Brontez Purnell on Ozempic, Diabetes, and the Morality of Weight Loss
In CULTURED's Indulgence issue, artist and writer Brontez Purnell reflects on gluttony and his experience with GLP-1 weight loss drugs. After a diabetes diagnosis, he began taking Mounjaro in 2024, losing 64 pounds in a month. He describes the resulting dysmorphia and the shift in attention from Black men online. After losing insurance, he was switched to Ozempic at a low dose and began regaining weight. Purnell questions whether taking these drugs is a form of "anti-gluttony" and whether that is sinful enough. The piece is part of a series where seven figures examine the seven deadly sins in 2026.
Key facts
- Brontez Purnell contributed to CULTURED's Indulgence issue on gluttony.
- He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
- He began taking Mounjaro in 2024.
- He lost 64 pounds in one month.
- He lost insurance and was switched to Ozempic.
- He experienced dysmorphia and fewer messages from Black men after losing weight.
- His mother told him he didn't need to justify himself.
- The piece is part of a series with Jamieson Webster, Dries Van Noten, Christine Sun Kim, Griffin Dunne, Mia Khalifa, and Helen Molesworth.
Entities
Artists
- Brontez Purnell
- Christine Sun Kim
- Helen Molesworth
- Joshua Foltz
Institutions
- CULTURED