Disclaimer: The following information provided is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for professional medical consultation.
Ozempic, a prescription medication for treating diabetes and weight loss, is the drug on everyone’s tongue. Celebrities can’t stop taking it, and normal folks can’t stop calling them out – especially when celebrities claim that diet and exercise are the only reason they lost all the weight. In the search for the truth, social media has coined the term “Ozempic face” to describe the face of someone believed to be taking the so-called “Skinny Pen.” So, what exactly is it?
(Featured image via doucefleur/Adobe Stock)
What Causes “Ozempic Face”?
Patients can use Ozempic as a rapid weight-loss drug. A result of quick weight loss is sagging, aging skin, most noticeably in the face. People with an “Ozempic face” might look tired and wrinkly. Some appear lifeless since the medication strips their face of the fat underneath their skin. This makes the skin look sunken since the fat is no longer there to keep the face tight.
Ozempic’s Popularity
A shocking number of celebrities have jumped on the Ozempic bandwagon. From Oprah to Elon Musk, celebrities are shedding weight faster than ever. Its popularity caused a concerning shortage that made it hard to obtain for diabetics who rely on it. It wasn’t until 2024 that demand caught up with production, and diabetics could get the medication they required to survive… along with those who just wanted to lose weight.
Controversy
People are pushing back on the “Ozempic face” label, stating that it is yet another way to uphold negative beauty standards. No wrinkles, no sagging, no aging – it’s impossible for any human to achieve, so why does it matter? Some claim it’s all a tactic to drive plastic surgery and facial alterations. TikTok is buzzing with videos on how people can change their appearance to fit into society’s current aesthetic standards. It’s a major driving force behind social media engagement and beauty content.
Many consider the accusations of “Ozempic face” to be a witch hunt for people just wanting to identify and shame formerly fat people. Some believe that celebrities who have taken it should be more upfront to avoid setting unrealistic expectations for weight loss at a time when Americans are fatter than ever.
Either way, Ozempic seems to be toeing the line between miracle drug and vanity elixir for years to come.
