jena Sims share their diet and fitness tips for staying in top shape
WATCH: SI SWIMSUIT MODEL CHRISTEN GOFF REVEALS HER FAVORITE WELLNESS AND FITNESS TIPS
Goff noted that drinking plenty of water is crucial for good health.
"I think one of the first things — well, everybody says this — water is key," the "Hard Knocks" alum said. "It starts from the inside out. But also just figuring out a way to feel good from the inside out. It's less about what you're wearing, what you're putting on your face. If you're feeling good, you look good."
"And I think that's one of the amazing things that these Sports Illustrated women taught me is just finding ways to build your own confidence makes you feel good from the inside out."
SI SWIMSUIT MODEL KATIE AUSTIN TALKS HOSTING 'UNDER THE SWIMFLUENCE' BROADCAST AT SUPER BOWL 2025
"So water, confidence and, you know, you can never go wrong with — what else would be a beauty tip? Maybe a nice moisturizer can go a long way."
Goff told Fox News Digital that she also exercises regularly for both her physical and mental health.
"Fitness is so fun," she said. "I feel like it's a big part of my life, not only to stay looking good, but it also keeps you feeling good. I think it really helps my mental health, especially in the cold Detroit winters. I always try to stay active. But I love walks. I love strength training, all of that."
Sims shared her view that making good food choices and eating clean has much more of an impact on overall health than fitness.
"Diet in terms of like what you actually eat, not being on a diet, is way more important than working out." she said. "So clean it up.":
"I would say I've heard that 80/20 rule," Kostek agreed. "Health is wealth. And I feel like investing in good organic food is great. Getting movement, even if it's walking place to place. We're doing a lot of walking this week. I'm getting my steps in. And then I would say taking deep breaths and getting good sleep, which I'm lacking this week. So I am not doing well in the health spectrum right now."
"'ll take my own advice this week," Sims quipped.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
RenaissThera Achieves Discovery Milestone in Its Oral Obesity Drug Program
BENGALURU, India, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RenaissThera Private Limited ('RenaissThera'), a Bengaluru-based biotechnology company, announced a major milestone in its obesity drug discovery program targeting the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR). GIPR, an incretin receptor, is a validated target for peptide-based parenteral therapies where both stimulation and inhibition has shown efficacy in treating obesity and its co-morbidities. RenaissThera is developing novel, oral small molecules, both agonists and antagonists, as a more affordable and convenient alternative aiming to expand access for underserved populations in the global obesity market projected to reach USD 38 billion by 2032. Oral small molecules are more economical to manufacture and distribute than peptide-based obesity drugs. These molecules were designed and screened using proprietary AI and ML based platforms, followed by demonstrating in-vitro activity in cell lines and in-vivo activity to impact GIPR in mice to yield 'Hits'. RenaissThera now is advancing these Hits to the Lead optimization program to select candidates for pre-IND studies. RenaissThera is filing 'Composition of Matter' and utility patents for these oral novel small molecule GIPR modulators and continues to expand its innovation portfolio targeting GIP, GLP-1, and apelin receptors in obesity and diabetes. Its AI-powered Innovation Platform, integrating GenAI and machine learning tools, is accelerating the design and optimization of novel small molecules. 'We are grateful to our investors and collaborators for supporting us in reaching this milestone. Our team is focused on pushing candidates toward IND-readiness next year and we are in active discussions with potential pharma partners and investors interested in our obesity program,' said Meena, MD, CEO of RenaissThera. RenaissThera's progress was enabled through its collaboration with VedTechBio Research Private Limited which enabled access to its Agentic AI platform RxAgentAI and discovery expertise. 'We are very pleased with the outcomes of our collaboration with RenaissThera. This milestone further validates our platform and capabilities across key therapeutic areas including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, oncology, and inflammation,' said VedTechBio's Managing Director Sudhir Nagarajan. About RenaissThera RenaissThera is a Bengaluru-based biotech company developing affordable, AI-powered novel small-molecule therapies for high-unmet-need diseases like obesity and diabetes. Its goal is to innovate for underserved populations and expand global access to novel therapies. It leverages India's CRO ecosystem for early-stage R&D to deliver globally relevant innovation. For more information Please contact: Media: Lakshmi Ramakrishna lramakrishna@ Investor & Partnership: Ramkesh Meena bd@
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Common Childhood Virus Linked to Alzheimer's Development in Old Age
A study published 30 years ago is striking up new conversation about the potential connection between the common cold sore and Alzheimer's disease. Published in The Lancet in 1997, researchers compared DNA extracted from the brains of elderly people with and without Alzheimer's, and in some of them, found herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)—an infection often contracted in childhood—dormant in the nerves. Ultimately, researchers predicted that those with HSV-1 and a specific gene, called the ApoE-e4 gene, had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. Meet the Experts: David Hunter, M.D., an assistant professor and neurologist with UTHealth Houston, Linda Yancey, M.D., an infectious disease doctor at Memorial Hermann Health System; and Mark Santos, Ph.D., an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at Touro University Nevada. Study co-author Ruth Itzhaki, Ph.D., summarized her team's findings in a recent article for The Conversation and noted that, over the years, additional work has surfaced to support hers. But what does it all mean, exactly? If a cold sore pops up, should you be concerned about dementia? We reached out to experts who explained everything. 'HSV-1 is a common virus to which almost everyone is exposed early in life,' says David Hunter, M.D., an assistant professor and neurologist with UTHealth Houston. 'It is best known for causing cold sores and is closely related to chicken pox and mononucleosis.' What these viruses have in common is that they are neurotropic, meaning they linger in the nervous system long after the initial illness, explains Linda Yancey, M.D., an infectious disease doctor at Memorial Hermann Health System, and can be reactivated by stress or lowered immunity. That's how, for instance, chicken pox can manifest later in life as shingles, adds Dr. Hunter. The virus's ability to infiltrate the nerves is believed to get it past the blood-brain barrier, a membrane that shields the organ from infection via the bloodstream. Thanks to that entry point, Dr. Hunter says, HSV-1 is the most common cause of viral brain inflammation in the United States. 'There is no vaccine for HSV and almost everyone will get it by adulthood,' Dr. Hunter adds. Cold sores are a mild case of it, and symptoms can be treated with antiviral drugs. Dormant HSV-1 may be reactivated by illness and reach the brain, explains Mark Santos, Ph.D., an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at Touro University Nevada. This can trigger brain inflammation over time, known as herpes encephalitis,and in people with genetic risk factors, like the ApoE-4 gene, contribute to Alzheimer's development, he adds. 'We don't entirely know why ApoE-4 is a risk factor for Alzheimer's,' adds Dr. Hunter. 'The link to HSV could be that ApoE-4 impacts the blood-brain barrier and makes it easier for HSV to enter.' And the inflammation caused by that entry may heighten Alzheimer's risk. 'It is now universally accepted that inflammation in the brain is a key step in the development of Alzheimer's,' Dr. Hunter reiterates. In the three decades since the original study, doctors and researchers have learned much more about Alzheimer's disease and its connection to viral inflammation. For instance, several studies have found that being immunized for any disease (like COVID-19 or the flu) reduces Alzheimer's risk, says Dr. Hunter. 'Several other studies have shown that reducing inflammation in the brain helps prevent Alzheimer's,' he adds. Santos concurs. 'Since 1996, additional studies have found HSV-1 DNA in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's. Lab studies have also shown that HSV-1 infection can trigger the buildup of amyloid-beta and tau—proteins strongly associated with Alzheimer's pathology,' he explains. However, there are a few disclaimers to note. Firstly, the posed risk is associated with people who contract HSV-1 in early life, giving it time to progressively cause inflammation. The risk may be lower in adults, says Santos. 'That said, if someone has other risk factors (like a weakened immune system or APOE-e4), adult-onset HSV-1 could still have long-term consequences,' he adds. Still, neurotropic viruses are extremely common, Dr. Yancey reiterates. 'This makes it difficult to tease out whether they are causing neurologic problems or are simply common in the general population, including people with neurologic problems,' she adds. In other words, because most people end up with HSV-1 doesn't necessarily mean that most people will get Alzheimer's. 'Most cold sores aren't a cause for concern,' Santos adds. 'They're common and usually well-controlled by the immune system. But for people with frequent outbreaks, weakened immunity, or APOE-e4, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider. The concern is not a single cold sore, but long-term viral activity in the brain.' More research, including long-term studies, is needed to make any solid associations, Santos and Dr. Yancey conclude. 'The current data is based on population-level surveys. There is no way to predict on an individual patient's level whether this has a meaningful impact,' says Dr. Yancey. Future research will, hopefully, at least help experts understand how antiviral treatment affects Alzheimer's risk, as well as identify better ways to detect when HSV-1 is active in the brain. 'The hope is that understanding how infections contribute to Alzheimer's will open up new ways to prevent or treat it—especially before symptoms start,' says Santos. Being vaccinated, exercising, engaging in mental stimulation, and maintaining a heart-healthy diet are all known ways to lower dementia risk, our experts say. Avoiding smoking or nicotine use of any kind can also 'drastically' reduce the risk, says Dr. Yancey. All of these habits and choices work together to support both immune and brain health. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Nigerian Medical Advocates Rally on Capitol Hill for J-1 Visa Fix and Immigrant Physician Bill
WASHINGTON, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Nigerian Physician Advocacy Group (NPAG), will host a two-day Advocacy & Lobby Day on June 10–11, 2025, on Capitol Hill to highlight the vital role Nigerian American physicians play in filling healthcare shortages and call on Congress to remove systemic barriers to their continued service by reforming the J-1 visa program and passing the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1201), also known as the "Doctors in Our Borders" bill. The NPAG delegation will be led by Dr. Susan Edionwe, Nigerian American physicians, health advocates, and community leaders. This initiative comes amid targets on international students at U.S. universities and growing concerns over the increasing number of J-1 visa denials, which prevent qualified international medical graduates (IMGs)—especially Nigerian-trained physicians—from contributing their expertise to underserved and rural communities across the United States. Nigerian American physicians have played an important role in filling healthcare shortages in the United States and the advancement of our country's healthcare system is dependent on the removal of systemic barriers to their continued service. "Doctors from Nigeria and across Africa have long served in America's most vulnerable communities—from inner cities to remote rural counties," said Dr. Susan Edionwe. "Fixing the J-1 process and passing H.R. 1201 is essential to ensuring our communities have access to the care they desperately need." "NPAG encourages policymakers, allies, and the media to recognize the indispensable contribution of Nigerian and African-trained doctors to the American healthcare system—and to take legislative action to protect and expand their role in advancing national health equity," said Dr. Susan Edionwe. About Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1201): H.R. 1201 a bipartisan bill, would reauthorize and expand the Conrad 30 waiver program, which allows J-1 physicians to remain in the U.S. after residency by serving in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). The legislation provides states with greater flexibility, increases waiver caps, and reduces processing delays—ensuring medically underserved communities continue receiving essential care. About NPAG: The Nigerian Physician Advocacy Group is a national coalition of Nigerian American doctors and advocates committed to advancing health equity, shaping inclusive immigration policy, and addressing physician workforce challenges in the United States. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Nigerian Physician Advocacy Group (NPAG)
