According to a survey by the World Obesity Foundation, obesity is on the rise in the United Arab Emirates, where an estimated 7.5 million people—including 700,000 adolescents and children—are predicted to be overweight or obese by 2035. The rise in sedentary lifestyles, including easy access to transportation and a lack of physical exercise, has driven many to the use of Ozempic.

Now hailed as the magic weight-loss drug, Ozempic has swept the weight-loss business off its feet in the last 12 months. The role of social media, celebrity endorsements, and the promise of quick results have further contributed to consumption by individuals who are not medically recommended to use it.

“People, especially those nearing menopause, are using it to lose unwanted weight when they cannot achieve results through natural means like exercise and diet, and there are similar products such as Mounjaro,” says Dr Georgios Orfaniotis, plastic surgeon with 15 years’ experience in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

Significant muscle mass loss is another one of the side-effects that people have been experiencing due to the weight-loss drug. “Specifically, for the face, there is a noticeable loss of volume, especially as facial fat begins to sag and there is more descent of the facial tissues, such as the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), which accelerates the ageing process,” says Dr Orfaniotis, adding that a common side-effect that people have been experiencing as a result is the ‘Ozempic Face’.'

“This term refers to a sunken and hollow appearance of the eyes as well as an increased prominence of fine lines and jowls as a result of using Ozempic,” explains Dr Maria Thomas, dermatologist and head of department of laser and aesthetics, Zia Medical Centre in Dubai.

This occurs because Ozempic and similar medications can cause people to lose weight quickly, leaving insufficient time for the tissues to adapt. The rapid weight loss stretches the skin, making excess tissues more noticeable and resulting in a loss of volume. “This can be especially harmful to people over 50, making their faces look [like they are] sagging and worn out,” she adds.

According to Dr Aiza Jamil, consultant dermatologist at Healthpoint in Abu Dhabi, the primary cause of Ozempic Face is significant and rapid weight loss. “The rapidity of weight loss can outpace the skin’s ability to adapt, leading to sagging. This is particularly noticeable in areas where the skin was previously supported by fat.”

Consequently, there has been a rise in requests for face rejuvenation surgery among people who have taken Ozempic. “These side effects are so prevalent that the term Ozempic Face has come into existence. Similar effects can also occur with other weight-loss drugs on the market such as Mounjaro and Zepbound,” says Dr Shweta Singh, dual board certified dermatologist, Minal Medical Centre.