Sophia Umansky Opens Up About Mounjaro Use, Hair Loss, and Body Image
Sophia Umansky, daughter of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Kyle Richards, is addressing the controversy surrounding her decision to use the weight-loss drug Mounjaro. In a recent interview, she explained her rationale for speaking publicly about her experience, emphasizing the importance of honesty and self-ownership.
Umansky stated that transparency is her shield against judgment. "If you’re honest about things, people can’t even judge you or hate on you because you said it yourself," she told People magazine. "You’re the one that told everyone, you’re owning it, so anything anyone else has to say, it’s like, OK, well, I told you that. I’m owning it. I think it’s fine. And I always say I’m on Mounjaro. I obviously talk to a doctor."
Mounjaro, an FDA-approved prescription medication, is primarily prescribed for individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. However, it has gained traction as a weight-loss drug due to its appetite-reducing effects. This off-label use has sparked debate, particularly when individuals who are not diabetic use it for weight management.
Umansky’s decision to openly discuss her Mounjaro use followed a TikTok video where she shared a concerning side effect: hair loss. The video ignited a wave of criticism, with many questioning the appropriateness of her using the drug in the first place. Some commentators suggested she didn’t need it, fueling a debate about body image and societal pressures.
Addressing the backlash, Umansky defended her choice, asserting that those criticizing her are not medical professionals and therefore unqualified to judge her medical decisions. "People who are telling me that I don’t need to be on it, they don’t know what they’re talking about. They’re not doctors," she stated. "And I think everyone needs to calm down and live their own lives. And honesty will get you far in life and lying is not fun. It’s not good."
She also revealed that her mother, Kyle Richards, initially expressed reservations about her taking the medication. According to Umansky, Richards "was definitely trying to veer me away from getting on this medication." However, after consulting with her doctors and affirming her decision, Richards ultimately offered her support. "However, after speaking with her doctors, Richards saw that that’s the path I wanted to take, she was very supportive."
Umansky also responded to accusations of having body dysmorphia. She countered these claims by expressing confidence in her appearance both before and after starting Mounjaro. "And yeah, I think a lot of people are saying that I have body dysmorphia and all this, and I’m like, Actually, no. I think I’m cute both ways. I think I was cute before and I’m cute now. There’s nothing wrong with trying to feel a little bit more confident, a little bit cuter," she explained.
She further defended her choice by drawing a parallel to other cosmetic procedures. "People get worked on all the time, they get filler, they get Botox, they do all different kinds of things. So if I want to feel a little cuter, why not?"
In the original TikTok video that sparked the controversy, Umansky demonstrated the severity of her hair loss, showing handfuls of hair falling out as she ran her fingers through it. "Lucky that I have so much hair, because if she didn’t she would be bald in about a week if she continued to lose it at such a rapid pace."
The Umansky family has been a fixture on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" since its inception in 2010. Sophia, along with her sisters, has appeared on the show numerous times, sharing both joyful and challenging moments with viewers. Most recently, the show has touched upon Kyle Richards’ separation from her husband of 27 years, Mauricio Umansky.
Richards has reflected on the potential impact of reality television on her marriage. "I’ve always said I didn’t believe in the ‘reality show curse’ because my perception was that a lot of people come into this with fractures in their marriage, and then they are looking at this as a way out. That certainly was not my story," Richards told The Hollywood Reporter in January 2025.
She elaborated that the pressures of fame and wealth may have contributed to the couple’s struggles. "I definitely do believe that money and fame and all that is not great for a marriage."
In addition to Sophia, Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky share daughters Alexia, 28, and Portia, 17. Mauricio is also the stepfather to Richards’ daughter Farah, from her previous marriage to Guraish Aldjufrie. The family’s dynamics, both on and off-screen, have consistently captivated audiences, making them one of the most recognizable families in reality television.
Sophia Umansky’s decision to address her Mounjaro use publicly has ignited a broader conversation about weight-loss drugs, body image, and the pressures faced by young women in the public eye. Her emphasis on honesty and self-acceptance resonates with many, while others remain critical of her choice. Regardless, her story highlights the complexities surrounding body image and the pursuit of confidence in a world saturated with unrealistic beauty standards.
