Sophia Umansky Weight Loss: Mounjaro Backlash and Hair Loss After Journey

Sophia Umansky, daughter of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards and real estate executive Mauricio Umansky, is speaking out about her recent weight-loss journey and the backlash that followed. At 25, Sophia is asserting her independence and sharing the realities behind using the weight-loss drug Mounjaro, including unexpected side effects like hair loss.

Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE at The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 2 premiere on May 9, Sophia addressed the controversy with transparency and confidence, standing by her decision to share her experience publicly.

Owning Her Journey: “I Think I Was Cute Before and I’m Cute Now”

Sophia first revealed her use of Mounjaro on TikTok in April 2024, describing it as part of her health journey. Mounjaro, also known by its generic name tirzepatide or the weight-loss-specific brand Zepbound, is an FDA-approved medication for Type 2 diabetes that’s increasingly used off-label for weight loss.

Known to curb appetite and assist in breaking down sugar and fat more efficiently, Mounjaro has helped many achieve rapid weight reduction. Sophia is among them, but she’s not without critics.

Still, she remains unfazed. “If you’re honest about things, people can’t even judge you or hate on you because you said it yourself,” she told PEOPLE. “I’m owning it.”

Addressing Public Criticism and Body Image Commentary

Sophia was quick to defend herself against assumptions that her use of Mounjaro was unnecessary or purely cosmetic. “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 said.

She also dismissed claims that she suffers from body dysmorphia. “Actually, no,” she clarified. “I think I’m cute both ways. I think I was cute before and I’m cute now.”

Her message is clear: personal health choices should remain personal. And if she chooses a treatment, it’s after medical consultation and research—not to meet anyone’s standards but her own.

Side Effects: Sudden Hair Loss and Nutritional Concerns

While Mounjaro helped Sophia lose weight, she has been transparent about the side effects. In a TikTok posted just days before her PEOPLE interview, she documented what she described as a “dramatic hair loss situation,” showing clumps of hair in her bathroom sink and on the floor.

Sophia was quick to clarify that she doesn’t believe the medication itself is directly to blame. Rather, she suspects the hair loss stems from rapid weight loss and insufficient intake of nutrients like protein, vitamins, and essential minerals.

Her experience reflects a common condition called telogen effluvium, a type of temporary hair loss often triggered by stress, illness, or major body changes like sudden weight loss.

To address it, Sophia shared that she has been using OMI hair growth peptides and taking supplements such as collagen and Grüns vitamins to help slow the shedding and restore hair health.

Kyle Richards’ Response: Supportive but Cautious

Sophia also opened up about how her mother, Kyle Richards, reacted to her decision to use weight-loss medication. According to Sophia, Kyle initially tried to steer her away from Mounjaro.

“She wasn’t saying like, ‘Oh, you should be on this medication,’” Sophia explained. “She was definitely trying to veer me away from getting on this medication.”

However, after Sophia consulted with medical professionals and committed to her decision, Kyle respected her daughter’s choice. “She was very supportive,” Sophia said.

Sophia emphasized that, at 25 years old, she considers herself capable of making informed decisions about her health, though she values her mother’s guidance.

The Bigger Message: Confidence, Choice, and Body Autonomy

For Sophia, this chapter of her life is not just about medication or appearance—it’s about confidence and self-love. She doesn’t see her actions as drastic or out of line with modern standards.

“People get worked on all the time. They get filler, they get Botox,” she said. “If I want to feel a little cuter, why not?”

Sophia’s comments reflect a growing shift in how young women approach beauty and body image. Instead of hiding behind secrecy or fearing public opinion, she is owning her journey and standing firm in her choices.

A Real Look at Modern Weight Loss Choices

Sophia’s openness is part of a broader conversation about the rising use of medications like Mounjaro and Ozempic for weight loss. As more public figures disclose their usage, the stigma around medical support for body transformation is beginning to shift.

Still, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of medical supervision, nutritional balance, and mental wellness when undergoing any type of weight management intervention.

For Sophia, the journey hasn’t been perfect, but it has been real. And that, she believes, is more important than chasing an ideal.

Final Thoughts

Sophia Umansky’s decision to go public about her use of Mounjaro and her struggles with side effects like hair loss highlights the importance of honesty in health conversations. She’s setting an example by embracing both the wins and the setbacks while reminding others to focus on their own journeys without judgment.

Whether or not you agree with her approach, Sophia’s confidence and openness have started a valuable dialogue about body image, self-care, and the reality behind weight loss medications.