Americans are jumping for jabs.
Surveys show at least one in eight US adults have given GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy a shot, with 6% currently taking them.
The miracle meds have been linked to a host of health benefits beyond diabetes management and weight loss, from staving off Alzheimer’s and curbing addiction to lowering the risk of heart, kidney and liver problems.
But it’s not all smooth sailing and skinny waists. While most people are aware of gastrointestinal problems linked to the drugs, such as acid reflux, nausea, burning and constipation, lesser-known side effects range from bothersome to bizarre.
“We are just starting to learn more about the systemic impact of these medications,” Dr. Shiara Ortiz-Pujols, director of Obesity Medicine at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, told The Post.
“I am not surprised to see these effects as it highlights the complexity of overweight and obesity as a systemic disease,” she added.
Here’s a rundown on the strange and sometimes sickening side effects that GLP-1 users have reported.
Ozempic butt and boobs
The numbers on the scale aren’t the only things dropping — GLP-1 users say their breasts and backsides are, too.
This kind of sagging is a common result of rapid weight loss without proper diet and physical activity, especially as skin loses elasticity with age, Ortiz-Pujols said.
“Not only can this be mitigated with adequate nutrition and exercise, but we can titrate the dose of the medication more slowly, which can help to control the rate of weight loss and minimize side effects,” she said.
Dry mouth and cavities
Weight loss drugs might shrink your waistline — but they could also wreck your smile.
GLP-1 users have reported a mouthful of problems, including dry mouth, bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay.
Experts say the drugs may reduce saliva production, robbing the mouth of its natural tooth-cleansing power and cutting off minerals that keep enamel strong, increasing your risk of cavities and tooth decay.
Ortiz-Pujols stressed the importance of staying hydrated on GLP-1s, noting dry mouth is a key warning sign.
“Even if people do not feel thirsty — they must maintain their water intake,” she said. “I often recommend that people add electrolytes to their water to improve hydration.”
Ozempic tongue
Your taste buds might go rogue on GLP-1s, turning once-loved foods and drinks into total turn-offs.
“Many lose interest in coffee and alcohol,” Ortiz-Pujols said.
“Others who craved sweets may find the foods are too sweet, while others who craved salty/savory foods may find themselves craving sweets,” she added.
Several celebrities have opened up about the side effect, including “Botched” star Dr. Terry Dubrow, who told Page Six he gave up Ozempic because it “took all the joy of eating away.”
“We really don’t know yet what is causing this,” Dr. Hernandez Mato, a physician, told MDLinx.
“There are theories that Ozempic alters the gene on the taste receptors of the tongue, but no theory has yet been backed up by conclusive evidence,” he explained.
Sinus problems
GLP-1s can also affect your sinuses and ears, which can lead to some uncomfortable symptoms.
Inflammation of the nasal passages and sinusitis rank among the top ear-related side effects of the drugs, according to Ortiz-Pujols.
She explained that GLP-1s can also increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which in turn may trigger postnasal drip, a runny nose and sinus pressure.
The drugs also stimulate the vagus nerve, which can lead to chronic nasal symptoms like congestion, sneezing and even more pressure behind the face.
On top of that, rapid weight loss from GLP-1s can mess with your eustachian tube — the small canal that links your middle ear to your throat — leading to a feeling of fullness in the ears and contributing to sinus discomfort.
Ozempic feet
Sagging skin isn’t just a breast and butt problem — weight loss drugs are causing it in feet, too.
Ozempic, along with other semaglutide-based GLP-1s like Mounjaro, cause rapid fat and water loss that can affect sensitive spots like the tops of your feet, Dr. Barry Weintraub told the Daily Mail.
The result? Sagging skin, reduced fat padding and visible tendons or veins in the feet.
Burning skin
GLP-1s might make you feel ready for hot girl summer, but some users say the drugs are making them burn up — literally.
Dr. Daniel Rosen, an NYC surgeon and weight loss specialist, told his TikTok followers he’s treated several patients who developed allodynia while on the medications.
Allodynia is nerve pain triggered by things that shouldn’t hurt, like brushing your hair or wearing a shirt.
That’s not to be confused with injection site problems, which Ortiz-Pujols notes can also arise.
“An itchy rash at the site of injection is not dangerous but can be annoying,” she said, adding that it usually resolves within a week and can be managed with cortisone cream.
Hair loss
Your waist might get thinner on GLP-1s — but so could your hair. Users report noticeable shedding, with stylists saying clients’ hair also changes in texture and density.
“This can be seen with rapid weight loss and inadequate nutrition,” Ortiz-Pujols said.
“I encourage people to start biotin to make sure that they are getting sufficient protein in their diet. Working with a registered dietician can help this goal,” she added.
Ozempic finger
Dropping pant sizes is great — but fingers and wrists, like feet, are among the parts of the body that can lose fat fast.
The unexpected slim-down has sent people rushing to jewelers, desperate to resize loose engagement rings and slipping Cartier LOVE bracelets before they slide right off.
“I never realized weight loss also happened in your hands, but my ring suddenly didn’t fit,” Jessica, a part-time preschool teacher who lost 17 pounds in six weeks on Ozempic, told The Post.
Menstrual irregularities
Many women battling weight issues also struggle with irregular periods, according to Ortiz-Pujols.
“After starting this medication, some women with regular periods may find that their periods may become irregular, but tend to regulate once weight loss has stabilized,” she said.
Studies also suggest these drugs can also affect the brain’s hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, which regulates reproductive hormones and menstrual cycles.
Ozempic face
One of the most visible side effects of GLP-1s is the dreaded “Ozempic face” — that gaunt, prematurely aged look some users get after dropping pounds at lightning speed.
“This happens because the medications not only result in fat loss, but also muscle loss,” Ortiz-Pujols explained.
The effect worsens when rapid fat loss isn’t balanced with proper nutrition.
“It is best to administer these medications in a comprehensive medical team to ensure that people are eating a protein rich diet that also prioritizes increased physical activity and resistance exercise to build lean muscle,” Ortiz-Pujols said.
Decreased bone density
“If we lose muscle mass this will negatively affect bone density,” Ortiz-Pujols warned
When people don’t get enough protein while on these drugs, it can make the problem worse.
That’s especially concerning for middle-aged women, who already face a higher risk of bone and muscle loss thanks to the hormonal rollercoaster associated with the menopause transition.
Joint problems
Patients who start losing weight on GLP-1s often experience less joint pain at first — but after a few months, Ortiz-Pujols said their aches sometimes start creeping back.
“This is due to a lack of resistance and strength training as part of their weight loss journey,” she explained. “As the muscles around the joints become weaker — they are no longer as effective in supporting the joint.”
The upsides
GLP-1s may come with some bizarre and bothersome side effects — but they’re also delivering unexpected perks.
“Many who struggle with weight also struggle with fertility and hormonal imbalances,” Ortiz-Pujols said. “Even modest weight loss can improve our hormonal balance and lead to pregnancy.”
But doctors warn: GLP-1s may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills — so if you’re not trying to get pregnant, don’t ditch the condoms just yet or you might end up with an “Ozempic baby.”
“Many will have improvements in inflammation, energy levels, and pain associated with autoimmune conditions,” Ortiz-Pujols said.
She noted that the medications also influence the brain’s reward system, helping users curb cravings for addictive substances like sugar, nicotine and booze.