NAUSEA, constipation, breathing problems, racing heart… the list of Ozempic side effects appears to be growing by the day.
And now experts have revealed a new “incredibly common” issue that “nearly everyone” using weight loss injections will experience.
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TOWIE’s Gemma Collins used fat jabs to shed two stone and has admitted to noticing this unwanted, near-instant effect, which some professionals say makes you look “20 years older”.
The term ‘Ozempic lines’ refers to the deep facial wrinkles that can appear when someone loses a significant amount of weight quickly after using jabs, including Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy.
Reality TV icon Gemma, 44, exclusively told The Sun she’s been using the NHS-approved drug Mounjaro since November in a bid to lose weight.
But while the pounds have been dropping rapidly, Gemma is convinced her face is ageing at an increased rate, with deep lines appearing out of nowhere.
‘Happened overnight’
Last week, she wrote on social media: “I really don’t know what’s happened to me, I really don’t. It’s just come on me overnight. But it has been a year since I’ve had any little tweakments.
“I don’t know if it’s since I’ve been losing weight. I sure haven’t got ‘Ozempic face’ yet, but it would be the dream right now.
“I’ve always had a fuller face, as you know. I do have expression around my eyes. I want to look natural still.
“But this just isn’t right. What has happened? I am 44 but this is taking it to levels that I never, ever imagined it’d get to.”
‘Super common’
Dr Ed Robinson, one of the UK’s leading aesthetic doctors, told Fabulous that ‘Ozempic lines’ are an issue many of his patients are experiencing.
He said: “With such rapid weight loss, we’re increasingly seeing aesthetic side effects.
“‘Ozempic lines’ are the fine lines and deeper wrinkles that can appear when someone loses a significant amount of weight quickly – often after using weight-loss medications like Ozempic.
“It’s super common because when the face loses volume, particularly fat, that once provided natural plumpness, the skin can start to sag, wrinkle, and look more hollow.
“We also see a reduction in proteins collagen and elastin which can lead to crepiness of the skin, most noticeably around the eyes and mouth.
“Without the natural support from underlying fat, both the face and neck can appear aged, saggy, and out of balance.”
What is ‘Ozempic face’?
‘Ozempic face’ is a term used to describe a change in facial appearance that some people notice after losing weight quickly, often while using Ozempic or similar medications (like Wegovy or Mounjaro).
It isn’t specific to Ozempic – it’s more about rapid weight loss, especially in the face, which can lead to: loss of fat volume in cheeks and under the eyes, sagging or loose skin and more pronounced wrinkles.
Because the face has less fat, the skin might not bounce back as quickly, leading some people to feel they look older or more tired.
‘Ozempic face’ is not medically dangerous, but it can be distressing for some people, especially if the change is sudden or dramatic.
It is a cosmetic side effect, not a health risk.
To treat ‘Ozempic face’, dermal fillers or skin-tightening treatments can be used.
Hydration, skincare and nutrition also play a key role in keeping skin healthy.
Ozempic has quickly become as famous as the stars using it.
The medication, originally intended for diabetes sufferers, has now hit headlines around the world for how quickly it allows people to shed stubborn pounds.
It’s become the poster child for a new wave of weight loss injections that can help people drop up to a fifth of their body weight but other brands such as Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound have also gained traction.
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The drugs, which have been called a “miracle” by some, work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone released in the body when we are full.
While many celebrities, including Amy Schumer, 43, and Sharon Osbourne, 72, have lost huge amounts of weight and openly talked about using Ozempic, there’s now a huge list of potentially negative side effects that we’re learning more about.
These weight loss medications can rapidly add 10 to 20 years to a once plump, youthful face such as Gemma’s
Gerard Lambe
‘Ozempic neck’ and ‘Ozempic feet’ are other conditions that aesthetic doctors have commented on.
But it’s ‘Ozempic lines’ that are the current plight of jab users.
Gerard Lambe, one of the UK’s leading consultant cosmetic surgeons, who heads up the Reflect Clinic, told Fabulous Gemma’s “skin changes are incredibly common”.
‘Accelerated ageing’
He said: “‘Ozempic lines’ are basically the accelerated ageing and dehydration of the facial skin that appear within weeks of starting the jabs and it’s unfortunately one of the prices anyone using these peptides has to pay.
“Nearly everyone who is on Ozempic and has had significant weight loss has seen a negative change in their skin.
“These weight loss medications can rapidly add 10 to 20 years to a once plump, youthful face such as Gemma’s.”
Gerard, who regularly carries out tummy tucks and breast lifts on people who have experienced major weight loss, claims Ozempic users have noticed an increase in facial lines after short term use.
He said: “Many women come to me panicking that they have aged overnight, or certainly in weeks, just like Gemma, following weight loss jab use.
“With Ozempic and Mounjaro, various changes are happening that create serious issues with skin elasticity and texture.
“Often, those using these injections lose their appetite so swiftly they simply don’t eat enough or they eat very little and it is often low on nutrients.
‘Very worrying’
“The skin, especially facial skin, needs loads of protein and healthy fats to stay plump and smooth.
“Another major risk with these peptides is dehydration. It is silently and rapidly ageing the skin.
“As appetite drops so does the natural impulse to keep drinking fluids. I see this so often and it is very worrying.”
What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs?
Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects.
Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include:
Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts.
Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea.
Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset.
Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation.
Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort.
Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss.
Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating.
Serious side effects can also include:
Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon.
Thyroid tumors: There’s a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic.
Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin.
Practitioners have noticed a rise in ‘Ozempic lines’.
Dr Robinson told us: “I am seeing these complaints much more frequently,” while Dr. Omar Tillo added: “I’m seeing this more and more in the clinic lately, and it’s something most people notice after a big weight drop. It’s not unusual.”
But can this worrying side effect be combated?
Gerard explains: “Investing in a good moisturiser and avoiding the sun is going to help but will not reverse deep wrinkles and lines.”
Additionally, he suggests: “Also make sure you commit to carrying a two litre water bottle everywhere and making a commitment to keeping her skin and body super-hydrated.”
But Gemma isn’t the only celebrity to have noticed a drastic change in her face after using weight loss jabs.
Sharon Osbourne, who admitted to injecting herself with the drug in order to shed 42 pounds, has also discussed the implications the jabs have had on her face.
Speaking to Daily Mail, the 72-year-old Celebrity Big Brother star said: “I don’t care what people say about the way I look.
I’m too gaunt and I can’t put any weight on
Sharon Osbourne
“I know I look gaunt and I know everything that goes along with it. And I did it.
“I’m too gaunt and I can’t put any weight on. I want to, because I feel I’m too skinny. I’m under 100lb and I don’t want to be. Be careful what you wish for.”
Reflecting further on her experience on Good Morning Britain in November 2023, Sharon claimed she “could do with putting on a few pounds” as she issued a stark warning about the injections.
Speaking to hosts Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway, Sharon warned: “I fear for teenagers, I’m scared for those aged 16 to 20 as it’s so easy to take it and think, ‘I can eat what I want’.
“It needs to be in the hands of only people who totally understand it.”
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Meanwhile, fans have been left concerned that 41-year-old reality TV star Scott Disick, who shares three children with his ex Kourtney Kardashian, is looking incredibly gaunt after his Ozempic use recently made a cameo on The Kardashians.
On an episode of the Hulu reality series, Khloe Kardashian, 40, was sitting with Kendall Jenner, 29, when they called Scott to share a bit of news.
During a FaceTime call with the father-of-three, Khloe asked: “Did you see from the show? Did you see what’s in your fridge?”
‘Godzilla’ of fat jabs
Dr Mitra Dutt, a GP from Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, says: “Mounjaro works by activating two hormonal receptors (GIP and GLP-1), which enhance insulin production, improve insulin sensitivity and work to decrease food intake.”
Saxenda, which contains the active ingredient liraglutide, is another weight loss jab that’s been available on the NHS since 2020.
While Mounjaro is hailed as the “King Kong” fat jabs, a new weight loss drug dubbed “Godzilla” looks set to displace it.
Containing the active ingredient retatrutide, slimmers trying the drug lost up to 29 per cent of their weight in less than a year.
By comparison, trial results showed semaglutide, known as Ozempic, could lead to 15 per cent weight loss and tirzepatide, aka Mounjaro, to 23 per cent.
Retatrutide acts on three different receptors in the brain, “turbocharging” calorie burning while dulling hunger pangs.
Existing weight-loss jabs only suppress appetite, whereas the new treatment also speeds up metabolism.
The new drug is still undergoing clinical trials so it’s not yet known if it will be made available on the NHS.
To this, a confused-looking Scott replied: “No?”, however it doesn’t take long for him to clock on to what Khloe was subtly trying to say.
“No! It shows the Mounjaro? You’re lying”, he added.
And now, an insider revealed all to Daily Mail about Scott’s new gaunt appearance.
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The source shared: “Scott recognised that he needed to stop taking Ozempic after seeing the photos of himself and the public outcry over his weight loss.
“He thought he looked good because he was thinner again – not realising that this was not healthy.
“He is now working with a nutritionist to get back on track and not balloon up to the size he was.
“Scott has been incredibly attractive and fit his entire life and is not having the best time accepting that age is catching up with him.”
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