The Summer Social Divide: Are You Joining the Trend or Staying True?

With the Chelsea Flower Show now in the rearview, the summer social season of 2025 is officially underway. This year, the atmosphere is charged with a stark contrast: the familiar chatter of friends remarking, “Goodness, X has aged remarkably!” followed closely by, “Oh dear, Y looks exhausted!” This reveals a social landscape where attendees showcase two distinct factions: those who’ve embraced the transformative effects of weight-loss medications and others who remain steadfastly themselves, highlighted as Team Normal or Team Us.

As Britons step back into the spotlight, a clear divide has emerged in the summer social scene. Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have split partygoers into two clear groups. One group proudly displays their slender figures thanks to these treatments, while the other indulges in their favorite summer drinks and hors d’oeuvres without a care.

Interestingly, those in the leaner camp are often not forthcoming about the means behind their transformations. The array of euphemisms for “Ozempic use” has become extensive, with individuals referencing styles of eating like veganism, methods such as microbiome management, and even vague mentions of “wellness journeys.” In reality, many are utilizing these medications while simultaneously engaging in fitness regimens like Pilates. There are also whispers of trips abroad for procedures often euphemistically dubbed “winter sun.”

Addressing one sign of aging often leads to the emergence of new concerns—weight loss frequently sparks a desire for cosmetic enhancements such as hair transplants, brighter smiles, and facial surgeries. Luxurious skincare treatments and advanced facials have only added to these transformations. As a result, newly slender individuals in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are confidently wearing trendy outfits and flaunting their newfound figures.

A recent conversation with a 50-year-old who has experienced these changes revealed: “I haven’t faced any of the typical side effects — no urgent bathroom trips. However, they don’t mention the additional impacts: lose the excess weight, and suddenly you feel compelled to upgrade your appearance in many areas — from your teeth to your clothing, and even your relationship. It’s like painting the Forth Bridge; fix one issue and others come to light.”

For many, the initial excitement of these transformations has turned into a sense of self-satisfaction coupled with a loss of enjoyment. By eliminating excess food and drink, they often discover a diminished capacity for joy. In gatherings, these individuals can be seen lamenting their modest diets and sharing cautionary tales about swimsuit shopping.

One individual boasted, “My stats are phenomenal. I’m going to live forever—yet I sometimes wonder if that’s with my husband or not. I like to pretend my focus is on longevity and staying fit for my future grandchildren, but honestly, I just want to look stunning.” And indeed, she does.

In different times, those not partaking in these medical enhancements might have been regarded as youthful for their age. Yet in this age of radical transformation, what qualifies as “normal” might appear surprisingly aged. For some, jealousy has sparked criticisms. A west London socialite I spoke with expressed disdain for the so-called “Ozempic followers,” remarking, “They believe they’ve unlocked the secret to eternal youth. But nothing ages you more than trying too hard. They think that cosmetic work and fake tans will elevate them to celebrity status. I’d prefer to remain authentic and slightly imperfect.”

Others who advocate for a natural approach to aging may struggle with their resolve. One friend admitted, “I say I believe in aging gracefully, but if it weren’t for the kids, I’d likely be using it too. My husband claims to love me as I am, yet I see him noticing those Ozempic moms just as I’m eyeing their spouses. One of my friends is on it and recently got an eyelift while I feel like I’m becoming her mom.”