From headlines about “Ozempic butt” to gut complaints, side effects from GLP-1 medicines keep trending. The “Ozempic face” phenomenon, in particular, describes noticeable facial volume loss and the appearance of “advanced facial ageing” reported with semaglutide, a medicine in the GLP-1 class.
Semaglutide is intended to be used alongside healthy eating and regular exercise to help regulate blood glucose in adults with type 2 diabetes. It mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a signalling hormone. “When you take GLP-1 medicines, they activate GLP-1 receptors and increase insulin to support blood glucose control,” explains toxicology professor Jamie Alan.
Although approved for type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medicines have been associated with weight loss. “Semaglutide allows patients to lose weight mostly by reducing appetite,” says endocrinologist Dr Christoph Buettner. It acts on brain regions involved in hunger and can dial down “food noise” or persistent thoughts about eating.
Semaglutide formulations are approved for type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, for weight management. Clinicians may also prescribe GLP-1 medicines off-label for weight loss. So what is “Ozempic face” and why does it happen? Below, doctors explain what to know about this reported effect.
“Ozempic face” symptoms
“Ozempic face” isn’t a medical term. It was coined in media to describe facial changes linked to a reduction in facial fat, leading to the appearance of sagging and wrinkles, explains endocrinologist Dr Priya Jaisinghani. “This effect may be more noticeable, particularly when there’s significant rapid weight loss,” she says.
Clinicians generally use the phrase to describe a gaunt, thinner face that can make someone look older than they are.
A spokesperson for the manufacturer of this medicine shared, “While we recognise that some healthcare providers may be prescribing [this medicine] for patients whose goal is to lose weight, [the company] does not promote, suggest or encourage off-label use of our medicines and is committed to fully complying with all applicable laws and regulations in the promotion of our products. We trust that healthcare providers are evaluating a patient’s individual needs and determining which medicine is right for that particular patient. Because you are asking about side effects resulting from using this medicine off-label, we cannot comment on this specifically.”
Why does “Ozempic face” happen?
It comes down to weight loss. “Weight loss, whether it is from diet, exercise, surgery or a medication, takes a toll on your face,” says dermatologist Dr Joshua Zeichner. “Fat in the face helps us maintain a naturally youthful appearance. When you lose facial fat, the face often appears gaunt and skeletonised. Especially in people who lose large amounts of weight, the face can appear significantly older.”
As body fat drops, “skin may become less plump and wrinkles may become more noticeable,” adds Dr Buettner. The effect can be more pronounced if someone previously lived with obesity, Dr Zeichner notes. “Years of excess fat often stretch the skin, so when the weight comes off, the loose skin may hang on the face, just as it can on the body.”
Does Ozempic change your face or skin?
Weight loss of any kind can change facial contours. “Ozempic, like other weight loss interventions, may lead to a ‘hollowed’ appearance in the face due to reduced fat volume,” says Dr Jaisinghani. “This can contribute to facial changes, including the appearance of more wrinkles and loose or sagging skin, which can be seen with any weight loss intervention.”
Can “Ozempic face” happen with other medications?
Yes. Facial volume loss can occur with any weight loss medicine. The nickname has simply stuck to one brand. “Fat is stored in the face and can be lost using any weight loss drug,” says Alan. He adds that faster-acting options may make the effect more noticeable.
In the US, one semaglutide product is approved for chronic weight management and another for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide medicines follow a similar pattern. Some clinicians also prescribe these medicines off label for weight loss.
How to avoid “Ozempic face”
It’s tricky to guarantee prevention, but there are ways to lower risk. If facial thinning shows up and bothers you, speak with your doctor, says board-certified dermatologist Dr Ife J. Rodney.
If you’re using a GLP-1 medicine for blood sugar management, your doctor may suggest a different option or a dose reduction, Dr Rodney says. If you’re using it for weight loss, be aware that any tweak can affect results as well as appearance. “I sometimes recommend reducing the dosage, but it does mean you would see slower results in terms of the weight loss,” she says.
Nutrition matters too. A balanced eating pattern that prioritises plenty of vegetables, fruit and adequate protein supports healthier, steadier weight loss, says endocrinologist Dr Kunal Shah. Protein helps maintain lean muscle and connective tissue during energy deficit and can help you feel fuller for longer. As a guide, the recommended daily intake is about 0.8 g of protein per kilogram of body weight. For example, someone who weighs 75 kg would aim for roughly 60 g of protein per day.
Still, expectations need to be realistic. You can’t target where weight comes off, so there’s no way to prevent facial volume loss with certainty. If changes are distressing, your GP can discuss pacing your weight loss, adjusting medication or referring you to a dermatologist for cosmetic options.
Will “Ozempic face” go away?
It’s hard to predict. Because “Ozempic face” isn’t a formal diagnosis, there’s no single set treatment. “Not that much can be done about the loss of fat in your face while you are losing weight,” says Dr Buettner. “But it is good to keep hydrated, as dehydrated skin can appear dull and wrinkles may become more pronounced.”
He suggests using moisturisers and other skin care designed to plump and hydrate. “Also, in the long term, avoid sun exposure, as sun damage can cause wrinkles, age spots and other signs of ageing,” he adds.
If the change bothers you, in-clinic options exist. Dr Zeichner, notes that injectable fillers may “help restore volume in the face,” and can “be used to improve a gaunt facial appearance as a result of weight loss.” Facial plastic surgeon Dr Mark Hamilton agrees: “Injectable fillers are the easiest way to re-volumise the face. These can be done in the clinic with an immediate effect and little downtime.” Fillers can have side effects and usually need maintenance.
Skin-tightening treatments, such as radiofrequency-based procedures, may also help with mild laxity, Dr Zeichner says. For longer term solutions, some people consider fat grafting or cheek and facial implants, Dr Hamilton adds.
Ozempic side effects
GLP-1 medicines that contain semaglutide can cause side effects. Common reactions include:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
More serious effects have been reported, such as:
- Thyroid tumours and cancer
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Kidney problems, including failure
- Gallbladder issues
- Vision changes
- Low blood glucose
When to see a doctor
It’s best to discuss prevention strategies before starting treatment,” says Dr Jaisinghani. “During treatment, stay informed, maintain open communication with your doctor and attend regular appointments. Contact your doctor if you notice rapid weight loss or changes in facial appearance while on a treatment regimen.”
Seek urgent care if you develop severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, signs of low blood glucose like sweating or confusion, sudden vision changes or a neck lump or hoarseness that does not settle.
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