All lesser-known physical side effects of Ozempic use after simulation shows major impact it has on body
Here are all the lesser-known side effects which may occur from using 'weight loss jabs', following a viral simulation showing the impact it has on the body.
Ozempic is one of many GLP-1 receptor drugs which works by regulating a person's blood sugar. The medication was originally created as a method of helping people manage Type-2 diabetes but has since become popular amongst people looking to lose weight, thanks to its appetite suppressing capabilities.
Similar forms of the medication are also marketed under brand names such as Wegovy and Mounjaro.
However, the drug isn't without side effects, with one Ozempic simulation revealing that many people using the medication will often experience nausea or an upset stomach – symptoms which are believed to be common amongst users.
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But what are the other, reported side effects of Ozempic – and how true are they?
Ozempic face
One reported side effect is 'Ozempic face', which is said to occur when rapid weight loss causes a person's face to lose fat volume. This can cause the face to appear more gaunt and older in appearance.
According to Dr Carolina Goncalves, from Pharmica, 'Ozempic face' is a real side effect which impacts one in 1,000 people.
Explaining how the side effect can happen Dr Goncalves told LADbible: "The drug contributes to the reduction of blood sugar levels by increasing the body’s levels of insulin and reducing the body’s levels of glucagon, two hormones that help regulate glucose levels in the blood.
"Moreover, Ozempic delays how quickly food moves through the small intestine, resulting in the individual taking Ozempic feeling fuller for longer.
"The combination of these mechanisms tends to prompt individuals to eat less, reducing overall calorie intake, part of which is a loss of body fat — including fat from the face."
Ozempic mouth
Another side effect which you may have heard people talking about is 'Ozempic mouth' which is very similar to the above, just confined to one area of the face.
"Ozempic mouth describes the hollowing and skin laxity that can occur around the mouth as fat is lost from the lower face," Dr Ed Robinson told The Sun.
"This can lead to deeper nasolabial folds (laughter lines), more prominent marionette lines (the vertical wrinkles that extend from the corners of the mouth down towards the chin), and downturned corners of the mouth."
He added that such changes typically appear when a person has rapidly lost a lot of weight, causing the skin to struggle 'to keep up with the changing facial structure'.
Ozempic tongue
Possible side effects don't end there either, as people have also reported experiencing 'Ozempic tongue', although this one doesn't mean the inside of your mouth is about being shrivelled and saggy.
Explaining the 'Ozempic tongue' phenomena in a recent interview with MailOnline, New York-based obesity specialist Dr Daniel Rosen explained that several patients have experienced changes to their food preferences.
"We know GLP-1s lessen the dopamine hit from food, making the experience less enjoyable, which could be why tastes start to shift," he said.
"Think of seeing a photo of a juicy burger on a menu and that first bite with the explosion of flavour in your mouth and juices dripping down to your chin," he continued.
"That is the pleasure system in the brain responding to food. If all of that is dampened or turned off in the brain because of the GLP-1 medications you can see why someone would say food tastes different or that things don't taste the same."
What happens when you stop taking Ozempic
So, we've looked at the possible side effects which you may experience using GLP-1 medications, but what about when you decide to stop taking them?
Like any medication, there are potential side-effects which can occur as the drug leaves your body.
According to Healthline, these may include:
- increased appetite
- decreased feelings of fullness
- heightened blood sugar
- weight gain
- cardiovascular changes
What does the NHS say about GLP-1 and GIP receptor drugs?
As of May 2025, Ozempic is not available on the NHS for weight loss purposes and can only be prescribed for Type-2 diabetes.
However, similar semaglutide medication Wegovy can be prescribed by doctors for weight management. Qualifying patients can also get access to Mounjaro, which is part of the tirzepatide family.
Health experts have also warned people against purchasing the drug online or from beauty salons as this can lead to dangerous complications.
"Weight loss medicines are powerful medications and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional," Andy Morling, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency's deputy director of criminal enforcement, urged.
Brenna Cooper