Weight loss injections such as Mounjaro and Wego can lead to significant muscle loss, including in the facial area, according to a new large-scale analysis. Experts associate this phenomenon with the phenomenon known as Ozempic face, when the face appears sunken and the cheekbones are more pronounced.
In a study in which the authors analyzed the health data of thousands of patients and included 36 studies, they found that up to two-thirds of users of these drugs lose important muscle mass. It has already been proven that patients can lose up to a fifth of their body weight thanks to these preparations.
“The aesthetic change often referred to as Ozempic face is related to the rate and composition of weight loss rather than the drug itself. When a person loses weight quickly, the body not only draws on fat stores, but also breaks down muscle mass and structural fat, which supports, for example, the face,” she explained neurologist Ruby Aktarová from Queen Mary University in London.
Experts warn that muscle loss can lead to serious complications, including skeletal muscle weakness and dangerous falls. “Treatment should be combined with strategies to preserve muscle mass, especially strength training and adequate protein intake. In older adults, muscle preservation may be critical to whether weight loss leads to improved health or increased vulnerability. It’s not just about body composition. It’s about mobility, falls, frailty, and the ability to maintain independence.” she stated Charlotte Suetta from Copenhagen University Hospital.
