Ozempic Face & Butt: Understanding the Impact of Medical Weight Loss on Your Face and Body

The rise in popularity of weight loss injections has sparked significant interest and controversy over the last few years. Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Semaglutide, Mounjaro, Tirzepatide, Zepbound, and Saxenda (GLP-1 agonists) have captured the public’s attention due to their promise of effective weight loss. These medications work by regulating blood sugar, appetite, and food intake, leading to significant reductions in body weight (Humphrey & Lawrence, 2023). While they’ve been shown to be remarkably effective, they have also introduced a new wave of concerns about how they impact the face and body, sparking discussions around “Ozempic face” and “Ozempic butt” (Mansour et al., 2024).

The Popularity of Weight Loss Injections

The popularity of weight loss injections, particularly Ozempic and Wegovy (both containing semaglutide), can be traced back to their effectiveness in weight reduction. These medications are designed to mimic a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which regulates insulin and helps control hunger. Studies have shown that semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) can lead to an average weight loss of up to 15-20% of total body weight in patients (Ghusn et al., 2022). This powerful weight reduction mechanism has made them a go-to treatment for those struggling with obesity, and as more people see their effectiveness, their popularity continues to rise.

How These Medications Work

GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide work by affecting various mechanisms in the body. They help lower blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion in response to food intake. Additionally, they slow gastric emptying and promote satiety, helping people feel fuller longer. This not only aids in weight loss but also contributes to better blood sugar control for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Tirzepatide (marketed as Mounjaro) is another injection that has gained attention. It works similarly to semaglutide but also targets the GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) receptor, adding another layer of effectiveness in promoting weight loss. This combination of action on two receptors makes Mounjaro particularly effective for weight loss, and it has been shown to result in greater weight reductions compared to semaglutide alone.

Despite their effectiveness, some users have noted unexpected changes in their appearance, specifically in the face and body (Mansour et al., 2024).. Let’s explore what’s happening and why this occurs.

What’s Causing the “Ozempic Face” and “Ozempic Butt”?

As more people experience rapid weight loss through these medications, certain changes in their facial and body structure have become noticeable. The most discussed of these are commonly referred to as “Ozempic face” and “Ozempic butt.” These terms describe the sagging skin and loss of volume in the face and buttocks that can occur with significant weight loss.

However, it’s important to note that the cause of these changes isn’t necessarily the medication itself, but rather the rapid weight loss associated with it. When a person loses weight quickly, particularly if it is substantial, the skin doesn’t always have time to adjust. The skin loses its natural elasticity, and this results in sagging or a hollow appearance.

The Science Behind Skin Elasticity and Rapid Weight Loss

As we age, our skin's ability to snap back after weight loss diminishes. This is primarily because of the reduction in collagen and elastin, the two proteins responsible for skin’s firmness and elasticity. When weight loss happens gradually, the skin has more time to adapt, but rapid weight loss can overwhelm the skin’s ability to maintain its shape.

As the skin stretches and contracts, its collagen content can decrease, especially in areas with thinner skin, such as the face. Rapid changes in body size, whether from diet, exercise, or weight loss injections, can therefore lead to visible changes in appearance (Rocha et al., 2021).

Another study found that those who lose weight too quickly often have more pronounced skin laxity because their skin does not have the time it needs to keep up with the changes in fat volume (Rocha et al., 2021).

The Media’s Fear-Mongering vs. The Benefits of Weight Loss Medications

It’s no secret that the media often sensationalizes the negative effects of weight loss drugs, focusing on terms like “Ozempic face” and “Ozempic butt” to scare people away from using them. While these concerns are valid in some cases, it's essential to recognize the broader picture: weight loss injections like Ozempic and Mounjaro have helped countless individuals regain control over their health, lose significant weight, and improve their overall well-being.

The decision to use these medications is a personal one, and for many, it has led to positive outcomes such as better cardiovascular health, improved diabetes management, and a boost in confidence. Being proactive in managing one's health and weight should always be commended, and these medications have empowered individuals to make those changes.

Addressing the Issue: How to Help With Changes in the Face and Body

While weight loss injections provide an incredible benefit, we also understand that the rapid changes they trigger in the face and body can be concerning for some individuals. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help address these changes, restoring volume and improving skin appearance.

1. Sculptra

Sculptra is a biostimulator that stimulates collagen production in the skin, which can help restore volume and smooth out sagging or hollow areas. It works over time, gradually improving the appearance by enhancing the skin’s natural ability to regenerate. Studies have shown that Sculptra can significantly improve skin texture and elasticity by promoting collagen growth in treated areas (Fabi et al. 2024).

2. Dermal Fillers

Similar to Sculptra, other dermal fillers can be used to add volume to areas of the face and body that may have lost fullness due to rapid weight loss. Fillers like Juvederm and Restylane can be injected to restore youthful contours and reduce sagging skin.

Research supports the efficacy of dermal fillers for restoring volume and improving facial aesthetics, especially in individuals who have experienced significant fat loss (Humphrey & Lawrence, 2023).

3. RF Microneedling

RF (Radio Frequency) Microneedling combines the benefits of microneedling with radio frequency energy, which stimulates collagen production and tightens the skin. This treatment can help improve skin elasticity and texture, particularly in areas affected by rapid weight loss.

RF microneedling has been proven to significantly improve skin tightness and collagen production in patients with loose skin (Tan et al., 2021).

4. Emsculpt Neo

Emsculpt Neo is a non-invasive body sculpting treatment that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate muscle growth and reduce fat. It’s an excellent option for those experiencing changes in body shape, as it helps build muscle while reducing stubborn fat in areas like the abdomen and buttocks.

Emsculpt has also proven to significantly improved muscle tone and reduced fat, offering a more toned and sculpted appearance (Kohan et al., 2024). 

In addition to its ability to enhance muscle tone and reduce fat, Emsculpt Neo has recently earned FDA approval for use in rehabilitation and chronic pain management. This approval highlights the versatility of the technology, as it not only helps sculpt the body but also promotes muscle recovery and relieves discomfort in targeted areas. By using high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy, Emsculpt Neo stimulates muscle contractions, which can help improve muscle function, reduce pain, and enhance recovery for those dealing with chronic pain or recovering from injury. This makes it an ideal treatment for those looking to regain strength and improve their overall body composition after significant weight loss, complementing efforts to restore volume and skin elasticity in the face and body.

A Personalized Approach at Biolite Wellness

At Biolite Wellness, we understand that each individual is unique. That’s why we take a personalized approach to treatment, offering a variety of options to address the specific concerns of our clients. Whether you’re looking to restore volume, tighten your skin, or sculpt your body, we can help you find the right solution for your needs.

Conclusion

Weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have undoubtedly changed the way people approach weight loss, offering a powerful tool for those who struggle with obesity and related health issues. While they have led to some visible changes in the face and body, these effects are not solely the result of the medications but rather the rapid weight loss they trigger. By understanding the science behind these changes and utilizing treatments like Sculptra, dermal fillers, RF microneedling, and Emsculpt Neo, individuals can mitigate these effects and maintain a healthy, confident appearance.

If you’ve experienced significant weight loss and are concerned about changes to your face and body, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us at Biolite Wellness. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that will help you feel your best.