The Rise of Ozempic for Weight Loss
Ozempic, also referred to as semaglutide, was initially designed as a remedy for sort 2 diabetes. However on June 4, 2021 the FDA authorized the primary weight-loss drug since 2014. Ozempic, or Wegovy, one other model identify of semaglutide, has been making waves since then. Many individuals are turning to this drug as a technique to shed kilos shortly, 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 all 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 folks expertise after shedding weight 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 additional kilos can really feel superb, this surprising facet impact has left many questioning: What’s occurring right here?
The Science Behind Speedy Weight Loss and Facial Modifications
If you shed some pounds shortly, your physique doesn’t simply burn fats—it may additionally lose one thing referred to as fat-free mass, which incorporates muscle. It’s not possible to shed some pounds shortly and solely lose fats. Some muscle loss is inevitable. So, this loss isn’t restricted to your arms, legs, or core; it may 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 Getting older Pores and skin than Different Weight Loss Strategies?
All fast weight reduction strategies trigger the lack of some muscle, normally round 25-30% of complete weight reduction is lean tissue, additionally referred to as fat-free mass. It principally is all the things 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 turning into a smaller model of your self. Ideally, when you’ve got 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 certainly not going the proper path.
However, whereas turning into smaller, you wish to turn into leaner as nicely, proper? You do not need to be skinny fats. So, right here is the catch. In scientific trials, such because the Step 1 Trial for Ozempic, the fat-free weight reduction was almost 40%, not simply 20-30%. For the typical 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 folks within the research. Ideally, the lean tissue loss would have been round 5-7 kilos, not almost 12 kilos!
How Ozempic Causes Muscle and Fats Loss
Ozempic works by mimicking a hormone in your physique that regulates urge for food. Primarily, it makes you’re feeling full quicker and eat much less. And your abdomen stays full longer, so that you truly are fuller. So, you find yourself consuming lots much less energy whereas on the drug. This after all results in weight reduction, however your physique might not at all times distinguish between fats and muscle when it’s burning energy. Sadly, this implies a few of the muscle mass you lose may very well be out of your face, contributing to “Ozempic face.”
The Influence of Dropping Facial Muscle and Fats
For many individuals, shedding weight 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, shedding muscle is a well being concern, too. Muscle is important for power, vitality, and even holding your metabolism working easily. So, whereas Ozempic might enable you shed kilos, the best way it impacts your face and muscle mass won’t align together with your targets. And should you acquire again weight after getting off the drug, which is what normally occurs, you do not acquire muscle again except you’re employed at it. And most of the people do not work at it, so that they find yourself with a worse, fattier physique composition than earlier than they began shedding weight.
The best way to Stop “Ozempic Face”
The excellent news? There are methods to combat again in opposition to “Ozempic face.” As Dr. Stu Phillips talked about on the podcast Docs Who Carry, “Muscle and health is made within the fitness center, however weight is misplaced within the kitchen.”
-
Carry Weights. Add Power Coaching to Your Routine: Resistance workout routines, like lifting weights or doing body weight exercises, may help you preserve muscle mass whereas shedding fats. That is the tried and true technique for preserving muscular tissues whereas shedding weight.
In accordance with a research printed in The New England Journal of Medication weight reduction induced by calorie restriction and both cardio train, resistance train, or a mixture of each confirmed that resistance train or a mixture of cardio and resistance train prevented lack of lean mass and power higher than cardio train alone. So, lifting weights is significant to holding your muscular tissues. “Use or lose it” applies to muscle and bone power. By lifting weights it’s doable that you’ll get smaller muscular tissues, however acquire in power on the similar time. Fatty muscle in overweight folks is not as sturdy as lean, skilled muscle, so it’s OK to slim down some.
-
Eat Sufficient Protein: You do not have to turn 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 numerous the time.
How a lot protein do you want? About 0.5 grams per pound of physique weight will probably be sufficient. It is not as a lot as some bodybuilders suggest, 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, severe problems like pancreatitis or gallbladder points can happen. Gallstones are a typical concern with fast weight reduction. At all times seek the advice of a healthcare supplier earlier than beginning any new treatment, particularly one with such highly effective results.
Is Ozempic the Proper Alternative for You?
Ozempic may look like a miracle for weight reduction, however it’s not for everybody. In one other weblog I focus on the burden loss plateau that’s seen in each research of the drug. You might not be proud of the place the drug leaves you. Earlier than beginning this or any treatment, it’s necessary to weigh the advantages and dangers together with your physician. Take into account that lasting weight reduction at all times requires greater than only a capsule—it takes a wholesome, decrease calorie weight loss program 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 good to use it alongside of no less than resistance train (lifting weights), and doubtless with cardio train as nicely to forestall “Ozempic face” and the lack of muscle mass. The important thing to wholesome weight reduction is stability: preserving your muscle, defending your well being, and taking good care of your physique as an entire. And you’ll shed some pounds, a number 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 method and dealing together with your physician and well being coach, you will discover a plan that helps you obtain your targets—with out sacrificing your smile within the mirror.
