Loose, saggy skin appears to have emerged as an unfortunate side effect of the rapid weight loss many Ozempic and Wegovy users long for.
Users of these popular injectable weight loss drugs have taken to social media with complaints of ‘Ozempic butt’ and ‘Ozempic face’ — respectively deflated and hollowed-out cheeks.
https://www.tiktok.com/@ang.slater/video/7236414939345259819
With obesity rates rising across the world and increasingly linked to heightened risks of negative health outcomes like cancer and infertility, it is no surprise that many have turned to Ozempic and Wegovy to lose weight.
These weight loss drugs work through the active ingredient semaglutide, first developed to regulate the blood sugar levels of those with type 2 diabetes. By prolonging the emptying of the stomach after meals and suppressing the appetite, they also offer rapid weight loss.
@retro.daffodil 54 lbs lost in ONE year! Thank you Ozempic! #ozempic #weightloss #ozempicface #unstoppable
♬ Unstoppable (feat. Pusha T & Olodum) (Perfect Isn’t Pretty Mix – Ariel Rechtshaid Version) – Sia
For those struggling with large amounts of weight to lose, Ozempic and Wegovy have represented a huge game changer. Their growing popularity has even contributed to a recent drug shortage, as The Dallas Express reported.
Semaglutide injections have helped many get rid of unwanted pounds, but like all forms of rapid weight loss — such as bariatric surgery — it can take a toll on the skin.
“When a person loses a significant amount of weight, the skin may not fully bounce back to its original tautness. This is more evident if the weight loss occurs more rapidly,” David Nazarian, medical director of My Concierge MD in Beverly Hills, told Good Housekeeping.
Shanina Knighton, an associate professor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Nursing, noted that weight loss has the potential to affect the skin by promoting the loss of fat tissue all over the body, according to Health.
Since the face usually has less fat to begin with, weight loss might be noticed there first. The face might appear less plump and more aged, sometimes causing some drastic differences in appearance.
On the other hand, since people tend to gain extra weight around their midsection and in their backsides, some stark changes in someone’s silhouette might be quickly apparent, as well as some drooping.
As Dr. Simon Ourian, a celebrity cosmetic dermatologist, told the New York Post, the skin might tighten up after a year or two.
Otherwise, those seeking more rapid results to fix their Ozempic butts or faces can use fillers or seek ultrasound and radiofrequency treatments.
https://www.tiktok.com/@ang.slater/video/7236515527857065262?lang=en
Overall, medical professionals recommend gradually losing weight and paying special attention to meeting the daily requirements of nutrients, exercise, water, and sleep.
Regularly eating protein, for instance, is important for maintaining the skin’s collagen and elastin.
“Many patients are not aware they need to have enough protein in their diets when on these medications to avoid muscle breakdown as well as fat loss,” Nazarian explained, according to Good Housekeeping, noting that this breakdown can make the skin sag more.
