Celebrity trainer Sam Wood has addressed public scrutiny surrounding his new business venture, OLLO for Women, which offers medical weight loss solutions. Wood, 46, known for his fitness empire ’28 by Sam Wood’ that emphasizes exercise and healthy eating, acknowledged that his foray into the medical weight loss industry was met with a mix of intrigue and criticism.
In a series of Instagram Stories, Wood shared his perspective, stating, ‘There’s also some people that you’re going to ruffle their feathers a little bit, which I knew was always going to be the case.’ He recognized the venture might be ‘polarising’ but expressed preparedness for the backlash.
Wood asserted that the motivation behind launching OLLO was not primarily financial or to please everyone. ‘I didn’t launch OLLO to make money,’ he stated. ‘I launched OLLO because I’m in a position every single day and have been for 25 years where I talk to people who are not winning this battle against losing weight and they need help.’ He believes his purpose lies in helping individuals who struggle with weight management, even if it means facing criticism.
The fitness entrepreneur revealed that the decision to enter the medical weight loss space was a significant shift, one he had contemplated for approximately two years. He admitted that a decade ago, he would have dismissed such an approach, prioritizing discipline and willpower. However, the rapid advancements and widespread adoption of medical weight loss treatments, such as peptides and GLP-1 medications, have become too significant to ignore.
‘The evolution of this medical space is quite mind-blowing; it isn’t going anywhere and is too hard to ignore,’ Wood explained. ‘We’ve actually built out a program called OLLO. It’s women only.’
Wood’s announcement of the OLLO venture came during an appearance on the ‘Fascinated’ podcast, where he discussed the increasing popularity of treatments like Ozempic. The timing of the announcement even caught the podcast’s host, Jacqui Felgate, by surprise.
Public Reaction and Concerns
The launch of OLLO for Women has sparked considerable debate among Wood’s followers. While some have praised him for adapting to evolving health approaches and recognizing that medical support can be crucial for some individuals, many have expressed disappointment and questioned whether this move aligns with his established brand.
Critics voiced concerns that the venture might contradict the core message of his ’28 by Sam Wood’ program, which champions traditional methods of exercise and diet. Some followers accused Wood of ‘selling out’ or profiting from a trend he had previously seemed to resist.
One follower articulated their disappointment: ‘This is really disappointing. I understand this is a rapidly growing industry, and there are absolutely people for whom these medications are appropriate and can be life-changing. But for many others, they’re becoming another response to society’s relentless pressure to lose weight.’ This sentiment highlighted worries about the ease of access to these medications and the unknown long-term implications, particularly for individuals without a clear medical indication.
Concerns were also raised about the potential risks associated with these medications, with some users reportedly experiencing adverse health effects. The shift from promoting overall health to focusing on weight loss through medical intervention was a point of contention for some.
Another comment reflected a common criticism: ‘How disappointing. Everyone selling out.’ Others questioned Wood’s own conviction, with one person observing, ‘He doesn’t seem convinced that it’s a good idea himself.’
Support for the New Venture
Despite the criticism, a segment of Wood’s audience has shown support for his new business. Supporters believe he is demonstrating an understanding that weight management is complex and often requires more than just willpower and exercise.
‘Good on him for understanding that people sometimes need medical support and health is more than just willpower,’ one supporter commented. Another added, ‘He’s keeping up with the times! Good on him!!’ These comments suggest an appreciation for Wood’s willingness to acknowledge the role of medical advancements in health and wellness.
Wood’s decision to launch OLLO for Women represents a significant evolution in his approach to the weight loss industry, reflecting a broader societal shift towards integrating medical treatments with traditional lifestyle changes. His public statements indicate a commitment to addressing the needs of individuals who have struggled with conventional methods, while acknowledging the controversy his new venture has ignited.
