Ozempic Face: Understanding Facial Changes From GLP1 Treatments

The term “Ozempic face” generally refers to the appearance of loose, sagging skin and a gaunt look that can develop from the rapid weight loss induced by GLP-1 receptor agonists. As these drugs efficiently decrease body fat, the skin, especially around the face, may not adjust quickly enough, leading to these aesthetic changes.

The middle of the face changes most. After large weight loss, the main volume changes are deeper lines from the nose to the mouth and flatter cheekbones, followed by loose skin under the chin¹. Fat loss around the temples, cheeks, tear troughs and jawline can leave a gaunt look².

Our Chief Clinical Officer, Abdal Alvi, says: “The rapid loss of facial fat from GLP-1 medications can lead to what is commonly known as ‘Ozempic face,’ a side effect where the skin appears loose and aged. To manage these changes, it’s crucial to approach weight loss gradually and discuss with healthcare providers the best strategies to balance weight reduction with maintaining a healthy appearance.”

For further guidance on using GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy for weight loss, or to discuss any concerns about changes in your appearance, please reach out to our healthcare professionals. We’re committed to supporting you with trusted, caring, and informative advice.

Feet can change too. If your feet look bonier or ache as you lose weight, our guide to Ozempic feet explains what the evidence says and what helps.

No. The two names describe the same changes, and both follow the weight loss rather than the medicine itself. Evidence that GLP-1 medicines strip fat from the face in particular is lacking².

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) does tend to take off more weight. In SURMOUNT-5, the first head to head trial of the two, average body weight fell by about 22% on tirzepatide and about 15% on semaglutide, the ingredient in Ozempic, by week 72³.

Your age and the amount you lose make the biggest difference. The changes are more pronounced in older people, whose collagen levels are naturally lower². After very large weight loss, people are judged to look up to five years older than others of a similar age who have not lost a lot of weight¹.

Tips to avoid “Ozempic Face” include

1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking ample water is essential. Hydration helps your skin remain elastic and more likely to rebound as your face loses fat.
2. Ensure Adequate Caloric Intake: While Ozempic and similar medications suppress appetite, it’s important to consume enough calories. This ensures your weight loss occurs at a healthy, gradual pace, which can minimize facial changes.
3. Boost Protein Consumption: Maintaining a diet high in protein is crucial. Protein helps preserve muscle mass, which supports facial structure and can lessen the appearance of sagging skin.
4. Focus on Gradual Weight Loss: Targeting a slow and steady weight loss not only benefits your overall health but also helps mitigate drastic changes in your facial appearance.
5. Add Resistance Training: Weights or bodyweight work while you are cutting calories reduces the loss of fat-free mass, and keeps more lean tissue than cardio on its own⁴.

While “Ozempic face” is a potential side effect, its impact varies from person to person, with some experiencing more noticeable changes than others. For tailored advice and more details on how to effectively use GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy for weight loss while managing side effects, please consult with our healthcare professionals. We’re committed to guiding you through your health journey with care and expert advice.

How fast should you lose weight?

Aim for 1 to 2lb, or 0.5 to 1kg, a week, which is the rate the NHS advises⁵. If yours is coming off faster than that, raise it with your prescriber before your next dose increase.

How much protein do you need?

Current GLP-1 guidance points to around 1.2 to 1.5g of protein per kilogram of body weight a day while you are actively losing weight⁴. That matters because roughly a quarter of the weight lost on tirzepatide was lean tissue rather than fat, about 5.6kg of lean tissue against 15.9kg of fat over 72 weeks⁴.

Your facial appearance can change with fluctuations in weight. If you discontinue using Ozempic, there’s a possibility of regaining weight, which can restore fullness to your face. Conversely, if you maintain your weight loss or continue the treatment, the changes in facial appearance may persist. For any concerns about facial volume loss, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional. They can guide you on aesthetic treatments and help you make informed decisions about the best options for your needs.

Yes. Lost facial volume can be treated with dermal fillers or fat grafting to the temples, tear troughs, cheeks and the folds beside the mouth².

The NHS advises checking whether the person doing your procedure is a registered doctor or surgeon on the General Medical Council online register. Avoid anyone who has only completed a short training course in the procedure you want⁶.

Sudden facial swelling is a different thing, and it needs urgent help. The Mounjaro leaflet says to get immediate medical help and tell your doctor if you have breathing problems, rapid swelling of the lips, tongue or throat with difficulty swallowing, or a fast heartbeat⁷. Gradual thinning as you lose weight is not urgent, but tell your doctor or pharmacist if it is upsetting you.

The new generation of weight loss pens like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy utilize active ingredients that mimic a natural hormone responsible for reducing appetite and increasing satiety. This class of drugs, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, supports significant weight loss, making them popular choices for those looking to reduce weight effectively.

While managing your weight with Ozempic, you might experience other side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, which typically decrease as your body adjusts to the medication; stomach issues like heartburn and abdominal pain; and reactions at the injection site, such as irritation or redness. If you encounter any of these side effects or need advice on managing them, our clinical team is here to assist you throughout your treatment.

For further assistance or more information on managing the effects of Ozempic and similar medications, please reach out to our healthcare professionals. We are dedicated to supporting you with comprehensive care and expert advice.