What rapid weight loss can do to the body

Over the past year, there has been a boom in people using the prescription medicine Ozempic and other medications in the same class. For some, it's an absolute lifeline as a treatment for diabetes. To others, one of its main side effects—sudden, fast weight loss—means its appeal lies solely in the significant amount of pounds they can shed while on the medication. But what happens inside the body if you lose weight rapidly? A phenomenon known colloquially as "Ozempic face" offers some clues.

Intrigued? Click on to learn what happens to the body when weight is lost quickly.

Injectable medication

An injectable, prescribed medication, Ozempic is taken once a week to help control blood sugar in those who struggle with Type 2 diabetes.

GLP-1

GLP-1 regulates satiety by sending a signal to the body that affects the amount you eat, and how quickly food is digested by the body.

Ozempic face

Some people lose a lot of weight on these medications, at a fast rate. When this happens, a phenomenon known as "Ozempic face" can occur.

The effects aren't limited to the person's face, however, which can become gaunt and hollowed out, but also to the rest of the body. 

Sagging, loose skin

This is because there's no way to "target" weight loss. As the body loses weight, it begins to pull fat from different areas.

Weight loss

While the sagging, loose skin that is a hallmark of rapid weight loss can occur anywhere, changes to the face are most noticeable to the outside world.

Fat distribution

Genetics, according to existing research, is the biggest factor in determining how fat is distributed. It accounts for 60% of where fat is located in the body.

Hair loss

When weight loss is happening at a fast rate, the body begins to slow down systems that aren't essential for survival. The function of the cells in the hair, skin, and nails might be affected, leading to hair loss as well as brittle nails and dry skin.

Older appearance

In one study it was shown that very fast, massive weight loss can lead to someone looking five years older than their same-age peers.

Visceral fat loss

Losing visceral fat from the abdominal organs—the liver, kidneys, and heart—helps these organs to function better, enabling better metabolic health.

Lower the dose

There are steps people can take to ensure their weight loss is a more steady, sustained process while taking the GLP-1 medication. One way is to monitor and lower the dose of the medication, if necessary.

Resistance training

To counteract the muscle loss that accompanies weight loss, it's important to get enough physical activity. Resistance training helps to build lean muscle and should be practiced up to three times per week.

Eat a nutritionally balanced diet

A nutritionally balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables will help to keep the cells of the body hydrated while you lose weight.

Fill up on protein

It's recommended to consume 1-1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for the sake of muscle maintenance during weight loss.

Microneedling

Microneedling introduces small needles to the skin which stimulate collagen production to reduce the effects of sagging or loose skin. Similar to injectables, the results are not permanent.

Limit mirror time

For some, looking in the mirror becomes difficult while they're experiencing changes to their appearance. It's a good idea to limit mirror time if you find yourself becoming overly critical of how you look, as it's only a small part of who you are.