Losing face? Take heart. There’s a new supplement on the market that promises to put an end to the droopy aesthetic of “Ozempic face” — in addition to some of the other unpleasant side effects of the medication.
Ozempic is part of a class of diabetes and obesity drugs that mimic the GLP-1 hormone the body naturally produces after eating, suppressing appetite and stimulating weight loss.
But for some, rapid weight loss can create issues with skin elasticity that manifest in sunken eyes, gaunt cheeks and saggy skin, often making the user appear older and more deflated.
Extreme weight loss in a short period of time — with or without GLP-1s — can cause a loss of skin elasticity due to the disruption of the skin barrier and the rapid depletion of essential fatty acids. The phenomenon has recently been dubbed “Ozempic face,” with stars like Sharon Osbourne — who admitted to weighing under 100 pounds earlier this year — being accused of having it.
Upper East Side plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Schwarcz previously told The Post that fat loss in the center cheek area and neck can result in “significant aging.” With longer-term use, the temples can also be impacted, yielding a “skeleton eye look that makes people look older than they should,” he said.
In response to this skeletal deflation, Replenza has launched a line of dietary supplements designed for people taking GLP-1 medications.
The Replenza Daily Supplement contains a probiotic and enzyme blend for gut health, a patented ingredient to help with nutrient absorption, a vitamin B complex and ashwagandha, which has been shown to reduce the symptoms of stress, boost energy and improve mood, sleep and focus. A one-month supply costs $24.98.
Meanwhile, the Replenza Daily Replenisher, sold at $49.98 for a one-month supply, is a powdered supplement that supports skin elasticity and digestive function.
“Digestive health and muscle recovery are vital areas often overlooked in a weight loss journey using GLP-1 medications,” said Dr. Rajesh Dhirmalani, a board-certified gastroenterologist and member of Replenza’s advisory board.
“Replenza is designed to help nourish from within and is made with amino acids, prebiotics, probiotics and essential nutrients.”
Speaking to The Post, Dietitian and Replenza Advisory Board Member Danielle Schupp stressed the importance of nourishment and nutritional support for those taking GLP-1 medications.
“As a dietitian with 30 years of expertise in weight management, the GLP-1s are a life-changing medication for many, and when combined with the proper eating program, the results are astounding,” she said. “This is why I often recommend supplements to fill the nutritional gaps created for those on GLP medicines.”
Ozempic user Quenby Erickson, who lost 45 pounds in seven months on the drug, previously told The Post that her progression into Ozempic face was gradual.
“It’s really hard to say for sure exactly when I noticed my face changing,” she said. “You just think it’s weight loss, and then you start to look in your mirror like, ‘Wait a minute, my skin is saggy now and it wasn’t before. I’ve aged a lot in a few months.’”
Plastic surgeons say Ozempic face is less pronounced in women because they’re more likely to obscure fluctuations with fillers and makeup. In terms of fillers, surgeons have noted a surge in demand for cosmetic fillers to combat the ick of Ozempic face.
Along with causing people to lose face, the treatment has also been blamed for sagging glutes, dubbed “Ozempic butt,” vision problems, bowel obstruction, foul belches, gastrointestinal distress, stomach paralysis and even personality changes.
The Replenza supplements are coming to market just as the makers of Ozempic have developed a pill that can cause weight loss of up to 13% in three months, suggesting that dropping pounds and drooping faces will continue to be a problem that needs addressing.
