Some people who have used the famous weight-loss drug Wegovy have talked about both its benefits and problems that they didn't expect.
Within months, some had lost a lot of weight, but they also had new facial problems, like "Ozempic face," which makes them look gauntly.
(Photo: Getty Images/ Mario Tama)
The Emergence of 'Ozempic Face'
Sandra, a Wegovy user, isn't the only one with these problems. Many people who use Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Ozempic encounter similar issues.
When people lose weight quickly, their skin hangs loose, and their cheeks sink in. This is called "Ozempic face." People have looked for ways to return their faces to normal size and shape, even though this side effect isn't life-threatening.
Sharon Osbourne, a famous TV figure, was worried about how she looked after taking Ozempic because she thought she had lost too much weight. The market for cosmetic ways to deal with these side effects is growing quickly as more people take these drugs. Companies are rushing to come up with solutions, like food supplements and injectable fillers, to fix the way these powerful weight-loss drugs make you look.
Nestlé and other companies are already making money off of this trend. The company recently said they will make supplements that work against weight-loss drugs' benefits.
These items include hair growth supplements, collagen peptides to make skin more elastic, and electrolyte tablets. Nestlé works with weight-loss programs to help people keep weight off without changing their appearance.
READ ALSO: Ozempic Babies: Do Semaglutide-Based Drugs Reduce Contraceptives' Effectiveness?
Other Effects and What the Cosmetic Industry is Doing
Wegovy and Ozempic's physical side effects are getting much attention, but new health concerns are emerging. A six-year study of 17,000 individuals indicated that semaglutide, the main ingredient in these medications, may increase the risk of significant eye problems.
Type 2 diabetes patients taking the medicine were four times more likely to be diagnosed with the illness, according to the study. The risk was increased for fat-loss medication users.
Remember that the study did not prove that semaglutide caused eye illness. Despite these effects, many people find that reducing weight is healthier than dangerous. These drugs can produce "Ozempic face" and unusual eye disorders, making it even more vital to consult a doctor before using them.
Galderma and Allergan Aesthetics offer more cosmetics because they help customers lose weight and swiftly navigate their issues. Injectable fillers and collagen treatments are popular because they improve skin structure and add volume to the face.
As weight-loss medicines become more popular, side-effect remedies will be needed. Sandra may forgo these treatments because she values her health over her appearance. However, the market's rapid growth suggests that many more people will seek to manage weight loss's negative effects to improve their health and appearance.
Wegovy and Ozempic are very helpful in the fight against fat, but they also bring new problems. As "Ozempic face" and other side effects become more common, they show how hard it is to lose weight, keep your health, and look in good shape.
RELATED ARTICLE: Ozempic's Semaglutide Shows Promise in Reducing Kidney Disease Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Patients
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