''Ozempic face.'' What is it?
Doctors use the term “Ozempic face.” informally for facial changes that can come with fast or substantial weight loss on GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and related medicines.1
People commonly describe:
Flatter cheeks and a less defined midface.
Hollowing at the temples or under the eyes.
Deeper folds around the nose and mouth.
Skin that looks looser.
Saggy skin around the neck
These symptoms aren’t unique to this drug. Similar changes can follow major weight loss from bariatric surgery, other treatments or lifestyle changes which are associated with fast, high volume weight loss.1
In the STEP 1 trial, adults taking a weekly dose of 2.4mg of semaglutide lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared with a loss of 2.4% of body weight experienced by participants on a placebo.2 It is, therefore, clear why the term ''ozempic face'' has caught on; the scale of weight loss is highly significant.
Why does the face change during weight loss?
The face is supported by separate pads of fat that sit above and below the facial muscles. They give cheeks their fullness and keep skin smooth over the facial bones. When the body loses fat, these pads can shrink too.
In the first imaging study to measure this, researchers compared CT or MRI scans of 20 patients taken before and after starting a GLP-1 receptor agonist such as ozempic or wegovy. Over an average 10 months and 11 kg (24 lb) of weight loss, total mid-face volume fell by a median of 9%, and the superficial fat layer fell by 11%. On average, patients could expect about 7% mid-face volume loss for every 10 kg of weight lost.3
Six steps that may help prevent ''ozempic face''.
There is no proven way to fully prevent “Ozempic face.” Consuming enough protein, strength training and sun protection may support overall health, but none have been objectively shown to preserve facial volume. Skin elasticity can, until a certain extent be preserved to avoid pronounced wrinkles.
Make protein or EEAs ( essential amino acids) a priority at every meal. A joint advisory from four U.S. obesity and nutrition organisations say that getting enough protein should be a priority on GLP-1 therapy, together with strength training, to help preserve muscle and bone.4 If high protein foods make you feel nauseated, EEAs might be an option which is easier on digestion.
Lift, push or pull two to three times a week. Resistance training is the main signal that tells your body to keep muscle rather than break it down.4
Eat nutrient-dense food even when your appetite is low. Smaller meal portions mean each bite has to carry more nutrition. Choose vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, fish, eggs, dairy or fortified alternatives.4
Stay hydrated. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are common GLP-1 side effects, and dehydration makes skin look duller and more lined.
Improve ingestion of Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is the most studied and peer reviewed ingredient that is proven to improve skin elasticity, hydration, support skin barrier and reduce wrinkles.5 Studies carried out outside of industry-funded projects have produced evidence that this ingredient could delay the signs of aging.
Protect your skin every day. Broad-spectrum sunscreen, moisturising and not smoking can support skin quality daily.
Related reading: Creatine for Women: Benefits, Dosage and Myths covers how creatine can support strength-training results.
References
1. Humphrey CD, Lawrence AC. Implications of Ozempic and other semaglutide medications for facial plastic surgeons. Facial Plast Surg. 2023;39(6):719-721. doi:10.1055/a-2148-6321. PMID: 37541662.
2. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183. PMID: 33567185.
3. Sharma RK, Vittetoe KL, Barna AJ, et al. Radiographic midfacial volume changes in patients on GLP-1 agonists. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2025;173(2):360-366. doi:10.1002/ohn.1209. PMID: 40407186.
4. Mozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: a joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2025;33(8):1475-1503. doi:10.1002/oby.24336. PMID: 40445127.
5. Dolečková I, Kušnierik P, Berka V, Šimek M, Matějková I, Prokopec F, Ovesná P. Oral sodium hyaluronate improves skin hydration, barrier function and signs of aging: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 150 healthy adults. Sci Rep. 2025 Dec 20;16(1):2941. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-32758-5. PMID: 41422283; PMCID: PMC12827323.
