FROM a saggy bum to loss of libido, find out the surprising ways weight-loss jabs and pills can affect more than just your weight.
Even if you’re not using weight-loss medication yourself, chances are you know someone who has been on Wegovy (also known as Ozempic in the USA) or Mounjaro jabs.
From a saggy bum to loss of libido, find out the surprising ways weight-loss jabs and pills can affect more than just your weight. Credit: Getty Images
GLP-1 cause some well-documented side effects Credit: Getty
And now that the Wegovy pill is available in the UK, offering an alternative to those who prefer not to inject themselves, it’s thought that GLP-1 use will soar even further.
But, as with any medication, these drugs do cause some well-documented side effects.
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“These medicines are transforming the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes and have an excellent safety profile, but they can cause nausea, reflux and vomiting, as well as other effects linked to dramatic reduction in food intake,” says Dr Federica Amati, head nutritionist at ZOE and author of The Appetite Reset.
However, some symptoms may be more unexpected – from a saggy bums and hair loss, to bad breath, a waning sex drive and even disordered eating.
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Bum Deal
GLP-1 drugs burn body fat quickly, but muscle can also become an unwitting target and cause Ozempic butt Credit: Getty
GLP-1 drugs burn body fat quickly, but muscle can also become an unwitting target.
This can result in loose skin and sagging around your face, tummy, arms or bum – known as Ozempic butt.
“Without resistance training, up to 40% of the weight someone loses on a GLP-1 can come from lean mass,” says Sean Murphy, chief personal training officer at Ultimate Performance.
“Losing muscle can also reduce strength and slow metabolism.”
The NHS has updated its exercise guidance to stress the importance of strength training for fat-jab users, and advises lifting weights or using resistance bands.
Sean recommends two or three weekly sessions that include squats, leg presses, chest presses and rows.
He adds that protein intake is important, too.
“Aim for around 2g per kg of bodyweight daily (for most women, around 120-160g) by building meals around foods such as chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yoghurt and cottage cheese.”
Splitting Hairs
You can lose hair with fat jabs Credit: Getty
Along with a thinner waistline, you may also notice thinner locks with fat jabs.
Experts believe the speed of weight loss, rather than the medication itself, is responsible for hair loss.
“Rapid weight loss can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which disrupt the hair growth cycle and trigger shedding,” says Dr Nicole Chiang, of Dr Nicole Dermatology.
“It can also cause physiological stress, triggering more hairs than usual to enter the shedding phase.”
Eating enough protein will help, but prioritise iron, too (lean meat, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds), vitamin B (eggs, Greek yoghurt and leafy greens), and vitamin D (oily fish, as well as getting outside in sunlight), to support healthy hair growth.
If you struggle to get enough vits via your diet, you could also try supplements.
Meanwhile, Minoxidil, a hair-loss treatment you can buy over the counter in foam or pill form can improve hair density.
But Dr Chiang says that persistent or pattern hair loss (thinning at the top of the scalp) should be assessed by a dermatologist.
TRY: Regaine For Women Minoxidil 2% Scalp Solution, £27.50 for a month’s supply.
Pleasure Plunge
So-called Ozempic vulva might stall your plans if you’re browsing for lingerie Credit: Getty
Browsing for lingerie after using GLP-1s? So-called Ozempic vulva might stall your plans.
“I’m seeing women who are surprised by changes in their sex drive, vaginal dryness, and significant volume loss and sagging in intimate areas due to losing weight,” says Dr Sima Al Asad (AKA The Vagina Doctor), founder of Dr Sima Aesthetics. Staying well-hydrated, eating enough protein and healthy fats (oily fish, avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds) and managing stress may help.
Vaginal moisturisers or lubricants can ease dryness, but do discuss persistent symptoms with a GP or menopause specialist.
“There is absolutely no shame in talking about any of this,” says Dr Al Asad.
“These concerns are common, and you’re not being vain or silly for feeling affected by them.”
TRY: Yes pH Matched Vaginal Moisturiser, £12.99, or Sylk Water Based Lubricant, £12.99.
Musty Mouth
GLP-1 drugs can reduce saliva production and result in breath that is less than fresh Credit: Getty
Is your breath less than fresh since starting weight-loss jabs? GLP-1 drugs can reduce saliva production.
“Feeling fuller often means people drink and eat less, reducing saliva that washes away bacteria and neutralises acids,” says Dr Irene Nuta, dentist at Waldor Clinic.
“When levels fall, odour-causing bacteria can build up, leading to bad breath. Another contributing factor is that the body may burn fat for fuel, producing ketones. One of these, acetone, can give the breath an unpleasant smell.”
Staying on top of your oral hygiene will help – this includes brushing your teeth and tongue and flossing daily, staying hydrated and minimising smoking, vaping and alcohol.
Visit a dentist if your breath is really pongy.
Reward Rewire
Studies show GLP-1 drugs could also help treat alcohol addiction Credit: Getty
Studies show GLP-1 drugs could also help treat alcohol, gambling and opioid addiction by reducing activity in the brain’s reward pathways.*
“Clinical trials suggest they may be an effective tool for reducing addictive behaviours, which is exciting,” says Dr Amati.
“But some people who don’t have addiction report feeling less enjoyment from activities they previously loved. They describe feeling less motivated or finding things they normally enjoy less rewarding,” she says.
“It’s something to discuss with your healthcare provider because adjusting the dose, improving nutrition or making lifestyle changes can often help.”
Mental wellbeing
GLP-1 users have reported suffering from anxiety, panic attacks and mood changes Credit: Getty
While some studies suggest that GLP-1 drugs can boost mental health, users have also reported suffering from anxiety, panic attacks and mood changes.
“As these drugs can cause rapid weight loss, they can be dangerous for people with diagnosed eating disorders, but they can also trigger disordered eating in others,” says Dr Frederick Grose, consultant psychiatrist at Priory Hospital Southampton.
Warning signs include becoming preoccupied with food or weight, viewing eating less as an achievement, skipping meals, or becoming increasingly focused on the scales.
“Positive feedback may reinforce continued weight loss, while some begin to tie their self-worth too closely to their appearance, and fear of regaining weight can become overwhelming. This can lead to anxiety and obsessive thoughts about food or body shape,” adds Dr Grose.
“It is why looking after mental wellbeing is just as important as managing physical health.”
Aim for regular balanced meals, exercising regularly, getting quality sleep and, if needed, accessing professional psychological support.
Dr Amati adds: “These drugs offer people an opportunity to rethink how they eat, move and look after themselves. The goal isn’t just losing weight, it’s building habits that last after the prescription ends.”
The serious risks
In very rare cases, weight-loss drugs could have dangerous or even deadly side effects.
Jabs containing semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) have been linked to an increased risk, although rare, of an eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
Also known as an “eye stroke”, they can raise a risk of acute pancreatitis (sudden inflammation of the pancreas).
Other rare but recognised side effects of GLP-1s are gallstones, gallbladder disease and delayed gastric emptying – when food moves too slowly through the small intestine.
