Sam Wood is accused of 'cashing in on weight loss injectable trend' as he announces his surprise new business while talking about the popularity of peptides: 'This is disappointing'

Sam Wood has divided fans after announcing his latest business venture, with some accusing the former Bachelor star of 'cashing in' on the booming medical industry.

The 46-year-old, who has built his career promoting exercise and healthy eating through his 28 by Sam Wood fitness empire, revealed this week he has launched a new medical weight loss business called OLLO for Women.

He made the announcement as he appeared on the Fascinated podcast to discuss the explosion in popularity of peptides, GLP-1 medications and Ozempic.

The timing even surprised host Jacqui Felgate, who admitted she had no idea about the launch before asking whether more of Wood's clients were turning to the medications.

'This is gonna seem like this was a setup, and I promise you it's not, because I didn't know you were gonna ask me that question,' Wood joked.

'I actually launched a medical weight loss business yesterday.'

The fitness entrepreneur admitted the decision had not come easily and said it represented a significant shift in his approach to weight loss. 

'It's an extension of my 28 business, and it's one that I've wrestled with probably for the last two years,' he explained.

'I mean, if you'd asked me 10 years [ago] would I do this, I'd say, 'Absolutely not. That's crazy. That's not the way. You've gotta do the work, and you've gotta have the discipline and the willpower.'

However, Wood said the rapid rise of medical weight loss treatment - like peptides -  have become impossible to ignore.

'The evolution of this medical space is quite mind-blowing; it isn't going anywhere and is too hard to ignore,' he said.

'We've actually built out a program called OLLO. It's women only.'

While some praised Wood for his new business, many followers questioned whether the move contradicted the message that made him one of Australia's best-known fitness personalities.

One disappointed fan wrote: '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.

'What concerns me most is how easily they're being accessed and promoted. We still don't know the full long-term implications of widespread GLP-1 use, particularly in people without a clear medical indication.

'Like any medication, there are risks, and we're already seeing some people become seriously unwell.

'It feels like we've gone from promoting health to selling weight loss. That's disappointing.'

Another wrote: 'How disappointing. Everyone selling out.'

A third questioned Wood's own confidence in the venture, commenting: 'He doesn't seem convinced that it's a good idea himself.'

Others accused him of profiting from a trend he had previously resisted.

'So he doesn't believe in the need for GLP-1s for weight loss and will likely judge people for not having enough willpower, but he'll also make money off it all. It's a no from me,' one follower posted.

Not everyone was critical, however.

Several supporters applauded Wood for acknowledging that some people require medical assistance alongside lifestyle changes.

'Good on him for understanding that people sometimes need medical support and health is more than just willpower,' one person commented.

Another added: 'He's keeping up with the times! Good on him!!'

The debate comes as Australia, like much of the world, continues to experience a surge in demand for GLP-1 medications, which were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes but have become increasingly popular for weight management.

Australian health authorities have cracked down on the illegal sale of unapproved peptides such as retatrutide, or 'Reta', which is not approved by the TGA and has been linked to a number of serious health incidents involving black market products. 

Wood has long championed exercise and balanced nutrition over fad diets and quick fixes, making his latest business move a notable departure from the philosophy that helped build his fitness empire.

In 2022, Sam

The entrepreneur continues to invest in the company and holds a five per cent stake.

He has also amassed a multimillion dollar real estate portfolio.