Gemma Collins
Self-photo of Gemma Collins on Instagram instagram/gemmacollins

Britons taking GLP-1 weight loss injections could face the unwanted side effect of 'Ozempic face' - a phenomenon causing rapid facial ageing, sagging skin, and hollow cheeks that has left celebrities and ordinary users alike seeking cosmetic solutions.

The term 'Ozempic face' was coined by US dermatologist Dr Paul Jarrod Frank to describe the distinctive hollow, aged appearance that develops when rapid weight loss strips away facial fat faster than skin can adapt. This leaves users with sunken cheeks, pronounced wrinkles, loose jowls, and a gaunt, deflated look that can make them appear years older.

'Ozempic face' describes the hollow, aged look that can develop after rapid weight loss from GLP‑1 drugs such as Ozempic or Mounjaro.

Leading endocrinologist Dr Vinni Makin at the Cleveland Clinic explains that rapid weight loss can leave the skin unable to retract, effectively turning back the biological age of the face.

The face becomes particularly vulnerable because it's rich in subcutaneous fat and collagen, but lacks the time needed to rebuild these supporting structures during rapid weight loss. This creates the characteristic signs: dehydrated skin, deepened wrinkles, sunken eye sockets, and deflated cheeks.

Celebrity Wake-Up Call: When Weight Loss Success Becomes Facial Disaster

Reality TV star Gemma Collins, 44, provided a stark example of this phenomenon after dropping two stone using Mounjaro injections.

In a candid Instagram post, she revealed her shock at the sudden change in her appearance.
'I don't know what's happened to me,' Collins admitted. 'It's just come on me overnight. I've always had a fuller face, as you know. 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.'

Her experience mirrors that of countless others using GLP-1 medications. Despite joking that having 'Ozempic face' would be the dream right now, Collins highlighted the psychological impact of unexpectedly looking older after achieving weight loss goals.

Experts Warn: GLP‑1 Jabs Can Age You Fast

Ozempic
Photo by David Trinks on Unsplash Unsplash

Several cosmetic surgeons, including Dr Oren Tepper, have highlighted how rapid fat loss can accelerate facial ageing, leading to sagging skin and deeper lines.

Consultant cosmetic surgeon Gerard Lambe echoed this, noting that many patients feel they've aged 'overnight' after weight‑loss injections, with lines and sagging skin markedly worsening, a phenomenon he describes as 'super common'.

Why the Face is Often the First to Show

GLP‑1 drugs mimic the hormone regulating blood sugar and appetite, prompting rapid weight loss. But the face, rich in subcutaneous fat and collagen, lacks time to rebuild as fat disappears. The result? Dehydrated, loose skin, deepened wrinkles, gaunt eyes and deflated cheeks—all classic signs of 'Ozempic face'.

Dr Makin recommends a gradual weight loss of around 1–2 lbs per week, alongside a protein-rich diet, hydration, and skincare to help cushion the face's descent.

The Cosmetic Solution Industry: When Dermal Fillers Become Essential

The boom in 'Ozempic face' cases has created a parallel industry of cosmetic corrections. Dermatologists report seeing patients daily who need facial volume restoration after rapid weight loss.

Dr Frank, who coined the term, notes the telltale signs: 'When you meet someone that you saw not too long ago and they've suddenly lost a lot of weight, particularly in that area, it's kind of like a telltale sign.'

Common treatments include:

  • Dermal fillers using hyaluronic acid or Radiesse to restore cheek and lip volume
  • Sculptra injections to stimulate collagen production
  • Non-invasive procedures like microneedling and radiofrequency skin tightening
  • Surgical options, including fat grafting and facelifts, are available for severe cases

The skincare industry has responded with products like VOL.U.LIFT by Dr Marc Ronert, incorporating amino acids and plant collagen to address volume loss - part of the emerging 'metabo-beauty' market.

The £145 Million Question: Britain's Weight Loss Injection Boom

NHS data reveals the staggering scale of Britain's weight loss injection revolution. Between May 2024 and April 2025, doctors prescribed 1.6 million semaglutide items, valued at £145 million, to taxpayers. Some estimates suggest one in ten UK women now use these medications, with demand only growing.

Leicester leads the nation in prescriptions, dispensing nearly 2,000 weight loss injections monthly. The trend has exploded from celebrity endorsements to mainstream adoption, with 500,000 Britons now using drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy.

Mounjaro became available for NHS weight loss treatment in December 2024, whilst Ozempic remains licensed only for type 2 diabetes, though it's frequently prescribed off-label for weight management.

Prevention Strategies: How to Avoid the Facial Fallout

Medical experts recommend several strategies to minimise the 'Ozempic face' risk:

Slower Weight Loss: Aim for 1-2 pounds weekly rather than maximising dosage for rapid results.

Nutritional Support: Maintain a protein-rich diet with adequate hydration to support skin elasticity.

Skincare Routine: Use sunscreen daily, incorporate retinoids, and moisturise regularly to maintain skin health.

Professional Monitoring: Work with healthcare providers to adjust dosage and monitor facial changes.

Preventive Treatments: Consider early intervention with skin-tightening procedures or mild fillers to prevent severe volume loss from occurring.

The Reality Check: Not Everyone Suffers - But Recovery Is Possible

Medical professionals stress that 'Ozempic face' isn't universal. The phenomenon depends on individual factors, including age, skin elasticity, rate of weight loss, and genetic predisposition.

Some users report positive outcomes despite facial changes. One woman who lost 60 pounds described feeling 'ten years younger' after incorporating strength training, proper nutrition, and hydration into her routine.

However, once significant facial volume is lost, natural recovery is unlikely if weight remains stable. The only proven remedies are cosmetic interventions or weight regain, neither of which is an ideal solution for those seeking sustained health benefits.

The Bigger Picture: Balancing Health Goals with Aesthetic Consequences

The 'Ozempic face' phenomenon raises complex questions about beauty standards, medical ethics, and informed consent. While these medications offer genuine health benefits for diabetes management and obesity treatment, users often aren't adequately warned about facial side effects.

Dr Rocio Salas-Whalen, a board-certified endocrinologist, emphasises that the issue stems from rapid weight loss itself, not the medications specifically. This means any fast weight loss method - whether through drugs, surgery, or extreme dieting - carries similar risks.

As Britain's weight loss injection boom continues, with oral formulations on the horizon, the aesthetic consequences of rapid weight loss demand greater attention.

For Britons currently using these medications, understanding both the benefits and the potential ageing effects on their faces represents crucial information for making informed health decisions.

The 'Ozempic face' phenomenon serves as a reminder that in the pursuit of physical transformation, the face often tells a different story than the body, one that may require additional intervention to align with aesthetic expectations.

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