Effects of weight loss with the medication

houston – Tune in to KPRC 2 News from 10 p.m. Anchor Zach Rushway delves into the shortage issue affecting diabetics dependent on Ozempic.

By now, most people are familiar with Ozempic, a drug commonly used for type 2 diabetes.

But what many people may not realize is that more and more people are using this drug to aid in their weight loss efforts.

“We also have Ozempic, which helps as well. It's approved as a diabetes drug, and it's also effective for weight loss. That's why they're so popular. And, you know, we've gotten FDA approval. Because of this, treatments are being introduced and we're seeing these amazing results for patients with diabetes,” said Dr. Mirwat Sami, an oculofacial plastic surgeon in Houston.

Ozempic's popularity as a weight loss aid is growing, with celebrities, social media influencers, and the general public taking notice of Ozempic.

Users have reported a noticeable side effect known as “Ozempik face”. This refers to the visible changes in facial appearance that occur when you lose weight while using the drug. These changes often include increased facial wrinkles and sunkening, resulting in more pronounced facial features and a somewhat haggard appearance.

“When this drug series Ozempic came out and celebrities started taking advantage of it and started taking the drug, there were a lot of posts on social media about dramatic weight loss. These are really amazing. “And while we didn't expect that to actually happen, it wasn't a surprise. That large face caused the dramatic loss of facial volume that we saw. It’s a coined word to explain it,” said Dr. Sami. People taking Ozempic. ”

Some people have experienced the side effects of the “Ozempik face”, while others have noticed a more desirable slimming effect on the face.

“I see it in some people, but I also see it in people who are older than me and have more dramatic weight loss. My face is slimmer, but I look smaller. “It's not necessarily an 'Ozempic face,'” said Brooke McGowen, a local nurse who has been taking Ozempic since October 2023.

Studies have shown that patients can lose up to 5 pounds per month if they take Ozempic aggressively. However, rapid weight loss can lead to volume loss and changes in facial appearance.

“When you lose a lot of weight in a very short period of time, you have to imagine that you're losing volume, you're losing fat, you're losing protein and muscle mass from your whole body. People become very skeletal and haggard. “It's like gaining weight, you can't control where it starts,” Dr. Sami said. “You can lose it from any part of your body.”

Mr McGowen said the term was coined “Ozempic face”, but it was not Ozempic that was causing the haggard look on the face. She said this is a combination of age, genetics and significant weight loss.

In addition to the “Ozempic face,” other common side effects of taking Ozempic include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation.

Dr. Sami warns about gastrointestinal effects and emphasizes the importance of monitoring your body's cues while taking the drug.

“Due to the mechanism of action of these drugs, one of the biggest side effects reported is gastrointestinal effects and slowing of gastrointestinal motility. Some have even developed the so-called alias: excessive gastric emptying. And in much the same way it causes paralysis of intestinal motility. When that happens, you get symptoms similar to nausea, bloating, and vomiting. But if it's severe enough, “It can actually cause partial intestinal obstruction. And that has been reported. There have been some cases of death due to this intestinal alias,” Dr. Sami said.

McGowen said she continues to take Ozempic because it helps her lose weight and reduce her risk of heart disease, despite the potential side effects.

“I decided to give it a try because I found a provider who would monitor my body composition and lab work while I was taking it. I also try to limit side effects by paying attention to my body's cues.” McGowen said. “Advantages include weight loss and reduced risk of heart disease. Disadvantages include possible pancreatitis, nausea, and constipation.”

How to resolve Ozempic facial side effects

For those who are not satisfied with the sagging skin after taking Ozempic, there are options available.

Dr. Sami said he is starting to see an increase in the number of patients coming to his office with large bags under their eyes.

“The skin began to sag, the eyelids began to droop, the bags became more prominent, and the cheeks began to become sunken and deflated. The development of jowls began. The temples began to look very haggard, and people It was skeletal and hollow. That's why we're all seeing a huge increase in people seeking cosmetic treatments,” Dr. Sami said.

Treatments that can help with “Ozempik face” include:

• dermal fillers

• cosmetic surgery

• micro needle