Why stars are looking skinnier than ever on the red carpet: Dangerous new trend sees celebs trying to emulate ultra-svelte look of Old Hollywood (and Ozempic makes it easier)

Last night’s SAG Awards may have taken place in the year 2025 – but judging from the slim physiques and glamorous fashion choices of some of its guests, it could have easily have been the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Aware that the world’s eyes would be watching, A-Listers including Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Brooke Shields and Demi Moore turned to Old Hollywood for their fashion inspiration yesterday evening.

And if those style comparisons weren’t enough, it seemed that some celebrities were also set on achieving the ultra-svelte look that was all the rage in the 1950s – sparking speculation that they have been lured in the Ozempic craze sweeping Hollywood.

Taking to the red carpet, Ariana – whose painfully thin appearance sparked concern among fans – wore a blush pink ball gown adorned with floral appliques by Spanish fashion house Loewe.

Unsurprisingly, the Wicked star, 31, didn’t miss the opportunity to continue her repeated red carpet homages to her idol Audrey Hepburn, who suffered from childhood malnutrition while growing up in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands, which stunted her growth and permanently affected her frame.

Drawing inspiration from Audrey’s wardrobe in Roman Holiday, Ariana’s dress featured an incredibly similar neckline to one the late Hollywood icon wore at the end of the 1953 film.

Meanwhile, Brooke Shields was another celebrity who evoked the glamour of Old Hollywood last night.

The actress, 59, opted for a strapless silver dress that was reminiscent of the gown legendary star Ava Gardner wore to the premiere of The Barefoot Contessa in 1954.

However, fans were quick to comment on Brooke’s super-slim frame on X – with one arguing that ‘Ozempic could be the culprit’ and claiming the actress ‘wasting away’. 

Fans first speculated that Brooke may be on Ozempic when she was pictured looking slim in New York last month – but the Blue Lagoon star has not commented on the rumours.

In addition, Selena Gomez appeared to take notes from Marilyn Monroe with her choice of dress last night.

The actress, 32, opted for a V-neck black gown by Celine that skimmed her shoulders and also had a thigh-high split.

The voluminous, off-shoulder detail was seemingly inspired by the black gown Marilyn Monroe wore the night she presented her first Oscar in 1951.

Although fans gushed how Selena ‘always knows how to shine’ at red carpet events, others speculated that she could be another star who has turned to Ozempic – arguing that she ‘looks different every time’ they see her.

Meanwhile, Georgina Chapman appeared noticeably even slimmer than usual – as she modelled her black ruffled dress on the red carpet, which resembled one Loretta Young wore to the Oscars in 1948. 

Speaking to FEMAIL, Dr Krutika Nanavati warned of the dangers of using Ozempic to emulate the ultra-svelte look of Old Hollywood. 

The expert said: ‘The idea of chasing Old Hollywood beauty standards in today’s world is completely unrealistic. Women’s bodies have changed over time due to better nutrition, different lifestyles, and overall health improvements. 

‘Many of those iconic actresses followed extreme diets, smoked to suppress appetite, and engaged in habits we now know are harmful. Trying to force your body into that outdated mould, especially with a drug like Ozempic, is not just difficult. It is dangerous. 

‘Ozempic was created for diabetes management, not cosmetic weight loss. The problem is that it does not just reduce fat. It also causes muscle loss, weakness, fatigue, and a slowed metabolism. 

‘People assume they are just losing excess weight, but in reality, they are also losing strength and resilience. Rapid weight loss can leave behind loose skin, brittle hair, and hormonal imbalances, making people look unwell rather than simply thin.

‘What many do not realize is that the weight loss from Ozempic is hard to maintain. The moment people stop taking it, their appetite returns and weight gain often follows. 

‘Instead of chasing quick fixes, the focus should be on sustainable and balanced health habits that build strength and long-term wellness. Hollywood’s beauty ideals will keep changing, but what really matters is how you feel in your own skin.’

In addition, health coach Jodi Montlake warned that the goal of looking like an Old Hollywood siren is often unrealistic for Ozempic users – and often makes them ‘skeletal’ instead. 

The expert said: ‘If someone is taking Ozempic and is classed as obese, then they should be able to reduce their weight and frame to something that resembles the movie stars of the past. 

‘If people, who are already average weight or slim, take it, then they tend to look more skeletal-like, resembling the [waif-like] models of the 1990’s.’

Warning of the dangers of Ozempic use, Jodi continued: ‘This drug, and others like it, are suggested as a treatment for diabetes, obesity, and other chronic health conditions and there’s good reason for that. 

‘They are not for weight loss on its own. What’s more, they should be properly prescribed, in a face-to-face consultation, patients should be monitored whilst on these drugs and be given a plan to come off them. 

‘Otherwise, there’s a strong chance that they may once again become overweight or obese if not properly supported with nutrition and movement advice. Likewise, patients who risk becoming too thin and unhealthy also need guidance about when to stop taking these drugs.

‘The key thing is – these drugs are not for weight loss on its own and should be properly prescribed and monitored.’

In November 2024, Selena revealed she suffers from an intestinal illness called SIBO – as she hit out at a TikTok scrutinising her appearance.

Commenting on the video, which has since been deleted, the actress wrote: ‘This makes me sick. I have SEBO in my small intestine. It flares up. I don’t care that I don’t look like a stick figure. I don’t have that body. End of story. No I am NOT a victim. I’m just human.’

What’s more, Mikey Madison is another SAG Awards guest who paid homage to Old Hollywood with her outfit last night.

The Anora actress looked effortlessly elegant in a Louis Vuitton gown, which was inspired by two of the famous dresses in Old Hollywood history.

As well as being pale blue, Mikey’s designer dress featured a square neckline, just like the one Grace Kelly wore to the 1954 Academy Awards.

Additionally, the darted bodice and draped skirt looked incredibly similar to Rita Hayworth’s black silk dress in the 1946 film Glida, which became synonymous with the Old Hollywood ‘femme fatale’.

Similarly, Nicola Coughlan also took a note out of Grace Kelly’s book with her red carpet dress.

The Bridgerton actress cut a glamorous figure in a custom Dior coat dress, which reportedly took over 550 hours to create.

The stunning gown invited comparisons to Grace Kelly’s iconic shirt dress from the 1956 film High Society, which had voluminous sleeves, full skirt and belt.

The Ozempic craze has reached new heights in recent months, with countless celebrities either openly crediting the medication for their transformations or sparking speculation with their visibly trimmer appearances.

Oscar winner Kathy Bates, who has revealed that the drug aided her 100-pound weight loss, showed off her slender frame in a sleek black suit.

During an interview with People in October, she expressed: ‘There’s been a lot of talk that I just was able to do this because of Ozempic.

‘But I have to impress upon people out there that this was hard work for me, especially during the pandemic. It’s very hard to say you’ve had enough.’

She was inspired to put her health first after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes back in 2017. ‘I ate because I was afraid, and I ate because it was a FU to my self-esteem.’

‘[Diabetes] runs in my family, and I’d seen what my father had gone through. He had had a leg amputation. One of my sisters is dealing with it very seriously, and it terrified me. It scared me straight.’