Rosie O'Donnell said diabetes medication tirzepatide helped her lose 10 pounds and stop thinking about food

• Rosie O'Donnell said she was recently prescribed tirzepatide, a diabetes drug linked to weight loss.
• O'Donnell said she has lost 10 pounds since Christmas, and has fewer thoughts about food.

Rosie O'Donnell said she has lost 10 pounds since Christmas through a combination of the weight loss medication tirzepatide and cutting back on soda.

The comedian shared her weight loss story in a series of TikTok videos, telling fans her appetite significantly decreased, and she spends less time thinking about food.

"I'd say it feels like freedom. Freedom from intrusive thoughts about food, about what you're eating," she said. "I think it's fantastic."

O'Donnell, who has diabetes, said she was prescribed tirzapetide two months ago. The medication was designed to treat type 2 diabetes, and is awaiting FDA-approval for weight loss. It works by acting on hormones that control appetite and help regulate blood sugar.

Other weight loss medications in the same category, like semaglutide, have skyrocketed in popularity for weight loss in recent years. Patients say the medications have helped dispel the idea that weight loss is about willpower.

Researchers say medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide can help people stick to a diet plan by reducing cravings, particularly for sweet or rich foods, and in some cases can curb alcohol use.

O'Donnell said tizepatide wasn't the only factor in her weight loss. She said the results were related to the medication, combined with getting more exercise and cutting back on sugar and artificial sweeteners. She said kicked the habit of drinking five Diet Cokes a day and has been drinking only water (with a few exceptions, like a champagne toast).