Charles Barkley, celebrated NBA star once affectionately dubbed the "Round Mound of Rebound," is turning heads with his recent rapid weight loss as he prepares for his upcoming prime-time role on CNN alongside Gayle King. However, the method Barkley adopted for his weight loss journey has sparked controversy among healthcare professionals.

During a recent interview, the basketball icon candidly revealed that he has managed to lose an astounding 60 pounds in the past six months, thanks to weekly injections of the diabetes medication, Mounjaro. The drug, known to suppress appetite and slow digestion, hence prolonging feelings of fullness, has seemingly worked wonders for Barkley.

"I've undergone a phenomenal transformation," the 6-foot-6 Barkley shared, who reports he now weighs 290 pounds, down from a peak weight of 352. "I've started feeling like a normal person again – not burdened by excess weight."

According to Barkley, his doctor's blunt warning about the deadly risks associated with obesity prompted him to tackle his weight issue. He recalls his doctor telling him, "There are many overweight young individuals. However, you seldom come across older overweight people. The reason is simple – they're not alive."

The NBA Hall of Famer attributes part of his weight gain to recent hip surgery which made him less active. But he now feels he's back on the right track – exercising more, making healthier food choices, and receiving his weekly Mounjaro injections with a goal weight of 270 pounds in sight.

"In all honesty, I want to stick around. I don't want to leave all my hard-earned money to my opportunistic family," Barkley light-heartedly added.

However, critics argue that Barkley's use of Mounjaro is problematic, as it could potentially deprive those who genuinely need the drug for diabetes management. Currently, there's a nationwide shortage of vital diabetes medications, essential for those suffering from the life-threatening disease. Unmanaged diabetes can result in severe health complications, including heart disease, blindness, limb amputations, kidney failure, and even death.

An exasperated endocrinologist voiced concern, stating that physicians are "at their wit's end" trying to procure enough diabetes medication for their desperate patients.

"It's truly appalling," a Hollywood insider argued. "Diabetics are in a state of panic, and it's solely because Hollywood's privileged class can afford to spend $1,000 a month on these increasingly scarce medications. Perhaps they should simply hit the gym and opt for healthier dietary choices rather than seeking a quick fix!"