At the recent premiere of their film "Wicked," stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's notably thinner appearances raised eyebrows and concerns.
Fan worries and professional commentary highlighted possible health impacts stemming from their dietary and lifestyle choices, Mail Online reported.
During the premiere event, earlier this month, both stars exhibited significant changes in their physical appearance. Observers described Ariana Grande, who has been a vegan since 2013, as looking "very fragile," which spurred discussions across various platforms regarding her health and dietary habits.
Similarly, Cynthia Erivo, a vegan since 2018, also appeared gaunter than usual, which fueled speculations about the adequacy of their nutrition. Fans and onlookers speculated whether the stress from the movie's production, coupled with their dietary choices, might have contributed to their looks.
The online chatter included concerns over their well-being, with some pointing towards a restrictive vegan diet and others suggesting different stressors such as Ozempic, a drug known for causing significant weight loss.
Dr. Dennis Schimpf, a cosmetic doctor, expressed concerns regarding the protein intake in vegan diets, which he claimed could cause muscle wastage. "Vegan diets do tend to have issues with protein which causes muscle wasting," he stated, adding that "Pale skin can [also] be indicative of nutritional stress."
Other health professionals chimed in, stating that the dramatic changes in Ariana's and Cynthia's appearances might not be solely due to their vegan diet but could also involve other contributing factors.
Dr. Michael Salzhauer suggested that while veganism might play a role, "The recent picture I saw of her [Ariana] online, she does look, I would say, 'scarily thin'." He did not rule out the influence of other factors, potentially including mental health concerns.
The production of "Wicked" faced multiple setbacks, including delays caused by the Covid pandemic and a writers' strike, which Cynthia mentioned in an interview with the New York Times. "At first, [the strike] felt like an interruption, and then as it went on, it felt like the rest we needed. We'd worked ourselves to the bone," she recounted.
This acknowledgment of the strain imposed by the movie's demands suggests that stress could have been a significant factor affecting the actors' health and appearance.
Moreover, the discussions surrounding mental health and promotional activities contributing to their appearances highlight the complex interplay of factors that might be at play.
Social media reactions varied widely, with some users expressing deep concern for the health of both actresses. A user's comment encapsulated this worry: "I love Ariana and I don't think people should comment on other people's bodies at all, but there's no way you can look at her and not think she's not healthy."
Additionally, a Twitter account named "Recovering Vegan" criticized the potential long-term effects of vegan diets: "Ariana Grande has been vegan since 2013. This looks like 'end stage vegan' malnutrition, B-12 deficiency, and oxalate overload," reflecting a sentiment shared by others who have struggled with similar diets.
These expressions of concern underscore the importance of managing dietary choices carefully, especially under the stressful conditions of a demanding film shoot and promotional activities.
Dr. David Shokrian weighed in on the situation, noting, "It doesn't have to be Ozempic, it could be natural weight loss, but the speed that it happened..." This implication that rapid weight changes might have other underlying reasons than just diet or medication underscores the complexities of diagnosing such cases from afar.
Furthermore, as discussions evolve, medical professionals urge caution in jumping to conclusions based solely on visual assessments made from public appearances and strongly advocate for a comprehensive health evaluation for individuals experiencing similar symptoms.
The situation with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo serves as a reminder of the pressures celebrities often face in the public eye and the various factors, including diet and mental health, that can influence their well-being.
The online community's reaction to Ariana and Cynthia's appearance at the premiere sparked broader discussions about body image and the pressures of celebrity culture. While some defend the personal dietary and lifestyle choices of individuals, others express concern over what those choices might mean in high-stress environments.
Comments online not only reflected concerns for the actresses' well-being but also tapped into ongoing conversations about health, wellness, and the visibility of dietary impacts in the public sphere.
As debates continue, the spotlight remains firmly on how public figures manage their health under intense scrutiny and the role of the media and public perception in framing these discussions.