Although they were originally developed to treat diabetes, the rise of drugs like Ozempic has sparked a weight-loss revolution.
While growing in popularity to help people with a high body mass index, the effects of these drugs have brought about a new cosmetic concern: ‘Ozempic face’.
The term describes the facial sagging or hollowing some people experience after significant weight loss, which leaves their faces looking older or gaunt. When you lose weight – whether through medication, dieting or lifestyle changes – you lose fat across your body, including your face.
Facial fat provides structure, volume and youthful contours. Without it, skin can droop and wrinkles may appear more pronounced, so your face can end up looking sunken and sometimes more aged.
This problem isn’t unique to weight-loss drugs – it would happen with any kind of rapid weight loss. But because drugs like Ozempic are so effective, weight tends to come off more quickly, giving the skin less time to adjust.
It’s not easy to avoid because you can’t completely control where your body loses fat, but there are steps you can take to mitigate the more dramatic effects:
Lose weight gradually: A slower process of weight loss gives your skin more time to adapt to changes and may reduce the risk of significant visual sagging.
Stay hydrated: Proper hydration can improve your skin's elasticity, helping it to maintain its shape as you lose fat.
Nourish your skin: A skincare routine with moisturisers might help.
Some websites claim that options like fillers, Botox or other cosmetic procedures can help restore volume and lift to the face, but these also have risks associated with them and aren’t guaranteed to work all the time.
Ultimately, the goal of weight loss – whether achieved through medication or other methods – should be health, not aesthetics alone.
If you’re concerned about facial changes, speak with a doctor or dermatologist about balancing your weight loss with strategies to help maintain an appearance you’re happy with.
This article is an answer to the question (asked by Asad Iravani, via email) 'Can you avoid getting 'Ozempic face'?'
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