‘Ozempic Mouth,’ ‘Feet’ Are Latest Names For GLP-1 Med Side Effects

Forbes - May 4th, 2025

The rising use of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic for weight loss has led to unexpected side effects, such as 'Ozempic mouth' and 'Ozempic feet,' characterized by wrinkles and sagging skin due to rapid weight reduction. In response, fitness trainers, such as Mike Kimani from LM Fitness Center in Los Angeles, are devising specialized workout regimes to mitigate these effects for clients like Jessica Bunge. The sudden loss of body mass affects the skin's elasticity, resulting in various aesthetic concerns, which have become a topic of discussion on social media platforms.

These developments underscore the limitations of GLP-1 receptor agonists as weight loss solutions, emphasizing that they are not magic cures. While beneficial for those struggling to lose weight through traditional methods, these medications necessitate ongoing lifestyle adjustments to maintain results. The story highlights the importance of adopting holistic approaches, emphasizing nutrition and exercise, to manage weight loss sustainably. As the popularity of such medications grows, the demand for tailored fitness and dietary programs is expected to increase, reflecting the broader societal challenges of managing weight and health.

Social Media Weight Loss Ozempic Glp 1 Receptor Agonists Cosmetic Surgery Mike Kimani Jessica Bunge Fitness Training Side Effects

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RATING

7.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and engaging discussion on the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss, highlighting both their benefits and potential cosmetic side effects. It effectively communicates complex medical concepts in an accessible manner, making it relevant to a wide audience interested in weight loss and health trends. However, the article could be improved by incorporating more authoritative sources and expert opinions to enhance its credibility and impact. While it raises important questions about the sustainability and ethics of using these medications, a deeper exploration of these issues would increase its potential to provoke meaningful debate. Overall, the article succeeds in raising awareness and sparking interest, but could benefit from greater depth and transparency in its reporting.

Accuracy

The article accurately describes the mechanism of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, in promoting weight loss by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 to reduce hunger and slow gastric emptying. This aligns with scientific understanding and is supported by credible sources. The story also correctly notes potential cosmetic side effects like 'Ozempic face' and 'Ozempic feet,' which are emerging terms on social media platforms. However, the article could improve by providing specific incidence rates for these side effects, as well as more detailed information on the long-term effects of these medications. Overall, the factual claims made are largely verifiable, but some areas require further evidence for complete accuracy.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by discussing both the benefits and potential side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists. It acknowledges the effectiveness of these medications for weight loss while emphasizing that they are not magical solutions and should not replace healthy lifestyle changes. However, the piece could benefit from including more perspectives from medical professionals or patients who have used these medications, to provide a fuller picture of their impact and effectiveness. The focus on cosmetic side effects could also be balanced with more discussion on the broader health implications of using these medications.

Clarity

The article is well-written and uses clear, accessible language to explain complex medical concepts. It effectively communicates the potential side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists and the reasons behind them. The use of metaphors, such as comparing skin to Spanx, helps to illustrate the effects of rapid weight loss in a relatable way. However, the article could be structured more logically, with a clearer separation between the discussion of side effects, mechanisms, and solutions, to enhance readability.

Source quality

The article references previous writings from Forbes and mentions social media as a source of emerging terminology, which suggests a reliance on both established and informal sources. While the use of a reputable publication like Forbes adds credibility, the absence of direct citations from scientific studies or expert interviews weakens the overall source quality. Including more authoritative sources such as medical journals or expert opinions would enhance the reliability of the information presented.

Transparency

The article provides a clear explanation of how GLP-1 receptor agonists work and the potential side effects. However, it lacks transparency in terms of sourcing, as it does not specify the studies or experts that support the claims made. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or the author's expertise in the subject matter. Greater transparency in these areas would improve the article's credibility and allow readers to better assess the validity of the information.