From celebrities looking to drop a few pounds for the red carpet to people managing diabetes or obesity, GLP-1 drugs have become a popular weight management tool. But despite often being portrayed as miracle drugs, they are not without potential unwanted side effects.
If you take GLP-1 drugs to manage your weight or improve your health, you should be aware of the possible risks. With your doctor’s help, you can use these drugs safely and effectively.
What are GLP-1 drugs?
GLP-1 drugs (also called GLP-1 agonists) are medications originally marketed to treat diabetes. The drug acts similarly to the body’s own GLP-1 hormone, which is released after eating and triggers insulin release.
People with diabetes don’t naturally produce enough insulin to control their blood sugar levels. Using a GLP-1 drug stimulates insulin production so that blood sugar levels don’t fluctuate as much.
Weight loss is another effect of GLP-1 medications. For many people with diabetes, managing weight is an important aspect of controlling the disease.
The drugs trick the brain and stomach into making you feel less hungry and fuller, faster. This can result in significant weight loss — for people with or without diabetes.
There are several GLP-1 medications now approved by the Food and Drug Administration for diabetes treatment. Some are also approved for treating obesity. The most commonly prescribed GLP-1 drug for diabetes management and weight loss is semaglutide (sold under the brand names Ozempic® and Wegovy®).
How do GLP-1 drugs cause Ozempic face?
“Ozempic face” is a term coined to describe the cosmetic effects of weight loss drugs. The issue is not limited just to those using Ozempic. It refers to the side effects of the rapid weight loss produced by any of the GLP-1 medications.
Losing fat from the face quickly can have a pronounced effect on appearance. The faster you lose weight, and the more you lose, the more likely you are to notice facial changes.
People using GLP-1 drugs report seeing cosmetic changes to their faces, such as:
- Hollowed, sunken look, especially around the cheeks and eyes
- More visible lines and wrinkles
- Sagging, loose skin
- Thinning lips
Other side effects of weight loss drugs
In addition to the cosmetic effects of weight loss drugs, these medications can also cause health side effects.
Digestive issues are the most common complication. While taking a GLP-1 medication, you may experience:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
How to manage GLP-1 side effects
If you’re experiencing health side effects while taking GLP-1 medications, talk to your doctor. They may be able to reduce your dose or switch you to a different type of medication.
Since the main cause of Ozempic face is rapid weight loss, losing weight more gradually is the best way to prevent it. Using a lower dose of medication will slow weight loss, but it may cause fewer cosmetic side effects.
Other ways to help keep your skin healthier during GLP-1 treatment include:
- Eating lots of protein to help prevent muscle loss
- Protecting your skin with daily sunscreen
- Staying well-hydrated
- Using skincare products (such as retinoids) that encourage production of collagen to reduce wrinkles and sagging
If you’re still bothered by cosmetic side effects after achieving your goals, talk to your doctor about possible solutions. Plastic surgery or other treatments can help remove or tighten loose skin.
