“The ‘Ozempic face’ is a warning from doctors about a side effect of diabetes drugs. According to a dermatologist, weight loss may delay biological aging but can cause the facial aging process to accelerate.”
Doctors are cautioning those using diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro as a weight loss method that they may experience unintended side effects, such as premature aging.
The surge in popularity of these injectable drugs, fueled by social media and celebrity endorsements, has led to prescription drug shortages.
The “Ozempic face” is a term used to describe the aging effects that some users have reported.
Without proper medical supervision, these drugs can have severe impacts on a person’s appearance.
For example, 41-year-old Jennifer Berger told The New York Times that after using Mounjaro to lose weight post-pregnancy, she lost 20 pounds but was left with an unrecognizable face.
Jennifer Berger told The New York Times that using Mounjaro for weight loss left her almost unable to recognize her own face. “My body looked great, but my face looked tired and old,” she said.
Dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, who frequently sees patients experiencing the side effect, has named it the “Ozempic face.”
According to Dr. Frank, many of his patients have suddenly lost significant weight and are now seeking filler treatments they’ve never needed before. He compared the popularity of these drugs to the infamous Viagra.
Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali, another New York dermatologist, has also seen an increase in patients taking the drugs who are worried about aging and facial sagging.
He mentioned that most of these patients are in their 40s and 50s, have lost a significant amount of weight, and are concerned about their facial aging.
As a result, both Dr. Frank and Dr. Bhanusali are warning patients to be cautious when using these drugs for weight loss and to only do so under proper medical supervision.
They stress the importance of considering the potential side effects and being aware of the impact that rapid weight loss can have on the face and overall appearance.
It’s important to remember that these drugs were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, and a healthcare professional should evaluate any use outside of their intended purpose.
In addition, it’s also crucial to understand that while these drugs may help with weight loss, they should not be relied upon as a sole solution and a balanced diet and regular exercise should also be incorporated into a weight loss plan.
New York plastic surgeon, Dr. Oren Tepper, has observed a rise in the “Ozempic face” and says it’s not surprising since weight loss often leads to a more aged appearance, as it causes deflation in “key areas of the face.”
According to him, weight loss can delay biological age but tend to speed up the facial clock.
As dermatologists mentioned, the only non-invasive solution to this side effect is injecting fillers, which can be expensive. However, if the weight loss is significant and rapid, more than fillers may be needed, and plastic surgery is the only option.
Dr. Tepper mentions that people using these drugs for weight loss often don’t realize its impact on their face, and for some, sudden weight loss can feel like winning a jackpot, only to find out about the “tax” in the form of facial fat loss later.
He treats the “Ozempic face” with a deep facelift costing $75,000 and a procedure to transfer fat from other parts of the body to the face, which can add an extra $12,000.
As the use of diabetes drugs for weight loss grows in popularity, doctors are taking to platforms like TikTok to educate people on how to prevent the aging effects.
Endocrinologist, Dr. Rocío Salas-Whalen, suggests in a TikTok video that users can avoid loose, sagging skin by losing weight gradually, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, and increasing protein intake, which is essential for the production of elastin and collagen.
The side effects of using diabetes drugs for weight loss go beyond just facial aging. The FDA has warned of potentially dangerous consequences such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, indigestion, dizziness, and digestive disorders.
Moreover, there is a risk of serious complications, such as C-cell tumours of the thyroid, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, acute kidney injury, increased heart rate, and behavioural or suicidal thoughts.
The websites for Ozempic and Mounjaro, which are not FDA-approved for weight loss, list similar serious side effects, including potential thyroid tumours, pancreatitis, vision changes, and kidney and gallbladder problems.
Despite the numerous posts on social media praising the drugs for weight loss, there are also accounts of the various side effects that users have experienced.
According to endocrinologist Dr. Rocío Salas-Whalen, side effects are rare if the correct dose of the drug is prescribed and with proper medical supervision.
However, it is important to know the potential risks of using these drugs.
Despite the potential side effects associated with diabetes drugs, interest in using them for weight loss continues to grow.
While they may be effective in producing quick results, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to weigh the risks and benefits and understand the long-term impact on the body.
It’s also essential to maintain a balanced diet and exercise regimen to ensure a healthy and sustainable weight loss journey. As with any medication, it’s crucial to monitor one’s health and seek immediate medical attention if any concerning symptoms arise.
