Ozempic is commonly regarded as a weight loss medication. However, one should note that, primarily, it isn’t. It is firstly a peptide used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, that has a weight-loss side effect. Though it may offer high-volume fat loss after only a short period of time and many consider this an incredible benefit, there are consequences.
When you lose a lot of weight very quickly, this can cause skin to sag and lose elasticity. One cannot effectively control where the weight loss occurs. In the facial area, these results can leave one looking gaunt and aged with sagging skin and features.
This is where the expression “Ozempic Face” applies; a term used to describe the face after use of this peptide.
As we grow older, we lose fat as well as bone density and it is that fat which keeps a youthful appearance. The fat pads in the face act as a framework which supports facial structure; if all available fat has been lost, the body will go into survival mode and slow down the production of non-essential functions such as collagen, elastin, and Hyaluronic Acid production. The skin struggles to keep up and it is then that the hollowed-out appearance appears.
Overall, the result is sagging features and a dry, dull complexion.
The peptide involved works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is released by the gut after eating. This sends a message to the brain that a person is full.
This can be treated by aesthetic procedures involving dermal fillers, biostimulators, polynucleotides and some energy-based devices. These treatments, however, may need to be ongoing and, of course, come at extra cost.
As an alternative, increasing whole foods and supplementing processed foods with prebiotic fibres such as resistant starch and beta glucan has been shown to help mitigate blood sugar spikes after meals as well as helping to control appetite.
As always, consult with your professional health care provider for designing a complete approach to metabolic health and certainly before trying “off script” weight loss suggested remedies.
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