Weight Loss Injections: The Pros and Cons
From nausea to constipation, the potential side effects of weight loss injections have been widely discussed. However, are you familiar with the term ‘Ozempic neck’? While Ozempic has gained notoriety, it has become almost as famous as the celebrities who may or may not be using it. Stars like Gemma Collins and Rebel Wilson have openly admitted to utilizing these injections to lose weight.
Weight loss medications like Ozempic have recently surged in popularity. Originally created for individuals with diabetes, it has made headlines globally for its effectiveness in helping people shed stubborn pounds rapidly. Ozempic has emerged as a flagship for a new generation of weight loss injections, capable of helping individuals lose up to 20% of their body weight. Other notable brands include Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Zepbound. These medications mimic GLP-1, a hormone that signals fullness in the body.
Many celebrities, including Amy Schumer, 43, and Sharon Osbourne, 72, have publicly shared their significant weight loss journeys, attributing their success to Ozempic. However, along with the success stories come concerns regarding a range of negative side effects. Alongside terms like ‘Ozempic face’ and ‘Ozempic butt’, the latest buzzword is ‘Ozempic neck’, which refers to sagging skin or signs of aging around the neck area following the use of these injections.
Experts are increasingly noting this phenomenon, particularly among patients using semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. Dr. Nora, a cosmetic and medical dermatology doctor at Rejuvenation Clinic, stated, “‘Ozempic neck’ is becoming an increasingly common concern among patients using semaglutide medications for weight loss. As the face and neck lose fat rapidly, the skin often lacks the time to adjust, leading to sagging and an aged appearance in the neck area.”
She continued, “While Ozempic is effective for weight loss, it doesn’t differentiate between the fat you want to lose and the fat that supports facial structure and skin tautness. The neck, which is already prone to skin laxity with age, becomes one of the first areas to show these signs.” Celebrities like Sharon Osbourne have been candid about their experiences with weight-loss injections, having been photographed with more noticeable facial hollowing and skin laxity around the jawline and neck. The same can be said for Whoopi Goldberg, who appears slimmer but has lost facial volume and skin firmness, particularly in the lower face.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Lisa Friederich added, “‘Ozempic neck’ is one of the most discussed side effects of rapid weight loss, especially among celebrities. The loose and sagging skin around the neck and jawline can develop when weight is lost too quickly for the skin to adapt. Losing fat too swiftly can result in a softer jawline and sagging skin, making individuals appear less sculpted than before.”
Dr. Veronica also expressed concerns, indicating, “The rise of what’s being termed ‘Ozempic neck’ reflects a broader societal obsession with quick fixes and rapid results. I’m particularly worried about how this is being normalized, especially among high-profile figures.”
Now, let’s take a closer look at some celebrities who have openly admitted to using Ozempic, while considering who might have fallen victim to the dreaded ‘Ozempic neck’.
Sharon Osbourne
In 2023, Sharon Osbourne revealed she used Ozempic to lose 42 pounds. During her appearance on Piers Morgan’s show, she candidly shared her experiences, stating, “You don’t physically throw up, but you feel nauseous. For about two or three weeks, I felt nauseous the whole time. You become very thirsty and lose your appetite.”
Sharon also expressed concern about younger individuals using the drug, saying, “You’ve got to keep this stuff away from younger people because they will go berserk on it, and it’s not right.” She ultimately decided to stop using the medication, admitting, “I didn’t actually want to be this thin, but it just happened.”
Common Side Effects of Weight Loss Injections
- Nausea: The most frequently reported side effect, especially when starting the medication.
- Vomiting: Often occurs alongside nausea.
- Diarrhea: Some users experience gastrointestinal upset.
- Constipation: Others may encounter constipation.
- Abdominal discomfort: Individuals may experience stomach pain.
- Reduced appetite: A common desired effect for weight loss.
- Indigestion: Can cause bloating or discomfort after meals.
Serious side effects can include:
- Pancreatitis: Rarely, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas.
- Kidney issues: Reports of kidney problems, including failure, exist but are uncommon.
- Thyroid tumors: Potential increased risk based on animal studies.
- Vision problems: Rapid blood sugar changes may affect vision.
- Hypoglycemia: Especially if combined with other medications.
Reflecting on her experience in November 2023, Sharon expressed that she “could do with putting on a few pounds” and cautioned about the injections’ effects on teenagers. She believes it should be managed by those who truly understand it.
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg has also shared her weight loss journey after using Mounjaro, stating, “I weighed almost 300 pounds when I made the film Till.” She mentioned her stylist’s concerns about fitting into her new body, highlighting her struggle with the change. Stylist Tavia Sharp noted that Whoopi feels uncomfortable with her changing body and is hesitant to embrace her new look.
Tori Spelling
Tori Spelling has been transparent about her experience using both Ozempic and Mounjaro. After her fifth child, she struggled to shed the baby weight and turned to these medications. Tori shared, “I tried Ozempic and it didn’t work for me. Then I switched to Mounjaro, and it did the trick.” She noted that she felt no shame in discussing her journey, emphasizing that after trying various methods, she found success with the injections.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey was among the first celebrities to publicly acknowledge her use of weight loss injections in 2023. She explained that the medication helped her with what she called “food noise,” or the incessant thoughts about eating. Oprah remarked, “What I realized was that thin people aren’t just more disciplined; they’re not even thinking about food.”
Oprah has described weight loss injections as a “maintenance tool” rather than a quick fix and later stepped down from her role as a WeightWatchers ambassador to be free to discuss weight loss openly.
Lottie Moss
Lottie Moss has shared her struggles with Ozempic, admitting she was rushed to the hospital after experiencing severe side effects from taking high doses of the drug. She stated, “I’d rather die than take it again.” Despite being aware of her healthy weight, Lottie felt pressured by the media and public perception, particularly after seeing celebrities using the drug.
Rebel Wilson
After much speculation, actress Rebel Wilson revealed she used Ozempic to lose 80 pounds in 2020. She commented on the potential benefits of such medications, stating, “For someone like me with a bottomless appetite for sweets, these drugs can be beneficial.” Rebel emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and cautioned against unrealistic beauty standards.
Expert Insights on Ozempic
Dr. Mitra Dutt, a GP from Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, explains that Mounjaro works by activating two hormonal receptors to enhance insulin production and reduce food intake. Saxenda, containing liraglutide, has been available on the NHS since 2020. A new medication, dubbed “Godzilla,” has shown promise in trials, potentially surpassing current options in effectiveness.
Rebel Wilson shared her successful weight loss journey, which she initially began under the guidance of her IVF doctor in 2019. She expressed concerns about how her weight loss was received within Hollywood, where she felt pressure to maintain her previous image as the “funny fat character.”
Gemma Collins
Gemma Collins has recently shared how weight loss injections have transformed her life, claiming to have lost nearly two stone after using Mounjaro. She enthusiastically stated, “I can’t believe I’ve finally found something that works. I’ll have six stone off by May, and it’s been effortless!”
Amy Schumer
Amy Schumer confirmed in 2023 that she had tried Ozempic a year prior but stopped due to unpleasant side effects, stating, “I felt sick and couldn’t play with my son.” She emphasized the importance of honesty among celebrities regarding their use of such medications, urging them to be transparent about their weight loss journeys.