The Rise of Ozempic for Weight Loss
Ozempic, also called semaglutide, was initially designed as a remedy for kind 2 diabetes. However on June 4, 2021 the FDA authorized the primary weight-loss drug since 2014. Ozempic, or Wegovy, one other model identify of semaglutide, has been making waves since then. Many individuals are turning to this drug as a technique to shed kilos rapidly, and it’s been hailed as a game-changer within the weight reduction world. It does work higher than earlier weight reduction medication, however like all shortcut, there’s a catch—and for some, it’s referred to as “Ozempic face.”
What Is “Ozempic Face”?
“Ozempic face” is a time period that’s been popping up on social media and in conversations about weight reduction. It refers back to the hole, aged look that some folks expertise after losing a few pounds with Ozempic. The face can lose its youthful fullness, resulting in a extra sunken look that some say makes them look years older. Whereas shedding additional kilos can really feel superb, this surprising facet impact has left many questioning: What’s happening right here?
The Science Behind Fast Weight Loss and Facial Modifications
Once you drop extra pounds rapidly, your physique doesn’t simply burn fats—it will possibly additionally lose one thing referred to as fat-free mass, which incorporates muscle. It’s unattainable to drop extra pounds rapidly and solely lose fats. Some muscle loss is inevitable. So, this loss isn’t restricted to your arms, legs, or core; it will possibly occur in your face too. With out the pure padding of fats and muscle, your facial options could begin to look extra pronounced, and pores and skin can sag, creating that aged look.
Is Ozempic Worse for Growing old Pores and skin than Different Weight Loss Strategies?
All speedy weight reduction strategies trigger the lack of some muscle, normally round 25-30% of complete weight reduction is lean tissue, additionally referred to as fat-free mass. It mainly is every little thing however the fats within the physique, not simply muscle. And as you lose a bunch of weight it’s apparent that some fat-free mass has to go as effectively. In any case, you might be changing into a smaller model of your self. Ideally, if in case you have a puffy face, you wish to lose the fats in your face and be extra engaging. One of many targets for weight reduction is to look youthful, and “Ozempic face” is unquestionably not going the best route.
However, whereas changing into smaller, you want to develop into leaner as effectively, proper? You do not wish to be skinny fats. So, right here is the catch. In medical trials, such because the Step 1 Trial for Ozempic, the fat-free weight reduction was almost 40%, not simply 20-30%. For the common participant that started off at 232 kilos, they misplaced 30.0 kilos over the 68 week trial. Fats loss was 18.4 kilos, together with 11.6 kilos of lean tissue, in keeping with the DEXA scans of 140 folks within the research. Ideally, the lean tissue loss would have been round 5-7 kilos, not almost 12 kilos!
How Ozempic Causes Muscle and Fats Loss
Ozempic works by mimicking a hormone in your physique that regulates urge for food. Basically, it makes you’re feeling full quicker and eat much less. And your abdomen stays full longer, so that you really are fuller. So, you find yourself consuming so much much less energy whereas on the drug. This in fact results in weight reduction, however your physique could not at all times distinguish between fats and muscle when it’s burning energy. Sadly, this implies a number of the muscle mass you lose may very well be out of your face, contributing to “Ozempic face.”
The Influence of Shedding Facial Muscle and Fats
For many individuals, losing a few pounds is about feeling and searching more healthy and youthful. However when your face begins wanting older, it may be irritating—and even upsetting. It’s all backwards!
However past aesthetics, dropping muscle is a well being concern, too. Muscle is important for power, power, and even conserving your metabolism working easily. So, whereas Ozempic could make it easier to shed kilos, the best way it impacts your face and muscle mass may not align along with your targets. And if you happen to achieve again weight after getting off the drug, which is what normally occurs, you do not achieve muscle again until you’re employed at it. And most of the people do not work at it, in order that they find yourself with a worse, fattier physique composition than earlier than they began losing a few pounds.
The best way to Forestall “Ozempic Face”
The excellent news? There are methods to struggle again in opposition to “Ozempic face.” As Dr. Stu Phillips talked about on the podcast Docs Who Carry, “Muscle and health is made within the gymnasium, however weight is misplaced within the kitchen.”
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Carry Weights. Add Energy Coaching to Your Routine: Resistance workout routines, like lifting weights or doing body weight exercises, will help you keep muscle mass whereas dropping fats. That is the tried and true methodology for preserving muscle tissues whereas losing a few pounds.
In accordance with a research printed in The New England Journal of Drugs weight reduction induced by calorie restriction and both cardio train, resistance train, or a mixture of each confirmed that resistance train or a mixture of cardio and resistance train prevented lack of lean mass and power higher than cardio train alone. So, lifting weights is significant to conserving your muscle tissues. “Use or lose it” applies to muscle and bone power. By lifting weights it’s doable that you’ll get smaller muscle tissues, however achieve in power on the identical time. Fatty muscle in overweight folks is not as robust as lean, skilled muscle, so it’s OK to slim down some.
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Eat Sufficient Protein: You do not have to develop into a protein-aholic, however protein is useful in sustaining muscle mass. Simply watch out the place you get your protein. Be sure to’re majoring on protein from plant meals like beans, lentils, some natural soy merchandise, and nuts and seeds. Use extra food-based proteins and use supplemental protein powder simply as that, a complement for an additional serving or two. This can be tough, seeing that Ozempic makes lots of people really feel nauseated plenty of the time.
How a lot protein do you want? About 0.5 grams per pound of physique weight will likely be sufficient. It is not as a lot as some bodybuilders advocate, however it’s greater than the RDA (0.8 g per kg of physique weight / 0.36 grams per pound of physique weight) and protein guru Dr. Stu Phillips says that is sufficient to keep up your lean physique mass.
Different Frequent Facet Results of Ozempic
“Ozempic face” isn’t the one facet impact to concentrate on. Some customers additionally report nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. Hardly ever, critical problems like pancreatitis or gallbladder points can happen. Gallstones are a standard challenge with speedy weight reduction. All the time seek the advice of a healthcare supplier earlier than beginning any new remedy, particularly one with such highly effective results.
Is Ozempic the Proper Selection for You?
Ozempic would possibly seem to be a miracle for weight reduction, but it surely’s not for everybody. In one other weblog I focus on the burden loss plateau that’s seen in each research of the drug. You will not be pleased with the place the drug leaves you. Earlier than beginning this or any remedy, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and dangers along with your physician. Remember the fact that lasting weight reduction at all times requires greater than only a capsule—it takes a wholesome, decrease calorie food plan than you might be used to, common cardio and resistance train, and a dedication to sticking with a brand new life-style.
Conclusion
“Ozempic face” is an actual and stunning facet impact of utilizing Ozempic for weight reduction. Whereas the drug will help you drop kilos, you might want to use it alongside of at the least resistance train (lifting weights), and possibly with cardio train as effectively to stop “Ozempic face” and the lack of muscle mass. The important thing to wholesome weight reduction is steadiness: preserving your muscle, defending your well being, and caring for your physique as a complete. And you’ll drop extra pounds, numerous it, with out Ozempic as effectively.
Shedding pounds ought to make you’re feeling higher and look higher, not older. By taking a considerate strategy and dealing along with your physician and well being coach, yow will discover a plan that helps you obtain your targets—with out sacrificing your smile within the mirror.
