Health experts explain what ‘Ozempic face’ is and if it is actually a real thing
Ozempic and other GLP-1 weight loss drugs have boomed in popularity as more and more people turn to them due to their effectiveness.
But one side growing effect of the drug, which primarily combats diabetes, is the impact it has on your skin.
Due to the rapid weight loss your body can go through, the term 'Ozempic face' has been coined where the face seemingly loses volume and sags, giving the appearance of being older than you might well be.
But is it a real thing?
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What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is just one of a number of drugs called GLP-1 agonists. These are medications that help bring down a person's blood sugar levels.
In also promotes weight loss, with the drugs available to those who are obese or with Type 2 diabetes.
It works by injecting the medication into fatty tissue, like your tummy or back of your arms, on a regular basis.
From there, the medicine triggers an insulin rush that simply pushes sugar out of your bloodstream and in to cells for your body to use.
You should be left feeling less hungry more often - something Sharon Osbourne said she experienced from the drug - with the long term effect meaning you feel full for longer, and your weight will reduce to a healthier level.
Is 'Ozempic face' real?
Dr Carolina Goncalves, from Pharmica, spoke to LADbible about where 'Ozempic face' is a real side effect of using GLP-1 agonists.
"'Ozempic face' is a trending, informal term used to describe the somewhat hollow appearance of the face that may occur as a result of taking Ozempic," Dr Goncalves said.
"It's is a very rare side effect, normally affecting one in 1,000 people.
"It can manifest as a result of overall weight loss, and there are indeed scientific reasons for why it may occur."
Harvard Medical School experts reported that a rapid loss of fat in the face can cause a hollowed look to the face; changes in the size of the lips, cheeks, and chin; wrinkles on the face; sunken eyes; and sagging jowls around the jaw and neck.
Why does 'Ozempic face' happen?
"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," Dr Goncalves says.
"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."
Dr Mary Branch, a board-certified, cardiologist based in the United States, explained to us that you simply cannot pick and choose where the weight is lost from.
She said: "You cannot choose where you lose weight. Many folks are looking to reduce body fat; however, fat in the face can reduce as well. This reduction in facial volume can lead to sagging skin and the look of rapid aging."
Other side effects of GLP-1 drugs
By far the most common side effects of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic is gastrointestinal issues focused around nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
"Nausea can be managed by avoiding strong smells and eating crackers, mint, or ginger-based food or drinks about a half hour after taking a GLP-1 drug," Harvard Medical School says.
"Vomiting can be managed by staying well hydrated and having more frequent meals in smaller amounts.
"Diarrhea can be managed by drinking plenty of water and avoiding dairy products and high-fiber foods until symptoms go away. Constipation can be managed by getting enough fibre in your diet and drinking plenty of water."
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Tom Earnshaw