Understanding GLP-1s - Should You Use Them for Weight Loss?

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have gained attention for their ability to aid weight loss. Originally developed for individuals with type 2 diabetes and severe obesity, they can be highly effective when prescribed appropriately. However, more people are now using them for cosmetic weight loss without understanding the full picture.

‍How GLP-1s Work

These medications mimic a hormone called Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate appetite, digestion, and blood sugar levels. 

They work by:

·   Suppressing appetite, leading to lower calorie intake.

·   Slowing digestion, making you feel fuller for longer.

·   Helping regulate blood sugar, which can aid weight management.

While this can lead to significant weight loss, GLP-1s don’t just target fat, they also break down muscle unless steps are taken to preserve it.

Aside from side effects like nausea, fatigue, and digestive issues, we're going to focus mainly on the aesthetic impact of GLP-1s, as most people using them for cosmetic weight loss aren’t considering what happens beyond just losing weight.

Muscle Loss, Sagging Skin & The “Ozempic Face” Problem

One of the biggest dangers of using GLP-1s without proper nutrition and exercise is muscle loss. Muscle isn’t essential for survival, whereas body fat is. So when calories are drastically cut, especially without enough protein and resistance training, the body burns muscle first.

This leads to several issues:

You won’t necessarily look leaner, just smaller.  Losing weight without keeping muscle means your body fat percentage may stay the same, leaving you looking soft rather than toned.

Sagging skin and an aged appearance. Without muscle to support it, loose skin becomes more noticeable, particularly on the face, arms, and stomach.

“Ozempic Face” is real, and it's not just a slight change. Rapid loss of facial fat can leave your face looking hollow, saggy, and visably older than you expected. Many turn to fillers to restore lost volume, but once that process starts, it can quickly spiral into a cycle of continuous cosmetic treatments just to maintain a natural look. And even if you regain weight later, facial fat doesn't always return the same way, leaving some people permanently gaunt.

Hair loss is another overlooked side effect of rapid weight loss on GLP-1s. When the body sheds weight too quickly, it can trigger stress-related hair thinning due to nutrient deficiencies. While hair typically regrows once weight stabilises and nutrition improves, many people don’t anticipate this temporary thinning.

The Metabolic Downside, Why You Might Regain Fat Faster

Muscle is metabolically active, meaning it burns calories even at rest. Losing it slows your metabolism, making it easier to regain fat later—often in areas you don’t want it.

GLP-1s also suppress appetite too much, making it difficult to eat enough protein and calories to maintain muscle. If you’re only consuming around 1,000 calories a day  (far below your Basal Metabolic Rate), the excess weight you lose will primarily be muscle. Over time, this can make it harder to maintain long-term fat loss.

The Right Way to Lose Weight (With or Without GLP-1s)

If you’re considering GLP-1s, they must be paired with a structured diet and strength training plan to ensure you improve your physique rather than risk making it look worse.

Here’s how:

Prioritise protein. Make sure you hit your daily protein target first before filling in the rest of your calories.

Strength train at least 3-4 times a week. Lifting weights prevents muscle loss and helps shape your body as you lose fat.

Lose weight at a steady pace. 1-2lbs per week is ideal to avoid excessive muscle loss and sagging skin.

Think Before You Start!

GLP-1s can be life-changing for those with severe obesity or diabetes. But for those using them just to drop a few dress sizes, the risks—muscle loss, loose skin, slowed metabolism, and an aged face—often outweigh the benefits.

Before jumping on the trend, ask yourself, Will you actually like the way you look after?

If you want real, long-term results, muscle preservation and proper nutrition are key.

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While I don’t personally recommend GLP-1s for cosmetic weight loss, I know that some people will still choose to use them. If that’s the case, it’s essential to do it properly by protecting muscle, maintaining your metabolism, and avoiding the negative side effects.

If you want expert guidance to support your body through the process, get in touch, and let’s ensure you’re doing it the right way.

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