Exclusive | Real Housewife shares warning to weight loss drug users after terrible side effect: I did everything wrong

They’re called “doctor’s orders” — not “doctor’s suggestions” — for a reason.“Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Jennifer Fessler learned that the hard way when she suffered a painful side effect from a GLP-1 weight loss drug after she “ignored” her doctor’s advice. “I did everything wrong,” Fessler, 55, told The Post, recalling how a brutal bout of constipation landed her in the hospital with an impacted bowel — and a hefty dose of regret.The drug Fessler was taking when she suffered the agonizing side effect was semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist sold under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus.Originally approved to treat type 2 diabetes, this injectable medication has become popular as a weight loss solution that helps users feel fuller for longer.In 2023, nearly 5 million Americans were prescribed semaglutide, with almost 40% using it for weight management, according to a data analysis by Epic Research shared exclusively with CNN.

Fessler didn’t set out looking for a GLP-1.The reality TV star began working with a hormone specialist after struggling with severe hot flashes during perimenopause.“I was on this TV show and filming, and all of a sudden, I would break out in sweat.It was very frustrating, not to mention the fact that my whole body was really achy,” Fessler said. She also admitted to “gaining a lot of weight” during the menopause transition, but pointed out that her battle with the scale had been a lifelong one.“Food and weight have always plagued me,” Fessler said.

While losing pounds had never been easy, “the change” made it even harder for her.Then came semaglutide — and everything changed.Fessler had “tremendous success” with the injectable medication, saying her hunger pangs vanished, and she felt full faster.Suddenly, she wasn’t consumed with thoughts of food and her weight, shedding about 20 pounds in the process.“Of course, the aesthetics of...