Beating ‘Ozempic face’: how Sharon Osbourne and Scott Disick could have used dermal fillers and face yoga to overcome side effects of weight-loss drug used to treat type 2 diabetes

Mar 5 , 2025

Sharon Osbourne shed 19kg using Ozempic, but the unwanted side effects were obvious on her face. Photo: FilmMagic

While it may be an appealing prospect to many of us, rapid weight loss can lead to a gaunt appearance due to facial fat loss – but the right exercises, skincare and hydration can help combat this

The endless pursuit of the “perfect figure” has always had its quirks, but Ozempic has taken the obsession to a whole new level. Originally concocted to manage type 2 diabetes, this injectable has sidestepped into Hollywood’s weight-loss world thanks to its undeniable allure: appetite suppression, weight loss and the chance to skip the torture of marathon cardio sessions or another bland kale salad. But there’s a plot twist, one that’s written all over the faces of the Ozempic faithful. Cue “Ozempic face”.

Dr Paul Jarrod Frank, the cosmetic dermatologist who coined the term, probably wasn’t aiming for catchy when he labelled the side effect. “Ozempic face” describes a gaunt, hollowed look that makes cheekbones pop for all the wrong reasons. Rapid weight loss, it turns out, doesn’t just target muffin tops or love handles. It’s merciless on facial fat: the secret sauce behind that plump, youthful glow. Without it, cheeks deflate, skin sags and wrinkles play a starring role.

Using Ozempic can result in a suddenly older-looking face. Photo: Handout

The rise of Ozempic, along with its siblings Wegovy and Mounjaro, has turned the weight-loss landscape into a Hunger Games arena of sorts. “These weekly injections work by convincing the brain that it’s already full. What follows is a quick drop in weight and, in many cases, the disappearance of that soft, pillowy facial fat that keeps everything looking tight and youthful,” explains general plastic surgeon Dr Victor Perez. Facial fat often gets a bad rap in beauty, but it’s the foundation of a youthful face. Lose it too fast, and things start to unravel. Wrinkles step into the spotlight, elasticity takes a nosedive and dullness starts showing up.

Reality TV star Scott Disick became the face of this phenomenon earlier last year. His dramatically hollowed-out cheeks and tired-looking eyes set off alarm bells across the internet. Fans speculated about everything from illness to personal struggles, but the real culprit was Ozempic. And Disick isn’t the only one: Sharon Osbourne revealed her own journey with the drug, shedding a jaw-dropping 42 pounds (19kg). But her transformation came with a cost: sunken eyes, hollowed cheeks and pronounced wrinkles.

When the weight comes off too fast, the body barely has time to catch its breath, and the face starts spilling secrets. But, according to certified dermatologist Dr Amy Blake, achieving a sculpted figure without leaving the face looking like an afterthought is entirely doable with a bit of finesse. “The first rule of the game is taking it slow. Gradual weight loss isn’t just kinder to the skin. It’s the age-defying choice that allows elasticity to stay in the picture,” she says, adding that this can help avoid the dreaded “aged overnight” effect.

Among the tools to combat a gaunt appearance are face yoga and skincare products. Photo: Handout

That said, pacing is only part of the equation. Another tool in the beauty arsenal is facial exercises, or “face yoga”. Think of these moves as a workout for the face, a non-invasive way to maintain lift, tone and add volume.

With weight loss often throwing the face out of balance, these exercises have become the secret weapon for keeping everything firm.

The magic lies in their ability to stimulate circulation and boost collagen production. “Engaging these muscles increases blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin’s surface,” Blake says, adding that this leads to a more radiant, lifted and youthful complexion. With regular practice, the benefits increase, contouring key areas like the cheeks, jawline and even the delicate eye area.