Hollywood’s go-to weight loss drug, Ozempic, is now being linked to an unexpected and unusual new side effect, ‘Ozempic mouth.’ Celebrities who have shed pounds rapidly using the diabetes drug are now grappling with visible facial changes, most notably around the mouth.
High-profile Ozempic users such as Sharon Osbourne, Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and Rebel Wilson have publicly endorsed the medication for its effectiveness in weight reduction. However, many users are now reporting a dramatic loss of volume in the face, particularly around the mouth and jawline, which has been described by dermatologists as contributing to an “aged” appearance. “Many users of Ozempic who I know report noticeable volume loss in the face, which can result in the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and jowls around the mouth,” said Dr. Michele Green, a New York-based cosmetic dermatologist, in a statement to DailyMail.com.
What is ‘Ozempic Mouth’?
According to Dr. Green, ‘Ozempic mouth’ is marked by several distinct features. If one has Ozempic mouth there will be pronounced folds at the corners of the mouth with noticeable wrinkles on and around the lips as well as sagging skin along the lip contours and chin. The effect is a result of rapid facial fat loss, especially among those using higher doses of the drug. This condition builds on previous concerns about Ozempic face. This is a term used to describe hollowed cheeks, sunken eyes, and drooping skin in users experiencing fast and significant weight loss.
In response to these cosmetic concerns, many users are now seeking treatments to restore facial volume and reverse the aging effects of the drug. Dr. Green recommends dermal fillers as a popular option to “smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and plump the skin to create a more youthful-looking appearance.”
For a more long-lasting fix, she suggests Thermage, a non-invasive skin-tightening procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production. “As the body’s collagen levels increase, the skin becomes firmer and tighter,” she explained, adding that it typically takes four to six months to see results, which may last up to two years. ‘Ozempic mouth’ is only the latest in a growing list of unusual side effects linked to the medication. Doctors have also flagged a phenomenon dubbed ‘Ozempic feet,’ involving pronounced skin laxity and sagging skin on the tops of users’ feet as another consequence of sudden, rapid weight loss. While Ozempic continues to enjoy popularity in Hollywood for its body-slimming results, dermatologists and health professionals are cautioning users to be aware of the aesthetic and potentially long-term effects that come with the drug’s dramatic transformations.
