Ozempic face refers to weight loss in the face resulting from treatment with Ozempic (semaglutide), an injectable medication for type 2 diabetes and weight management. Ozempic works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to stimulate insulin production, slow digestion, and reduce appetite.
Some common effects of Ozempic include:
- Weight loss: Ozempic weight loss results are achieved by reducing appetite and calorie intake. Fat loss occurs throughout the body, including loss of fat from the face. This can result in a thinner, more sculpted facial appearance.
- Less puffiness: Ozempic may decrease inflammation in the body, which can translate to less puffiness in the face. It can have a diuretic effect, reducing water retention that can contribute to a puffy face.
- More prominent features: As fat is lost from the face and puffiness is reduced, the jawline and cheekbones may become more prominent and visible. The overall face shape may appear more angular.
- Dark circles: Some people notice their under-eye circles becoming more visible as they lose weight from the face. The skin under the eyes can appear darker or sunken. Moisturizing, getting enough sleep and limiting alcohol/salt intake may help improve the appearance.
- Sagging skin: Rapid or significant weight loss from the face can potentially lead to some loose, sagging skin. As fat is lost, the skin may not tighten fast enough. Building muscle tone with facial exercises and maintaining hydration may help minimize sagging. In some cases, cosmetic procedures may be recommended to eliminate excess skin.
- Gaunt appearance: For some people, substantial weight loss from the face can result in an overly gaunt or thin appearance. If weight loss continues, the gaunt look may become more pronounced over time. Gaining weight back or discontinuing Ozempic under medical guidance may help if this becomes an aesthetic concern.
So in summary, “Ozempic face” refers to the weight loss and changes in facial appearance that can occur with Ozempic treatment. Effects may include a thinner, more sculpted face shape, loss of puffiness, more prominent features like cheekbones, potential under-eye circles or sagging skin, and in some cases an overly gaunt appearance. Diet, exercise and proper skincare can help optimize facial changes, or Ozempic dosing may need adjustment. Cosmetic procedures are options for sagging skin if needed.
What is Ozempic
Ozempic is a brand name for semaglutide, an injectable medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and promote weight loss. It works by mimicking the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone released by the intestines that stimulates insulin production, slows digestion and reduces appetite.
Some key points about Ozempic include:
- It is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once weekly. The dosage is gradually increased over several weeks based on blood sugar response and side effects.
- It lowers blood sugar levels by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin when blood sugar is high, especially after meals. It also decreases the liver’s production of glucose.
- It causes weight loss by slowing digestion and reducing appetite. This leads to lower calorie intake and fat loss throughout the body. Significant weight loss, especially around the midsection, can be achieved with Ozempic.
- It reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes who also have heart disease. Ozempic may slow the progression of atherosclerosis and decrease other cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension.
- Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation and low blood sugar. These side effects are usually temporary but can be minimized by slowly increasing the dosage.
- It should not be used in people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. It is not intended for weight loss alone, only as an adjunct to diet and exercise for blood sugar control and weight management.
- The effects of Ozempic peak around 2-3 days after each dose and last for up to 7 days. It leaves the body after 8-12 days. Missing a dose could impact blood sugar control until the next scheduled dose.
- Ozempic pens and syringes are meant for single patient use only. Leftover medication should be discarded after 28 days. They should be kept in the refrigerator at 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The average wholesale price of Ozempic is around $850-$1000 per pen or syringe depending on the dosage strength. Many insurance plans cover Ozempic, especially for diabetics, with typical co-pays ranging from $0-$150 per month.
So in summary, Ozempic or semaglutide is an injectable diabetes and weight loss drug that works by increasing insulin, reducing glucose production and slowing digestion. It lowers blood sugar, promotes weight loss and has cardiovascular benefits. Side effects are usually temporary but can include nausea, vomiting and low blood sugar. Proper storage, handling and disposal are required. The cost varies but it is often covered by insurance.
Celebrities that have Lost Weight Using Ozempic
Some celebrities that have reportedly lost weight using Ozempic (semaglutide) include:
- Jesse James Decker – Country singer and reality TV star Jesse James Decker lost 50 pounds after the birth of her third child by following a ketogenic diet and taking Ozempic. She shared her experience on Instagram, crediting the medication for suppressing her appetite and accelerating her weight loss.
- Jillian Michaels – Fitness trainer and TV personality Jillian Michaels turned to Ozempic to lose weight after developing a medical issue that slowed down her metabolism. She lost 12 pounds over 3 months, combining the medication with diet and exercise. Michaels said Ozempic reduced her appetite and cravings, making her weight loss plan more effective.
- Kelly Clarkson – Singer Kelly Clarkson revealed on her daytime talk show that she lost 37 pounds with the help of Ozempic alongside a nutritious diet and exercise plan. Clarkson said the medication helped curb her appetite in the evenings and gave her motivation by accelerating her initial weight loss. Her total weight loss exceeded her initial goal.
- Rick Ross – Rapper Rick Ross lost over 100 pounds after suffering a series of health scares related to his weight-related issues. While diet and exercise were the primary drivers of his lifestyle change, Ross’s weight loss doctor also prescribed Ozempic to help speed up weight loss by reducing appetite and calorie intake. Ross has kept the majority of the weight off through continued commitment to healthy habits.
- Sarah Haines – “The View” co-host Sara Haines opened up about using Ozempic, along with WW (formerly Weight Watchers) and exercise, to lose 50 pounds after the birth of her third child. She said the medication, along with the accountability of WW and a walking routine, gave her the push she needed to achieve her weight loss goal. Haines has continued taking Ozempic to maintain her results.
- Randy Jackson – Music producer and former “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson lost 114 pounds after being diagnosed with diabetes nearly a decade ago. Along with bariatric surgery and a focus on lean proteins and complex carbs, Jackson credited medications like Ozempic for helping regulate his blood sugar and keep weight off. He has maintained a loss of 100+ pounds through continued motivation and healthy lifestyle habits.
So in summary, numerous celebrities have lost significant amounts of weight with the help of Ozempic, typically in combination with diet, exercise and sometimes bariatric procedures. By suppressing appetite, reducing cravings and accelerating initial weight loss, Ozempic provides motivation and improved effectiveness of weight loss plans. The key is continued commitment to healthy habits to achieve and maintain weight loss results.