American online retailer Yandy is capitalizing on the rising popularity of weight loss injections by releasing a controversial new Halloween costume inspired by the widely discussed semaglutide injections, just in time for the holiday. The costume, called the “Sooo Snatched Costume,” is now available on Yandy’s website.
A costume that taps into the Ozempic trend
“Everyone is doing it,” reads the description for Yandy’s new offering, a nod to the growing trend of semaglutide injections for weight loss. The blue and red tank dress is boldly printed with the words “Snatched: Semaglutide Injection,” and is accompanied by a pillbox hat designed to resemble a syringe.
The product listing humorously warns, “Consult your doctor before you head outside wearing this costume—side effects could be humorous.” Originally priced at $39.95, the “Sooo Snatched Costume” is currently on sale for $23.97, offering an unconventional choice for those seeking a topical and quirky Halloween outfit.
Semaglutide’s surge in popularity
The costume comes as semaglutide, marketed under names like Ozempic and Wegovy, has gained significant attention for its “off-label” weight loss effects, despite being initially approved by the FDA for treating Type 2 diabetes.
These once-weekly injections work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, helping to regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite, often resulting in substantial weight loss. Alongside Ozempic, other medications such as Wegovy, specifically approved for obesity treatment, and Mounjaro, which targets a second hormone called GIP, have become popular among those looking to shed pounds.
Celebrity endorsements and global shortages
Several high-profile celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey and Kelly Clarkson, have admitted to using weight loss medications like Ozempic, adding to the trend’s growing appeal. However, the rise in demand has led to a global shortage of the drug, making it increasingly difficult for those with Type 2 diabetes to access their treatment. Some semaglutide injections now cost up to $1,500 per month due to the high demand.
Yandy’s history of topical Halloween costumes
This isn’t Yandy’s first foray into provocative Halloween outfits. In 2018, the retailer sparked backlash for selling a sexualized costume inspired by The Handmaid’s Tale, which they dubbed the “Brave Red Maiden.” The costume, which was seen by many as tone-deaf to the show’s themes of oppression, was quickly removed from the website after public outcry.
In response to the criticism, Yandy said, “Our intention was never to create a symbol of women’s oppression, but rather an expression of women’s empowerment.” The company apologized and removed the costume from its site. In 2020, the retailer also stirred up controversy with a “sexy hand sanitizer” costume during the COVID-19 pandemic, featuring a mint green bodysuit adorned with a fake hand sanitiser logo that read, “Yandy hand sanitizer. Kills 99.99 percent of germs.” The costume sold for $69.95.
Aiming to bring humor to Halloween
Pilar Quintana-Williams, Yandy’s vice president of merchandising, explained the brand’s philosophy during the launch of the “sexy hand sanitizer” costume. “We aim to bring humor and lightheartedness to Halloween,” she said, a sentiment that seems to carry over to their latest offering, the “Sooo Snatched Costume.” Whether seen as lighthearted fun or another controversy in the making, Yandy continues to push the envelope with its bold, topical Halloween costumes, tapping into the cultural zeitgeist in unexpected ways.