The Rise of Ozempic for Weight Loss
Ozempic, also referred to as semaglutide, was initially designed as a therapy 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 title of semaglutide, has been making waves since then. Many individuals are turning to this drug as a solution to shed kilos rapidly, 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 every shortcut, there’s a catch—and for some, it’s known 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 individuals 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 further kilos can really feel superb, this surprising aspect impact has left many questioning: What’s occurring right here?
The Science Behind Speedy Weight Loss and Facial Adjustments
Once you drop a few pounds rapidly, your physique doesn’t simply burn fats—it could actually additionally lose one thing known as fat-free mass, which incorporates muscle. It’s inconceivable to drop a few pounds rapidly and solely lose fats. Some muscle loss is inevitable. So, this loss isn’t restricted to your arms, legs, or core; it could actually 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 old Pores and skin than Different Weight Loss Strategies?
All speedy weight reduction strategies trigger the lack of some muscle, normally round 25-30% of whole weight reduction is lean tissue, additionally known as fat-free mass. It principally is all the pieces 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 might be turning into a smaller model of your self. Ideally, when you have a puffy face, you need to lose the fats in your face and be extra engaging. One of many objectives for weight reduction is to look youthful, and “Ozempic face” is unquestionably not going the appropriate course.
However, whereas turning into smaller, you want 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 common 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, in accordance with the DEXA scans of 140 individuals 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. Basically, it makes you are feeling full quicker and eat much less. And your abdomen stays full longer, so that you really are fuller. So, you find yourself consuming quite a bit much less energy whereas on the drug. This in fact 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 among 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, dropping muscle is a well being concern, too. Muscle is important for power, power, and even protecting your metabolism working easily. So, whereas Ozempic might show you how to shed kilos, the best way it impacts your face and muscle mass may not align along with your objectives. And for those who acquire again weight after getting off the drug, which is what normally occurs, you do not acquire muscle again until 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.
Easy methods to Stop “Ozempic Face”
The excellent news? There are methods to battle again towards “Ozempic face.” As Dr. Stu Phillips talked about on the podcast Docs Who Carry, “Muscle and health is made within the health club, however weight is misplaced within the kitchen.”
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Carry Weights. Add Power Coaching to Your Routine: Resistance workouts, like lifting weights or doing body weight exercises, might help you keep muscle mass whereas dropping fats. That is the tried and true technique for preserving muscle groups whereas shedding weight.
In line 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 mix of each confirmed that resistance train or a mix of cardio and resistance train prevented lack of lean mass and power higher than cardio train alone. So, lifting weights is important to protecting your muscle groups. “Use or lose it” applies to muscle and bone power. By lifting weights it’s potential that you’re going to get smaller muscle groups, however acquire in power on the identical time. Fatty muscle in overweight individuals is not as sturdy as lean, educated muscle, so it’s OK to slim down some.
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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 to’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 troublesome, seeing that Ozempic makes lots of people really feel nauseated lots of the time.
How a lot protein do you want? About 0.5 grams per pound of physique weight will likely be sufficient. It is not as a lot as some bodybuilders advocate, 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 Widespread Aspect Results of Ozempic
“Ozempic face” isn’t the one aspect impact to concentrate on. Some customers additionally report nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. Hardly ever, critical issues like pancreatitis or gallbladder points can happen. Gallstones are a standard concern with speedy weight reduction. All the time seek the advice of a healthcare supplier earlier than beginning any new medicine, particularly one with such highly effective results.
Is Ozempic the Proper Alternative for You?
Ozempic may appear to be a miracle for weight reduction, nevertheless 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 will not be proud of the place the drug leaves you. Earlier than beginning this or any medicine, it’s vital to weigh the advantages and dangers along with your physician. Remember the fact that lasting weight reduction at all times requires greater than only a tablet—it takes a wholesome, decrease calorie weight loss plan than you might be 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 shocking aspect impact of utilizing Ozempic for weight reduction. Whereas the drug might help you drop kilos, you could use it alongside of no less than resistance train (lifting weights), and possibly 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 caring for your physique as an entire. And you may drop a few pounds, numerous it, with out Ozempic as nicely.
Shedding weight ought to make you are feeling higher and look higher, not older. By taking a considerate method and dealing along with your physician and well being coach, you will discover a plan that helps you obtain your objectives—with out sacrificing your smile within the mirror.
