• Semaglutide, found in drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, contributed to nearly 25,000 emergency room visits between 2022 and 2023, primarily due to gastrointestinal issues.
• Users are experiencing facial volume loss, skin sagging ('Ozempic face' and 'Ozempic mouth'), and changes in foot appearance ('Ozempic feet'), leading to increased demand for cosmetic procedures and specialized skincare products.
• Experts recommend gradual weight loss, high protein intake, and multivitamins to mitigate the negative side effects, while doctors and aestheticians are developing protocols to address the impacts on the skin.

The increasing popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which contain semaglutide, has been accompanied by reports of adverse side effects. A recent study analyzed the correlation between semaglutide usage and emergency room visits, revealing a notable increase in hospitalizations due to gastrointestinal complications. Additionally, new aesthetic side effects are emerging, including facial volume loss, sagging skin, and changes in foot appearance, prompting the development of new beauty treatments and raising concerns about the overall impact of these drugs.

• What: Adverse side effects linked to weight-loss drugs containing semaglutide, including gastrointestinal issues, facial changes ('Ozempic face/mouth'), and foot problems ('Ozempic feet').
• Who: Patients using semaglutide medications (Ozempic, Wegovy), medical professionals, cosmetic dermatologists, and beauty industry experts.
• When: Reports and studies spanning from 2022 to 2025, with increased attention in recent months.
• Where: United States, with discussions among medical and beauty professionals in New York City and beyond.

The rise in popularity of weight-loss drugs has brought both benefits and challenges. While these medications can be effective for weight management and treating type 2 diabetes, the associated side effects are a growing concern. The increase in emergency room visits due to gastrointestinal complications highlights the need for careful patient monitoring and counseling. The emerging aesthetic side effects are creating new demands in the beauty industry, with companies developing specialized products and treatments. Further research and education are necessary to fully understand and mitigate the long-term impacts of these medications.

"We found that it’s very infrequent that semaglutide leads to very serious adverse events that would land a patient in the hospital, but that they do occur."

"The most important thing to minimize the negative effects of significant weight loss is to do it slowly. Patients should only lose one to two pounds a week... They should maintain a very high protein content so they don’t lose muscle and take multivitamins."

"Many users of Ozempic who I know report noticeable volume loss in the face, which can result in the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and jowls around the mouth."

"The underlying mechanism is that when fat is lost quickly, the skin’s natural elasticity may not be able to keep up."

While weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy offer significant benefits, including substantial weight loss and improved metabolic health, their widespread use necessitates careful consideration of potential adverse effects beyond gastrointestinal issues and aesthetic changes. Emerging concerns include 'Ozempic face' and 'Ozempic feet,' characterized by sagging skin and reduced fat. Long-term risks such as gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, kidney injury, and diabetic retinopathy also warrant attention. To ensure patient safety and optimize treatment outcomes, healthcare strategies should incorporate several key elements: comprehensive patient education about potential risks and benefits, personalized treatment approaches that consider individual genetic profiles and risk factors, and proactive management of side effects through dietary modifications, hydration, and supportive measures. Gradual weight loss, rather than rapid reduction, may mitigate aesthetic side effects like 'Ozempic face' and 'Ozempic feet'. Furthermore, ongoing research is crucial to fully understand the long-term effects of these medications and to develop strategies for sustainable weight management beyond pharmacological interventions.