Who hasn't felt bombarded by the relentless marketing of the latest wonder drug for weight loss? It's like every time I scroll through my social media, there's another jaw-dropping transformation from a celebrity or public figure. I mean, seriously, Oprah looked great at 'The Color Purple' premiere and has credited her slender figure to a semaglutide drug. Semaglutide is a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) receptors, more commonly known as Ozempic and Wegovy in the public eye. These medications, taken orally or as an injection, were originally designed for diabetic patients but are now available for people with elevated BMIs or even those just looking to lose a few pounds!

Although the idea of a medication promising rapid weight loss might sound enticing, it comes with its fair share of side effects. So, what happens after you've taken Ozempic and similar drugs? Sure, these medications help you lose fat, but here's the twist: they don't know which fat to keep and which to ditch!

Oftentimes, losing fat from your face makes it look thinner, with hollowed cheeks and temples. If you lose weight too quickly, your skin may not bounce back like it used to, leaving it loose and saggy. This can happen with sudden changes in weight, whether you're gaining or losing.

Lastly, these medicines can make you feel full for longer, but that might lead to bloating and eating fewer calories. Depending on what you miss out on, it could affect your nutrition, making it harder to build muscles, produce collagen, and heal. This can result in brittle nails, as well as dull skin and hair. Rapid weight loss from these medications can also lead to hair shedding, making it seem like your hair is falling out all at once. This is called telogen effluvium and typically occurs after periods of stress, surgery, pregnancy, and more. It may happen months after the weight loss, making it tricky to connect the two. The good news is that it's entirely reversible!

What can you do to minimize these side effects with Ozempic and Wegovy?

1) Start including nutritious and healthy foods in your diet before you begin the medication. Consult with a nutritionist to ensure you're getting sufficient protein, whole grains, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. Being healthy isn't just about losing weight; it's important to ensure you are providing your body and skin with proper nourishment!

2) Practice sun protection and use a retinol/retinoid to maximize your collagen production.

3) Begin exercising, including resistance training, to build muscle and maintain flexibility.

4) If you're experiencing volume loss in your face, consider a biostimulant like Sculptra to boost your natural collagen production.

5) For loose, crepey skin, consider an energy-based device like radiofrequency microneedling, focused ultrasound, or microcoring. For significantly loose skin, a surgical procedure may be necessary, such as a neck lift, facelift, or tummy tuck.

While these weight loss medications can seem like a magic bullet for weight loss, it's important to be aware of potential side effects. These medicines work best when balanced with a healthy diet and lifestyle choices!

In this week's podcast, Dr. Forum Patel and I talk about Ozempic—how it's used, who it's good for, and its skin-related side effects like loose skin and hair loss. Discover if these effects can be reversed and get easy tips for managing them!

Find Dr. Patel here:

https://www.instagram.com/dr.forum_patel/

A new podcast episode drops every Monday!

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