Warning: This article contains discussion of eating disorders and mental illness which some readers may find distressing.
Having previously revealed a devastating ‘side-effect’ of taking Ozempic, Avery later issued an update on her health.
The singer explained she had been using the medication, known for its weight loss benefits, for a year or so.
However, the songwriter and creator received backlash at the time as people questioned why she had used the drug, and in the update, she explained she did so as she is ‘mentally ill’.
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Avery said she had been in ‘pain all the time’ and a visit to the doctors apparently found that she had ‘osteoporosis in some parts' of the body and 'osteopenia' in others.
While there wasn’t direct evidence to suggest Ozempic causes it, medical experts claim it may be linked in cases of rapid weight loss.
Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens the bones, while osteopenia is the stage before, when you have a lower bone density.
The American singer claimed she had ‘significant bone loss’ and issued the update afterwards to ‘address everything’ she had been asked.
While she acknowledged she didn’t ‘owe an explanation’, she wanted to give one before moving on and returning ‘to posting more positive content’.
She explained she would be taking some ‘serious medications’ and would need to follow a ‘certain diet’ while doing workouts to ‘strengthen her’.
“So I’ve got kind of a long road ahead of getting healthy,” Avery added. The singer went on to say that she did not get the Ozempic from a doctor.
“I have an eating disorder; it is very easy to get Ozempic these days,” Avery explained. “Unfortunately, a lot of people are getting it that don’t need it, that is the problem.
"I take full responsibility, I know it is my fault, I know that I did this to myself, I know that I hurt myself and that’s why I’m so upset – I’m not on here trying to get sympathy.”
She said that she hopes to share awareness of what might happen if someone takes the medicine who doesn’t need it.
“I am not here to demonise Ozempic like some of you are saying, I understand that it has saved people’s lives however, it is not meant for people who are of a certain weight – it is meant to treat obesity and diabetes,” Avery added.
The singer also said her ‘body is falling apart’ but that she is ‘going to be ok’ and is working on her eating disorder and getting help.
A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, the company that manufactures Ozempic, previously told the LADbible Group: "Novo Nordisk does not condone, suggest, or encourage misuse of any of our medicines outside of their approved indications. Ozempic (semaglutide injection) is not licensed for the treatment of weight loss.
"We understand the health challenges this individual has faced and the safety and wellbeing of patients taking our medicines is our top priority. We strongly recommend that all patients stay in close contact with their healthcare professional for proper diagnosis, ongoing guidance, and careful monitoring."
They continued: "It is important to note that Ozempic (semaglutide injection) is a prescription-only medicine, meaning that it must be prescribed by a healthcare professional under strict supervision.
"Patients must make any decisions about treatment together with their healthcare professional so that their doctor can assess whether it is appropriate to prescribe the medicine or not, based on their assessment of the patient’s individual medical profile.
"Accessing prescription-only medicines without a valid prescription or without the care of a healthcare professional can pose a direct danger to health."
Always seek advice from a medical professional if you have any health concerns.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this article and would like to speak with someone in confidence, call the BEAT Eating Disorders helpline on 0808 801 0677. Helplines are open 3pm-8pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can try the one-to-one webchat.
If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.
Jess Battison