The Rise of Ozempic for Weight Loss

Ozempic, also referred to as semaglutide, was initially designed as a remedy for kind 2 diabetes. However on June 4, 2021 the FDA permitted the primary weight-loss drug since 2014.  Ozempic, or Wegovy, one other model title of semaglutide, has been making waves since then. Many individuals are turning to this drug as a approach 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 medication, 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 losing a few 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 superb, this surprising facet impact has left many questioning: What’s happening right here?

The Science Behind Fast Weight Loss and Facial Modifications

Whenever you drop some pounds rapidly, your physique doesn’t simply burn fats—it will probably additionally lose one thing referred to as fat-free mass, which incorporates muscle. It’s not possible to drop some pounds rapidly and solely lose fats. Some muscle loss is inevitable. So, this loss isn’t restricted to your arms, legs, or core; it will probably occur in your face too. With out the pure padding of fats and muscle, your facial options might 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, often round 25-30% of whole weight reduction is lean tissue, additionally referred to as fat-free mass. It principally is every 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 nicely.  In any case, you’re changing into a smaller model of your self. Ideally, when you have a puffy face, you need to lose the fats in your face and be extra engaging. One of many targets for weight reduction is to look youthful, and “Ozempic face” is unquestionably not going the proper path.

However, whereas changing into smaller, you want to develop into leaner as nicely, proper? You do not need 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, based on 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. Basically, it makes you’re feeling full sooner and eat much less. And your abdomen stays full longer, so that you really are fuller. So, you find yourself consuming quite a bit much less energy whereas on the drug. This in fact results in weight reduction, however your physique might 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 may very well be out of your face, contributing to “Ozempic face.”

The Impression of Dropping Facial Muscle and Fats

For many individuals, losing a few 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, vitality, and even retaining your metabolism operating easily. So, whereas Ozempic might assist you shed kilos, the best way it impacts your face and muscle mass won’t align along with your targets. And in case you achieve again weight after getting off the drug, which is what often occurs, you do not achieve muscle again until you’re employed at it. And most of the people do not work at it, in order that they find yourself with a worse, fattier physique composition than earlier than they began losing a few pounds.

The right way 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 Carry, “Muscle and health is made within the health club, however weight is misplaced within the kitchen.”

1. Carry Weights. Add Energy Coaching to Your Routine: Resistance workouts, like lifting weights or doing body weight exercises, may help you preserve muscle mass whereas dropping fats. That is the tried and true methodology for preserving muscle mass whereas losing a few pounds.

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

2. Eat Sufficient Protein: You do not have to develop into a protein-aholic, however protein is useful in sustaining muscle mass. Simply watch out the place you get your protein. Be sure 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 a variety of the time.

   How a lot protein do you want? About 0.5 grams per pound of physique weight will likely 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 keep up your lean physique mass.

Different Frequent Aspect Results of Ozempic

“Ozempic face” isn’t the one facet impact to concentrate on. Some customers additionally report nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. Hardly ever, critical issues like pancreatitis or gallbladder points can happen. Gallstones are a typical concern with fast weight reduction. All the time seek the advice of a healthcare supplier earlier than beginning any new remedy, particularly one with such highly effective results.

Is Ozempic the Proper Selection for You?

Ozempic would possibly seem to be a miracle for weight reduction, nevertheless it’s not for everybody. In one other weblog I talk about the load loss plateau that’s seen in each examine of the drug. You is probably not pleased with the place the drug leaves you. Earlier than beginning this or any remedy, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and dangers along with your physician. Take into account that lasting weight reduction all the time requires greater than only a tablet—it takes a wholesome, decrease calorie weight-reduction plan than you’re used to, common cardio and resistance train, and a dedication to sticking with a brand new life-style.

Conclusion

“Ozempic face” is an actual and stunning facet impact of utilizing Ozempic for weight reduction. Whereas the drug may help you drop kilos, it’s worthwhile to use it alongside of not less than resistance train (lifting weights), and possibly with cardio train as nicely to stop “Ozempic face” and the lack of muscle mass. The important thing to wholesome weight reduction is steadiness: preserving your muscle, defending your well being, and caring for your physique as an entire. And you’ll drop some pounds, plenty of it, with out Ozempic as nicely.

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