Harvey Fierstein, 73, on His 120-Lb. Weight Loss: ‘I Don’t Feel Like I’m Dieting’
Plus a doctor reveals what you need to know if you're starting a GLP-1 after age 60
Nostalgic ’90s movie lovers will find it hard to forget classics like Mrs. Doubtfire, and even harder to forget Harvey Fierstein’s role as the hilarious and charming Uncle Frank Hillard in the film. Today, the Tony Award-winning actor, author and playwright has opened up about his health journey over the years, including his fluctuating weight. Here, we break down everything Harvey Fierstein, 73, has said about his weight loss, including how Zepbound helped him better regulate his appetite.
Fierstein gained weight during the pandemic
In a 2024 interview with Page Six, Fierstein revealed that he gained weight during the pandemic lockdown, reaching “around 310 pounds” at his highest. But Fierstein shared that weight fluctuation was a common experience for him.
“I’ve been skinny before, that’s the sad part,” Fierstein told Page Six. “I’ve been skinny, I’ve been fat, I’ve been skinny, I’ve been fat.”
Woman's World Answers
Fierstein told Page Six that after years of weight fluctuations, he eventually turned to Zepbound. And while he was originally skeptical about the use of the popular weight-loss drug, the medication was an instrumental factor in his own journey.
“Zepbound is an injection medication used to treat excess body weight,” says Cynthia Odogwu, MD, a family and lifestyle medicine physician. “It works by boosting the effects of two hormones in the body leading to decreased hunger and cravings.”
Curbing his appetite helped Fierstein lose 120 lbs.
Fierstein told the news outlet that Zepbound made him feel like he was able to live a regular life rather than being bound to a strict eating plan. “What’s different is what the drug actually does for you, which is I don’t feel like I’m dieting,” Fierstein said. “I feel like a normal person. I can go and have dinner with friends and not have to eat every piece of bread on the table and then not go have ice cream when[I’m] done with dinner.”
Previously, Fierstein struggled with weight loss, as many of us do. “I know what it is to be full like a normal person,” Fierstein said after starting Zepbound. “People don’t understand that being fat is not a choice. It’s something that your body is out of whack, and this puts your body in whack.”
By regulating his appetite, the actor said he was able to lose 120 pounds, and has only gained a small bit back since then, he told Page Six. Fierstein added “I put 15 back on, which I’ve sort of stayed at that.”
Why some people never seem to feel full
If, like Fierstein, you’ve ever struggled with constant hunger and cravings, Dr. Odogwu can help explain why.
“The brain has a system that sends signals for when a person is full and for when a person is hungry,” says Dr. Odogwu. “When this signaling system isn’t working properly, a person may have trouble feeling full. Zepbound works to make sure that the signal reaches the areas of the brain that regulate appetite.”
Fierstein’s personal success with Zepbound shifted his thinking about how it can help people. “I’m a great believer in it,” Fierstein now says.
What to know about taking Zepbound after age 60 Zepbound
While Zepbound can be immensely helpful for weight loss, most people will benefit from not making the GLP-1 medication their only health intervention.
“Zepbound works best when combined with lifestyle changes including a healthy diet and regular exercise,” says Dr. Odogwu. “Before starting Zepbound, one should consider their ability to stick to healthy eating and regular exercise.”
For people over 60 considering the medication, Dr. Odogwu has some advice.
“Appetite decreases as we age, and because Zepbound works to lower appetite, it will be important for people [over] age 60 to have a plan to maintain adequate food intake before starting the medication,” says Dr. Odogwu. “Poor food intake can put people over 60 at risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.”
It’s also important to consider how long you’d be willing to take a GLP-1 medication like Zepbound before starting.
“Just like blood pressure or diabetes medications, weight loss medicines may need to be taken for life,” says Dr. Odogwu. “It is, therefore, important to consider the cost of a medication like Zepbound before starting.” (Learn how to get GLP-1 medications for less here.)
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