Ozpemic is used widely, from billionaires like Elon Musk to everyday people like my dad. Now that the drug has been in circulation for a few years, doctors and patients alike are speaking up about unexpected Ozempic side effects.
Ozempic Face
Often, people who have lost a lot of weight with Ozempic have a hollowed-out look to their face – gaunt cheeks, loose skin, sunken eyes. In part, this is due to rapid weight loss occurring faster than the body can adjust.
But plastic surgeons have found some troubling results beneath the skin, too. Not only is the skin loose, but it actually appears to be older than it should be. On the outside, you may notice increased wrinkles and lines around the face, but surgeons have found the skin contains less collagen and elastin, which help keep skin looking youthful.
Dr. Julius Few said in an interview with Allure that a GLP-1 receptor like Ozempic “almost seems to age the quality of the skin, like the skin takes on an appearance of an older person.” Without the necessary strength required to bounce back into place, he continues, patients’ plastic surgery results are not ideal.
Combat this by taking extra collagen while you’re on Ozempic or similar drugs. You can also eat foods that help stimulate collagen production.
Want to learn about ways to boost your collagen? Read this article >>>
To create collagen, your body needs protein, vitamin C, zinc, and copper. Click to discover the foods you should consider incorporating into your diet.
Protein:
- Beef.
- Chicken.
- Fish.
- Beans.
- Eggs.
- Dairy products (milk, cheese).
Vitamin C:
- Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits).
- Red and green peppers.
- Tomatoes.
- Dark green, leafy vegetables (broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts).
Zinc and Copper:
- Beans.
- Meats.
- Shellfish.
- Nuts.
- Whole grains.
Stomach Problems
It’s well known that Ozempic side effects can also cause stomach issues, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation. In fact, these symptoms are even written clearly on the warning label.
To manage these instances, try:
- eating slower
- consuming smaller meals
- selecting more bland, low-fat foods (like crackers, toast and rice)
- avoiding greasy, fried foods or sugary treats
- eating foods that contain water (like soup or gelatin)
- not lying down right after eating
- drinking clear or ice-cold liquids
- if possible, going outside for fresh air if you feel sick to your stomach
For some people, stomach problems get much worse than an ache that won’t go away.
As of August 2024, about 200 lawsuits have been filed against Ozempic claiming it causes dangerous side effects, like stomach paralysis, without adequately warning patients.
“Use of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss compared with use of bupropion-naltrexone was associated with increased risk of pancreatitis, gastroparesis, and bowel obstruction,” according to a study in the JAMA medical journal. See below for a definition of each condition.
| Pancreatitis | Pancreatitis is the swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas. This may happen when digestive juices or enzymes attack the pancreas. Pancreatitis may be sudden (acute) or ongoing (chronic). |
| Gastroparesis | Gastroparesis occurs when there is delayed gastric emptying. Delayed gastric emptying means the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. Sometimes, when the food doesn’t empty properly, it forms a solid mass called a bezoar. Usually these big masses of old food can block the stomach and lead to symptoms of nausea, vomiting and even obstruction of the stomach, which in turn may prevent food from passing into the small intestine. |
| Bowel Obstruction | An intestinal obstruction (AKA bowel obstruction) means that something is blocking your intestine. Food and stool may not be able to move freely. An intestinal obstruction may partially or completely block the natural digestion and waste removal process. A complete blockage is an emergency and needs medical attention right away. |
Though relatively rare, these side effects are severe. Monitoring for symptoms can help you catch complications in the early stages while you can reverse them without invasive procedures.
Suicidal Ideation
A recent study published in the JAMA medical journal found that semaglutide is disproportionately linked to suicidal ideation compared to other weight loss drugs.
Not only can semaglutide increase the risk in the general population, but the risk continues to increase in people who have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety prior to starting a semaglutide medication, like Ozempic.
If you’ve experienced psychiatric disorders, Ozempic may not be right for you, whether or not you take medications for the disorder.
If you begin experiencing suicidal ideation, talk to your doctor immediately about how to safely stop taking Ozempic or any other semaglutide medications.
To Ozempic or Not To Ozempic, That is The Question
Ozempic has helped millions lose weight, and some people are even successful at keeping the weight off once stopping the drug.
But before committing to this major change, it’s essential to have all the facts. Stay up to date on new findings about GLP-1 and semaglutide medications to ensure you have a healthy weight loss journey.
~ Read more from The Health Insider ~
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The information provided on TheHealthInsider.ca is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. TheHealthInsider.ca advises consulting a medical professional or healthcare provider when seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.