I have gone down a rabbit hole recently about Ozempic (semaglutide). I find it absolutely fascinating how it has just exploded in popularity, especially with all the potential risks and side effects. It goes to show how much we are just constantly seeking perfection.
I thought I'd do a post today about my thoughts on it and the impact it has on the skin. Some of the impact comes indirectly from Ozempic too. Either way, have a read and let me know your thoughts. Would you try it?
Ozempic really has rapidly gained popularity as a weight loss tool, with many turning to this medication in the hope of shedding pounds quickly. While Ozempic (Semaglutide) is primarily designed to help regulate blood sugar levels for people with Type 2 diabetes, its side effect of appetite suppression has led to its use for weight management in people without diabetes. But here’s the reality—quick fixes often come with hidden costs. Today I want to talk about how Ozempic impacts not just your body but also your skin and overall health from a facialists point of view.
The Effect Of Rapid Weight Loss and Skin Health
One of the most overlooked yet significant side effects of fast weight loss from Ozempic is its impact on your skin. Quick weight loss doesn’t give your skin time to naturally adjust and contract, which can lead to various skin health issues...
Sagging Skin and “Ozempic Face”
Rapid weight loss can lead to sagging skin and what’s commonly referred to as “Ozempic Face”—a gaunt, aged appearance caused by the loss of facial fat and muscle. When you lose weight too quickly, the underlying fat and muscle that provide structure and support to your face diminish, leaving behind loose skin that sags and looks hollowed. Without these supportive layers, the skin has no structure to rest on, resulting in a prematurely aged appearance.
People experiencing these changes may end up spending large amounts of money on facial fillers and other cosmetic procedures to restore lost volume and correct sagging. But fillers come with their own set of risks, such as overfilling, asymmetry, and migration of the filler material, leading to an unnatural appearance. What’s more, fillers only treat the symptoms, not the root cause, and will need to be maintained regularly as long as muscle and fat mass continue to decrease.
I've gone down rabbit holes on facial fillers as well and they can be just as risky. Please make sure you're doing your research before just jumping in to having fillers. At the time of writing this, there is still very little regulations on fillers and practically anyone can do them! With the tragic death of Alice Webb who recently died from poorly placed filler, we really need to be careful when we're choosing a practitioner to perform our treatments.
The Role of Muscle in Weight Loss and Skin Health
Muscle is crucial for both metabolic health and maintaining the structural integrity of your skin. Unfortunately, one of the biggest issues with using Ozempic for weight loss is the rapid loss of muscle mass. Muscle plays a vital role in maintaining a high metabolic rate, supporting the skin’s firmness, and helping to prevent sagging. When you lose muscle, your metabolism slows, and the risk of regaining the weight once you stop the medication increases exponentially. In other words, the more muscle you have, the more fat you burn.
The Solution? Train and Fuel Your Body Properly
To counteract these effects, it’s essential to pair Ozempic with a high-protein diet and regular strength training. Protein helps preserve muscle mass, and strength training builds it back up, ensuring that your metabolism stays active and your skin maintains its structure. If you’re using Ozempic without this support, you’re setting yourself up for a host of undesirable physical effects—sagging skin, muscle loss, and a weakened metabolic rate that can make it even harder to keep the weight off long-term.
The benefits of protein in the body are endless, but especially for keeping our skin looking healthy and plump! I try and consume between 100-120 grams of protein per day to maintain and build my muscle mass. One great product to incorporate every day is Skinade, which contains a blend of hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides (including 6.5 grams of protein), vitamins B and C, and omega-3 fatty acids, all working together to boost your skin’s natural collagen production, improve hydration, and enhance elasticity for healthier, plumper skin from the inside out.
Regaining Weight and More After Coming Off Ozempic
One of the key dangers of rapid weight loss is the “yo-yo effect”. Once you stop taking Ozempic, there’s a very high chance that you’ll regain the weight—often more than you initially lost. This happens because, without appetite suppression and with significantly reduced muscle mass, your metabolism will have slowed down, making it easier for your body to store fat. Like I mentioned earlier, the more muscle you have, the more fat you burn. When you come off Ozempic and have lost muscle mass, you can't burn off fat like before and so you can put on more weight that you began with.
This means that people often find themselves regaining not just their original weight, but sometimes even more. Your body, which has become accustomed to a calorie deficit, will store any excess energy more efficiently, resulting in rapid fat gain. To avoid this, muscle preservation and protein intake are non-negotiable parts of any weight loss regimen.
Potential Health Risks of Ozempic
While Ozempic may seem like a magic weight-loss tool, it comes with a list of potential health risks that should not be ignored. As much as these are not necessarily linked to skin health per-say, I still think it's good to know some of the potential risks involved before you begin a course (FYI, these are actually stated on the Ozempic website!).
Some of the known side effects include:
Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis): This condition is serious and can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. It can lead to more severe complications if left untreated.
Changes in Vision: Ozempic has been known to cause fluctuations in vision, particularly for those with existing diabetic retinopathy.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): This risk is particularly high if you’re also taking other medications that lower blood sugar, such as insulin.
Kidney Problems: There have been reports of kidney damage and even kidney failure in some individuals using Ozempic.
Serious Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, people may experience severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, throat, and difficulty breathing.
Gallbladder Problems: Rapid weight loss increases the risk of developing gallstones, which can cause significant pain and complications.
It’s important to weigh these risks against the potential benefits. For some, particularly those at high risk of cardiovascular disease, the benefits of weight loss and blood sugar control may outweigh these dangers. But if you’re considering Ozempic purely for weight loss (and you haven't tried exercising and a calorie deficit), these are serious risks that should not be taken lightly.
The Impact of Extreme Calorie Deficits on Skin Health and Overall Wellness
The appetite suppression caused by Ozempic can be so powerful that people may end up eating dangerously low amounts of calories—sometimes as little as 500 calories a day. While this may result in rapid weight loss, it’s incredibly unhealthy and unsustainable. Here’s why:
Nutrient Deficiencies: Skin health relies on a variety of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, E, and essential fatty acids. If you’re not consuming enough food, your skin will become dry, dull, and more prone to wrinkles. Long-term, this can lead to conditions like eczema and an overall loss of skin elasticity.
Skin Collagen Deterioration: Without adequate protein, collagen production drops, leading to sagging skin, fine lines, and an aged appearance.
Muscle and Metabolic Damage: Severe calorie restriction leads to muscle loss, which in turn slows your metabolism. If you’re living off 500 calories a day, your body will start to shut down, little by little, and will require fewer and fewer calories just to maintain basic functions. If you do this long-term, let’s be blunt: you could die.
When Ozempic Is Beneficial
It’s essential to acknowledge that for some individuals, the benefits of Ozempic outweigh the risks. For people with Type 2 diabetes or at high risk of heart disease, the weight loss and improved blood sugar control can significantly reduce the risk of complications. Also, there are some cases where some people simply cannot lose weight. Hormones can play a huge part in this and so I understand how frustrating it can be. If you do decide to go down this path, we still need to remember that a balanced diet and exercise routine are crucial for maintaining muscle and skin health.
How To Support your Skin During Weight Loss
Whether you’re using Ozempic or following a more traditional weight loss approach, supporting your skin should be a top priority. Here are a few of my favorite products for maintaining skin elasticity and health. I have mentioned a couple of eye creams because this area is especially delicate and prone to change when we lose a lot of weight...
Skinade Collagen Drink: Skinade is a fantastic supplement that works from within to boost collagen levels, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Regular use will help your skin maintain its bounce and firmness even as you lose weight.
Forlle’d Platinum Eye Cream: Ideal for the delicate skin around the eyes, this cream strengthens capillaries, improves microcirculation, and helps prevent puffiness and dark circles, which can worsen with rapid weight loss.
Forlle’d P-Effect Sheet Masks: These intensive gel masks provide immediate smoothing and firming for the under-eye area. They’re perfect for addressing sagging and puffiness, offering deep hydration and antioxidant protection.
EyeMax AlphaRet® Overnight Cream: An excellent option for tackling dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. The AlphaRet® technology combines retinoids and AHAs to boost cell turnover, while a hydrating complex nourishes and protects the skin barrier.
NIMUE SUN-C SPF 40: Rapid weight loss can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage. Protect it with a high-quality SPF like NIMUE SUN-C, which offers broad-spectrum protection along with anti-aging benefits.
Looking for Healthy Weight Loss Support?
If you’re looking for a healthier, more sustainable approach to weight loss, I highly recommend reaching out to someone who can specialise in weight loss and diet. I worked with Lillie Smith this year and have to say, she was fantastic!. Her results with clients are nothing short of incredible. She specialises in creating personalised plans that prioritise not just weight loss, but also muscle preservation and skin integrity. Her approach means that you’re not just losing weight—you’re gaining health, confidence, and a body that looks and feels great. (I must stress this is absolutely not an ad, I just really loved working with her and so I wanted to share).
We need to remember that although Ozempic may seem like a quick and easy way to shed pounds, it’s so important to consider the long-term effects on your skin, health, and overall well-being. Rapid weight loss often results in loose skin, muscle loss, and a host of metabolic issues that can be difficult to reverse. If you’re considering using Ozempic, make sure to consult a healthcare provider and incorporate a high-protein diet and strength training into your routine.
If you can, choose health over speed every time. I totally understand that it can help people who are struggling with weight loss and hormones can play a huge part in this. Just make sure you know all the potential risks and side effects before you jump right in!
Thank you so much for reading,
Emmaline
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