Former first lady Michelle Obama, 61, recently did a photoshoot with a renowned celebrity photographer, in which she appeared to be quite slimmer than she otherwise has been.

Yet, while Obama has always been health-conscious and relatively fit, the apparent sudden weight loss at her age prompted some social media commentators to speculate that she may have received pharmaceutical assistance to achieve her trim figure, according to the New York Post.

Indeed, a recurring sentiment in some social media comments about Obama's photoshoot was that her weight loss was likely attributable to taking Ozempic or a similar GLP-1 medication -- a hormone-based drug used to treat diabetes that suppresses appetite and typically results in weight loss from reduced eating.

Obama's photoshoot

In an Instagram post on Friday, Michelle Obama shared a picture and brief video from her recent photoshoot with famed celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz for a new book that she is working on.

Obama wrote that Leibovitz "has always known that a photo can do more than preserve a moment -- it can say something."

"Her book Women did exactly that, expanding how we see women and the lives they lead through her lens," she continued. "It was an honor to be photographed by Annie for the new edition, capturing the many ways women are showing up today."

The former first lady added, "I hope you’ll find it as inspirational as I do."

Is Obama's weight loss because of Ozempic?

The Post reported that, for the Leibovitz photoshoot, Obama wore a grey t-shirt and dingy blue jeans along with a wide brown leather belt and brown suede boots, an ensemble that showed off her toned arms and tight stomach -- and sparked speculation about how she suddenly achieved her improved physical form.

"Ozempic -- just like everyone on The View who suddenly decided to 'get healthy.' I’m not knocking it -- but for Christ’s sake -- be honest about it!" one anonymous user posted on X.

Another user commented, "GLP-1. They have the money, they don’t have to worry about insurance covering it and jumping through those hoops. The boomerang weight gain will be vicious … among other issues with that stuff."

"It’s called Ozempic," a third individual remarked, while a fourth similarly chimed in, "I would imagine Ozempic. That or a personal trainer and a strict diet, nah, Ozempic is way easier."

Obama previously revealed menopause-related weight gain

The Post reached out to Obama for comment on the Ozempic speculation and received no reply, but pointed to the former first lady's comments about menopause-related weight gain and changes to her workout routine in an interview with People magazine almost exactly three years earlier in 2022.

Of her formerly grueling workout routines with friends that are no longer so intense, Obama explained, "Some of it is menopause, some of it is aging," and noted, "I find that I cannot push myself as hard as I used to. That doesn't work out for me. That when I tear a muscle or pull something, and then I'm out. The recovery time is not the same."

"I never used to weigh myself. I'm not trying to stick to numbers, but when you're in menopause, you have this slow creep that you just don't realize," she further stated of the weight she'd gained. "We're all in menopause with stretchy [waist] bands, and our athleisure wear on, and you look up, and you can't fit the outfits you had last year. I have to be more mindful, not obsessive, but more mindful."