Weight loss experts & medical professionals, what are the downsides of weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy? This is for a piece in the national press. (not nec Sky) Ex: physical reactions, weakness/frailty, ozempic face, hair loss, other unwelcome side effects. If you have any pictures exemplifying the problem you are talking about - even better.

I've seen firsthand how Ozempic and Wegovy can be life-changing for weight loss, but I've also witnessed the downsides--both in patients and among friends who have used them. One close colleague, excited to shed pounds quickly, struggled with relentless nausea and vomiting in the first few weeks, making it hard to stay hydrated or get enough nutrients. Another friend lost weight so rapidly that her face thinned out dramatically, leaving her feeling older rather than healthier--a classic case of "Ozempic face." Beyond the aesthetic concerns, I've had clients who experienced muscle loss because they weren't maintaining adequate protein intake or engaging in strength training. One in particular, a woman in her late 40s, was thrilled by the number on the scale dropping but found herself feeling weak and fatigued--only to realize she had lost significant muscle mass along with fat. Hair thinning is another concern that often catches people off guard. A former patient of mine, who had been thrilled with her progress, was devastated when she started noticing excessive shedding in the shower. It turned out that her rapid weight loss had triggered temporary telogen effluvium, a common response to sudden changes in metabolism. These experiences highlight an important point: while these medications can be powerful tools, they're not magic pills. Weight loss needs to be supported with proper nutrition, hydration, and exercise to prevent unintended consequences. Anyone considering these drugs should work closely with a healthcare professional to ensure they're losing weight in a way that supports their overall health--inside and out.

As a physician assistant, I'm hopeful that we'll see the body positivity movement expand beyond just weight and start focusing more on things like ageism, lookism, and disability. It's refreshing to see patients embracing self-love despite the fatphobic society we live in, but I'm always trying to balance that with the very real health effects of excess adipose tissue. With Ozempic use on the rise, we have a chance to shift the conversation. It's important to remember that GLP-1 medications aren't going to turn everyone into a supermodel. We'll still see a wide range of body types. Fat distribution can vary widely even in patients of similar weights. So body positivity will certainly still have its place. But if the movement can evolve to embrace human variation beyond the number on the scale, that would broaden its impact and help more people find peace.