The Rise of Ozempic for Weight Loss

Ozempic, also called semaglutide, was initially designed as a remedy for sort 2 diabetes. However on June 4, 2021 the FDA accredited the primary weight-loss drug since 2014.  Ozempic, or Wegovy, one other model identify of semaglutide, has been making waves since then. Many individuals are turning to this drug as a strategy to shed kilos rapidly, and it’s been hailed as a game-changer within the weight reduction world. It does work higher than earlier weight reduction medicine, however like every shortcut, there’s a catch—and for some, it’s referred to as “Ozempic face.”

What Is “Ozempic Face”?

“Ozempic face” is a time period that’s been popping up on social media and in conversations about weight reduction. It refers back to the hole, aged look that some individuals expertise after shedding pounds with Ozempic. The face can lose its youthful fullness, resulting in a extra sunken look that some say makes them look years older. Whereas shedding further kilos can really feel wonderful, this sudden aspect impact has left many questioning: What’s happening right here?

The Science Behind Speedy Weight Loss and Facial Modifications

If you shed extra pounds rapidly, your physique doesn’t simply burn fats—it could possibly additionally lose one thing referred to as fat-free mass, which incorporates muscle. It’s unattainable to shed extra pounds rapidly and solely lose fats. Some muscle loss is inevitable. So, this loss isn’t restricted to your arms, legs, or core; it could possibly occur in your face too. With out the pure padding of fats and muscle, your facial options could begin to look extra pronounced, and pores and skin can sag, creating that aged look.

Is Ozempic Worse for Growing old Pores and skin than Different Weight Loss Strategies?

All fast weight reduction strategies trigger the lack of some muscle, normally round 25-30% of whole weight reduction is lean tissue, additionally referred to as fat-free mass. It principally is every little thing however the fats within the physique, not simply muscle. And as you lose a bunch of weight it’s apparent that some fat-free mass has to go as properly.  In any case, you might be changing into a smaller model of your self. Ideally, in case you have a puffy face, you wish to lose the fats in your face and be extra engaging. One of many objectives for weight reduction is to look youthful, and “Ozempic face” is unquestionably not going the fitting course.

However, whereas changing into smaller, you want to turn into leaner as properly, proper? You do not wish to be skinny fats. So, right here is the catch. In medical trials, such because the Step 1 Trial for Ozempic, the fat-free weight reduction was practically 40%, not simply 20-30%. For the common participant that started off at 232 kilos, they misplaced 30.0 kilos over the 68 week trial. Fats loss was 18.4 kilos, together with 11.6 kilos of lean tissue, in response to the DEXA scans of 140 individuals within the examine. Ideally, the lean tissue loss would have been round 5-7 kilos, not practically 12 kilos! 

How Ozempic Causes Muscle and Fats Loss

Ozempic works by mimicking a hormone in your physique that regulates urge for food. Primarily, it makes you’re feeling full quicker and eat much less. And your abdomen stays full longer, so that you really are fuller. So, you find yourself consuming so much much less energy whereas on the drug. This in fact results in weight reduction, however your physique could not all the time distinguish between fats and muscle when it’s burning energy. Sadly, this implies a number of the muscle mass you lose could possibly be out of your face, contributing to “Ozempic face.”

The Impression of Dropping Facial Muscle and Fats

For many individuals, shedding pounds is about feeling and searching more healthy and youthful. However when your face begins wanting older, it may be irritating—and even upsetting. It’s all backwards!

However past aesthetics, dropping muscle is a well being concern, too. Muscle is crucial for power, power, and even preserving your metabolism working easily. So, whereas Ozempic could assist you shed kilos, the best way it impacts your face and muscle mass won’t align together with your objectives. And in the event you achieve again weight after getting off the drug, which is what normally occurs, you do not achieve muscle again until you’re employed at it. And most of the people do not work at it, so that they find yourself with a worse, fattier physique composition than earlier than they began shedding pounds.

Easy methods to Forestall “Ozempic Face”

The excellent news? There are methods to battle again towards “Ozempic face.” As Dr. Stu Phillips talked about on the podcast Docs Who Raise, “Muscle and health is made within the health club, however weight is misplaced within the kitchen.”

1. Raise Weights. Add Energy Coaching to Your Routine: Resistance workout routines, like lifting weights or doing body weight exercises, may also help you keep muscle mass whereas dropping fats. That is the tried and true technique for preserving muscular tissues whereas shedding pounds.

   In line with a examine printed in The New England Journal of Drugs weight reduction induced by calorie restriction and both cardio train, resistance train, or a mixture of each confirmed that resistance train or a mixture of cardio and resistance train prevented lack of lean mass and power higher than cardio train alone. So, lifting weights is important to preserving your muscular tissues. “Use or lose it” applies to muscle and bone power. By lifting weights it’s doable that you’ll get smaller muscular tissues, however achieve in power on the similar time. Fatty muscle in overweight individuals is not as sturdy as lean, skilled muscle, so it’s OK to slim down some. 

2. Eat Sufficient Protein: You do not have to turn into a protein-aholic, however protein is useful in sustaining muscle mass. Simply watch out the place you get your protein. Ensure you’re majoring on protein from plant meals like beans, lentils, some natural soy merchandise, and nuts and seeds. Use extra food-based proteins and use supplemental protein powder simply as  that, a complement for an additional serving or two. This can be tough, seeing  that Ozempic makes lots of people really feel nauseated lots of the time.

   How a lot protein do you want? About 0.5 grams per pound of physique weight will probably be sufficient. It is not as a lot as some bodybuilders advocate, however it’s greater than the RDA (0.8 g per kg of physique weight / 0.36 grams per pound of physique weight) and protein guru Dr. Stu Phillips says that is sufficient to take care of your lean physique mass.

Different Widespread Aspect Results of Ozempic

“Ozempic face” isn’t the one aspect impact to pay attention to. Some customers additionally report nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. Not often, critical issues like pancreatitis or gallbladder points can happen. Gallstones are a standard challenge with fast weight reduction. All the time seek the advice of a healthcare supplier earlier than beginning any new medicine, particularly one with such highly effective results.

Is Ozempic the Proper Selection for You?

Ozempic would possibly appear to be a miracle for weight reduction, but it surely’s not for everybody. In one other weblog I focus on the burden loss plateau that’s seen in each examine of the drug. You might not be pleased with the place the drug leaves you. Earlier than beginning this or any medicine, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and dangers together with your physician. Take into account that lasting weight reduction all the time requires greater than only a capsule—it takes a wholesome, decrease calorie weight loss program than you might be used to, common cardio and resistance train, and a dedication to sticking with a brand new way of life.

Conclusion

“Ozempic face” is an actual and stunning aspect impact of utilizing Ozempic for weight reduction. Whereas the drug may also help you drop kilos, you have to use it alongside of not less than resistance train (lifting weights), and doubtless with cardio train as properly to stop “Ozempic face” and the lack of muscle mass. The important thing to wholesome weight reduction is stability: preserving your muscle, defending your well being, and taking good care of your physique as a complete. And you may shed extra pounds, a number of it, with out Ozempic as properly.

Shedding weight ought to make you’re feeling higher and look higher, not older. By taking a considerate strategy and dealing together with your physician and well being coach, you could find a plan that helps you obtain your objectives—with out sacrificing your smile within the mirror.