The term ‘Ozempic face’ is all over social platforms and in the media right now. You’ve probably seen it used in headlines like ‘Ozempic face before and after’, alongside photos of celebrities who’ve spoken out about using weight loss medications.
It’s thought that celebrity cosmetic dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank coined the term after spotting that the faces of Hollywood stars had become distorted while using the drugs.
There’s so much misinformation around these newer weight loss drugs that it can all feel a little scary and overwhelming. So, if you’re interested in trying them but are concerned about the side effects, we’ve got you. Let’s explore the truth behind this so-called phenomenon.
‘Ozempic face’ symptoms
When media outlets say ‘Ozempic face’, they’re talking about the gaunt, aged facial look of celebrities who’ve experienced rapid facial volume and fat loss after using weight loss drugs. These are also known as GLP-1 medications. They include the Wegovy weight loss injection and the Mounjaro weight loss injection.
The drugs work by mimicking a hormone in the body that makes you feel fuller for longer, so you eat less.
While it’s called ‘Ozempic face’, Ozempic is a diabetes drug. While it is sometimes prescribed for weight loss, it isn’t actually licensed for weight loss.
It contains the same ingredient (semaglutide) as the weight loss drug Wegovy. It’d be more accurate to call the phenomenon ‘Wegovy face’ or ‘semaglutide face’. But let’s stick with ‘Ozempic face’ for ease.
‘Ozempic face’ side effects include:
- Loose or sagging skin, especially around the jaw and neckline
- Hollowed cheeks
- Sunken eyes
- Wrinkles or lines around the eyes, forehead, and mouth
- A tired or aged appearance
What causes ‘Ozempic face’?
Weight loss drugs do not cause these facial changes.
‘Ozempic face’ aging symptoms develop when someone loses weight rapidly, whatever method they use. Weight loss drugs may be thought of as a shortcut or quick fix—but that’s not the case. They’re designed to be used long term, alongside healthy lifestyle changes.
The good news is that most people who use them won’t develop ‘Ozempic face’. If you’re prescribed a weight loss drug and use it as your doctor recommends, you’ll lose weight steadily and sustainably. This means any changes to your face will happen gradually and be less noticeable. Wegovy side effects, and side effects of other newer weight loss drugs, should not include ‘Ozempic face’ if they’re taken correctly.
It’s also worth remembering that these drugs are meant for people who are living with obesity. Many celebrities who are said to have ‘Ozempic face’ shouldn’t be using the drugs because they weren’t ever obese—and it’s no wonder their facial weight loss is much more pronounced.
Ozempic vs Wegovy face
As we mentioned earlier, Ozempic is often used as a catch-all term for weight loss drugs, despite the alternatives available for weight loss. Wegovy, which also contains semaglutide, is the same drug but it’s prescribed for weight loss, rather than diabetes.
Other Ozempic alternatives are available for weight loss, including Saxenda and Mounjaro, which have different active ingredients, but work in a similar way to Wegovy.
So when you see the term ‘Ozempic face’, it actually means extreme facial weight loss after taking any of these newer medications.
How to avoid ‘Ozempic face’?
First up, it’s really important that you only use a weight loss medication that has been prescribed to you—and that you only ever take the recommended dose. These drugs aren’t recommended for people who aren’t living with obesity. A lot of celebrities who allegedly have ‘Ozempic face’ weren’t obese to begin with, which could be why their facial changes seem more obvious.
It’s normal to want to know how to lose face fat, or how to avoid losing fat from certain areas, but where we lose weight is beyond our control. There are so many factors that influence this, from genetics, age, and baseline weight, to the speed of weight loss.
Facial changes happen naturally as we lose weight, which leads to a more angular look. The elasticity of our skin also wanes as we age, so it doesn’t bounce back as well. This can make any loss of volume more noticeable. Plus, if we lose weight too quickly, facial changes can appear more extreme.
To try to avoid developing ‘Ozempic face’ as you lose weight, you can:
Lose weight gradually
If you’re preoccupied with thinking 'How much weight can I lose in a month?’, you’re certainly not the only one. But doctors don’t recommend dramatic and rapid weight loss because slower, sustainable changes are healthier.
Losing weight gradually may also reduce the chances of experiencing loose skin. So if you’re on a weight loss journey and wondering how to get rid of loose skin after weight loss, prevention may be your best bet.
Stay hydrated
Making sure you’re hydrated (your pee should be a clear pale yellow colour) and drinking enough water (6 to 8 glasses a day) can wildly improve the appearance of your skin. It can make it look smoother, softer, and more moisturised—and appear healthier and younger.
Follow a balanced diet
Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals play a crucial role in skin anti-aging. Following a balanced, nutritionally rich diet with lots of variety can help you get the key nutrients you need for healthy skin. These include:
- Vitamin A (found in green leafy vegetables).
- Vitamin D (found in oily fish and egg yolks).
- Zinc (found in dairy foods and cereal products).
Take a look at our advice for what to eat on Wegovy or the best diet to follow on Mounjaro.
Talk to a healthcare provider
We get that you may be worried about losing facial volume. If you are, speak to a doctor. They’ll be able to offer personalised advice based on your unique circumstances and medical history.
Managing negative thoughts about your appearance
Rest assured, it’s common to feel self-conscious or critical about your appearance. When it comes to weight loss journeys, your health is the most important thing and should be prioritised. But if you’re struggling to manage negative thoughts, there are proven ways to create a better relationship with your body.
Think positively
Flip the script. For example, instead of telling yourself that your legs are big, say: “My legs are strong and I’m proud of that.”
Accept the ‘imperfections’
We all have them but try not to focus on them. Write a list of things that you do like about your body, no matter how small.
Show respect
Treat your body to things that make you feel good—massages, saunas, haircuts, you name it.
Protect yourself online
Curate your online life so you avoid unrealistic body image standards. Follow social media accounts that make you feel good, and unfollow any that don’t.
Speak to a professional
If your body image causes you stress, confide in your doctor. They’ll be able to talk you through your options, which may include therapy.
Your weight loss journey
The best way to reach your weight loss goal while minimising side effects? Work with a clinician and follow their advice. Voy’s app gives you access to health coaches who are there for you every step of the way. Find out whether weight loss medications could help you reach your goals by filling out this short quiz.
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