Using 'Ozempic' for weight loss leads to looking '5 years older'? Doctor reveals what to do to avoid facial collapse

The popular weight-loss drug "Ozempic," known locally as "猛健樂" (Měng Jiàn Lè), has gained global attention for its significant slimming effects. However, a recent online post on Dcard detailed a user's distressing experience: after successfully shedding 12 kilograms in five months, from 64 kg to 52 kg, she developed severely sunken cheeks and deepened nasolabial folds, feeling she had aged five years.

This condition is internationally recognized as "Ozempic Face." Medical experts clarify that the drug itself does not harm the skin. Instead, the aging appearance is an inevitable consequence of rapid weight loss, leading to the depletion of collagen and facial fat. The user noted that after trying various methods like diet control and intermittent fasting without success, she turned to Ozempic under medical supervision. While achieving her weight goals, she began receiving comments about looking tired or unwell, prompting her to research and discover the "Ozempic Face" phenomenon.

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Is it that you haven't eaten?

Many other users shared similar experiences online, attributing the facial changes to the drug's appetite suppression, which leads to a significant caloric deficit. This deficit, while effective for weight loss, causes the body to lose collagen and fat, resulting in a tired and aged look. Some users, however, reported no such side effects after using the drug for over six months, suggesting that individual factors like diet, sleep, and exercise play a crucial role in maintaining facial appearance.

To combat "Ozempic Face," dermatologists and cosmetic experts recommend a multi-pronged approach. Resistance training (like weightlifting) at least twice a week is advised to preserve muscle mass and stimulate growth hormones, helping maintain skin firmness. Controlling the pace of weight loss to 0.5-1 kg per week is crucial for skin elasticity. Nutritional support, including adequate protein intake (1.2-1.5 g per kg of body weight daily) from sources like chicken breast, fish, and eggs, along with vitamin C, is essential for collagen synthesis. For those already experiencing facial hollowness, cosmetic procedures such as fat grafting, hyaluronic acid fillers, or collagen-stimulating injections may be considered, alongside continued exercise.

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You look very tired.