POV: When another GLP-1 side effect is discovered

Some GLP-1 users are starting to look a lot like Yzma from The Emperor’s New Groove.

A new side effect of GLP-1 drugs, called “Ozempic face,” is causing users to develop lines, wrinkles and sagging loose skin around the mouth due to rapid fat loss, according to recent reports.

There’s more: In addition to Ozempic face, medical experts have identified several other side effects associated with GLP-1 drugs in recent years:

• Similar aging and wrinkling effects have been observed in different areas of the body—colloquially known as Ozempic feet, fingers, and butt.
• In June 2024, the drugs were linked to severe gastroparesis, AKA stomach paralysis.
• The FDA has also warned that Ozempic can lead to severe gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis, as well as a life-threatening bowel condition known as ileus.

But…GLP-1 drugs also carry a significant number of positive side effects. Researchers are increasingly recognizing the drugs for broader health benefits like improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of certain cancers, and potential benefits for neurological conditions like Alzheimer's or addiction.

Zoom out: At least 1 in 8 US adults have taken a GLP-1 medication at least once, according to a June 2024 survey—though studies also show that 50%-75% of people who start taking such drugs stop using them within a year.