• GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are associated with cosmetic side effects such as 'Ozempic face,' 'Ozempic mouth,' and 'Ozempic feet,' resulting from rapid fat and muscle loss.
• A recent study indicates a significant increase in emergency room visits related to gastrointestinal complications from semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, with nearly 25,000 visits between 2022 and 2023.
• Experts recommend a balanced approach to weight loss using these medications, emphasizing diet, resistance training, and medical supervision to mitigate side effects and ensure long-term health.

Popular weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro, primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes and chronic obesity, have gained attention for both their effectiveness and associated side effects. These medications, which include semaglutide and tirzepatide, work by suppressing appetite and impacting satiety. While some side effects are cosmetic, like 'Ozempic face' and 'Ozempic mouth' resulting from rapid weight loss, others are more severe, leading to increased emergency room visits due to gastrointestinal complications. Experts emphasize the importance of medical supervision, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments to minimize these adverse effects.

• What: GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are causing cosmetic side effects ('Ozempic face,' 'Ozempic mouth,' 'Ozempic feet') due to rapid weight loss and increased emergency room visits due to gastrointestinal complications. The FDA also issued a warning that Ozempic can lead to a life-threatening condition known as ileus.
• Who: Individuals using GLP-1 medications for weight loss, including celebrities; medical professionals like Dr. Dan Azagury, Dr. Mir Ali, Nidhi Pandya, and Kristin Kirkpatrick; researchers from the CDC and Harvard Medical School; and the manufacturers of Ozempic (Novo Nordisk).
• When: Reports and studies from 2022 to 2024. The study in Annals of Internal Medicine was published April 8. FDA issued ileus warning in September 2024.
• Where: United States (national surveillance data from hospitals), Hollywood (celebrity use and cosmetic treatments).

The widespread use of GLP-1 medications highlights a growing interest in weight loss solutions, but also raises concerns about potential side effects. The cosmetic side effects, while not life-threatening, can be distressing for users, prompting them to seek cosmetic treatments. The increased emergency room visits due to gastrointestinal complications are more concerning, suggesting a need for better patient education, medical supervision, and potentially adjusted prescribing practices. The rapid weight loss induced by these drugs appears to be a key factor contributing to both cosmetic and medical side effects, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach that includes diet and exercise.

You need a team to follow you and help you. Get some support and do this in the right way. This is not a sprint. Slow and steady wins this race.

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.

Patients on Ozempic should ideally undergo a Thermage procedure early in treatment or before treatment begins to prevent the development of loose, sagging skin on the face.

GLP-1 medications present a promising but complex approach to weight loss, demanding careful evaluation of benefits and risks. While effective in reducing weight and improving glucose levels, and potentially offering benefits such as decreased risk of dementia, addiction, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease, their use is linked to a range of side effects. Beyond the well-publicized cosmetic issues, serious gastrointestinal complications, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastroparesis, intestinal blockage, and pancreatitis, necessitate vigilant monitoring. The long-term effects of these drugs require further investigation, particularly regarding pancreatic and kidney conditions, gallbladder issues, and potential links to thyroid tumors. A holistic strategy, combining GLP-1 agonists with lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, mindful eating, and stress management, is essential for sustainable weight loss and minimizing adverse effects. Close medical supervision is crucial, with healthcare professionals providing comprehensive patient education, managing side effects proactively, and tailoring treatment plans to individual needs. Further research should explore optimal dosages, long-term safety in diverse populations, and strategies for preventing weight regain after discontinuing medication.