Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, GLP-1s and the Side Effects on Your Body: The Hidden Cost of Weight Loss

The GLP-1 Revolution

GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have become household names. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, these medications have exploded in popularity for their ability to support significant weight loss.

By mimicking the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), they slow gastric emptying, reduce appetite, and improve blood sugar control. For many people, they’ve been a game-changer in reducing weight when diet and exercise alone weren’t enough.

But here’s the reality: while these drugs can be effective for fat reduction, they don’t discriminate. Alongside fat, muscle mass and facial volume are often lost too—leading to what’s now called “Ozempic face.”

At Body Catalyst, we’re seeing more and more clients who’ve reached their weight goals with GLP-1s but are left struggling with side effects they didn’t anticipate: gaunt facial features, sagging skin, weakened pelvic floors, and muscle loss.

The good news? There are safe, non-surgical solutions that can help restore what’s been lost.

The Science: How GLP-1s Work

To understand the side effects, let’s quickly review how GLP-1s work.

• GLP-1 is a hormone naturally secreted in the gut in response to food.
• It increases insulin secretion, slows stomach emptying, and signals satiety to the brain.
• Synthetic GLP-1 agonists (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) mimic this effect—reducing appetite and calorie intake significantly.

Result: People eat less, feel full faster, and lose weight.

But the weight lost isn’t just fat.

Why Muscle and Facial Volume Are Lost

Weight loss through calorie restriction (whether by diet, surgery, or GLP-1s) always carries the risk of muscle loss.

• Muscle is metabolically expensive. When the body is in a calorie deficit, it may break down muscle tissue for energy.
• Fat loss is not selective. While GLP-1s encourage fat metabolism, they don’t prevent muscle catabolism.
• Collagen and subcutaneous fat loss in the face = hollowed cheeks, sagging jowls, “Ozempic face.”
• Skin elasticity declines. Rapid fat loss can leave behind stretched, weakened connective tissue.

Clinical Data:

Studies show up to 30–40% of weight lost on GLP-1s can come from lean mass (muscle and bone). This is significant—because less muscle = lower metabolism, frailty risk, and a “skinny fat” composition (thin, but with low muscle tone and strength).

The Visible Side Effects

1. “Ozempic Face” 
   • Gaunt, hollowed cheeks
   • Loose skin around jawline and eyes
   • Accelerated ageing appearance
2. Muscle Loss (Sarcopenia) 
   • Loss of strength
   • Slowed metabolism (harder to maintain weight)
   • Less toned, more fatigued body
3. Skin Laxity 
   • Rapid fat loss without collagen stimulation leaves skin loose
   • Dimples, sagging, and crepe-like texture
4. Pelvic Floor Weakness 
   • Often overlooked, but weight loss can reveal or worsen pre-existing weakness
   • Especially relevant in women post-pregnancy or peri/menopause

Why This Matters: Beyond Aesthetics

This isn’t just about vanity. Muscle mass and collagen are critical for:

• Metabolic health (muscle = calorie-burning powerhouse)
• Strength and mobility (protecting against falls, frailty, ageing)
• Confidence and wellbeing (feeling strong and youthful in your own skin)

The “Ozempic look” is the visible reminder of what’s happening internally.

The Solutions: Restoring Balance with Non-Surgical Technology

This is where Body Catalyst comes in. Our technologies are designed to counteract the side effects of GLP-1-induced weight loss—safely, non-surgically, and effectively.

1. HIFU for Skin Tightening & Facial Volume Support

How it works:

• High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (Ulfit) penetrates into the dermis and SMAS layer, the same layer targeted in surgical facelifts.
• Stimulates fibroblasts to rebuild collagen and elastin.
• Firms and tightens sagging skin, lifting areas like the cheeks, jowls, jawline, and neck.

Why it’s perfect post-GLP-1:

• Addresses skin laxity and “Ozempic face.”
• Rebuilds structure where fat has been lost.
• Restores youthful definition without fillers or surgery.

👉 Think of it like scaffolding for the skin—strengthening the structure so everything sits higher, firmer, and more supported.

2. TeslaFormer for Muscle Restoration

How it works:

• Functional Magnetic Stimulation (FMS) creates supramaximal contractions—far beyond what voluntary exercise can achieve.
• Builds lean muscle mass, tones, and increases metabolic rate.
• Targets abs, glutes, thighs, arms, and more.

Why it’s perfect post-GLP-1:

• Rebuilds muscle lost during weight loss.
• Improves body composition: less fat, more muscle.
• Boosts metabolism, helping maintain weight long-term.
• Restores tone and strength without joint strain.

👉 Analogy: If GLP-1s helped shrink the body, Tesla helps rebuild and reshape it.

3. TeslaChair for Pelvic Floor Strength

How it works:

• Targets deep pelvic floor and core muscles with the same FMS technology.
• Improves continence, posture, and sexual health.

Why it’s perfect post-GLP-1:

• Rapid weight loss can reveal or worsen pelvic weakness.
• TeslaChair strengthens the “invisible foundation” of the body.

4. Body Sculpting Combination for Stubborn Fat & Cellulite

While GLP-1s reduce overall weight, many clients still notice stubborn areas or cellulite. Combining:

• HIFU + Cavitation → fat cell destruction
• RF → skin tightening
• Tesla → lymphatic drainage and toning

This creates a comprehensive reshaping plan—not just weight loss, but true contouring.

Why Non-Surgical Is the Smarter Choice

• Safe & TGA-approved – No surgery, no general anaesthetic, no high-risk interventions.
• Evidence-based – Backed by clinical science on fat reduction, collagen stimulation, and muscle strengthening.
• Holistic – Addresses fat, muscle, and skin together—something Ozempic alone cannot do.
• Personalised – Every plan is tailored to your body, your goals, and your stage of life.

Real Client Stories

“I lost 18kg on Ozempic, but my face aged overnight. HIFU gave me my cheeks and jawline back—people say I look ‘fresh’ instead of tired.”

“The scales said I was lighter, but I felt weak. Tesla has rebuilt my strength and tone—I actually feel fit again.”

You Don’t Have to Choose Between Thin and Healthy

So many women tell us:

• “I’m thrilled I lost the weight, but I don’t recognise myself anymore.”
  
• “I look in the mirror and feel older, not younger.”
  
• “I’m scared to stop Ozempic because I’ll gain it back, but I don’t want to keep looking gaunt.”
  

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to choose between being lighter and looking healthy. With the right support, you can keep the benefits of fat loss while restoring the muscle, skin quality, and strength that make you feel confident.

Restoring Balance After GLP-1s

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic are powerful tools—but they’re not the full solution. They reduce weight, yes, but often at the cost of muscle mass, skin elasticity, and facial volume.

At Body Catalyst, we help restore balance:

• HIFU → tightens and lifts sagging skin, treating “Ozempic face.”
• TeslaFormer → rebuilds muscle mass, tone, and metabolism.
• TeslaChair → strengthens the pelvic floor and deep core.
• Combination treatments → smooth stubborn fat and cellulite.

Because weight loss should give you confidence—not take it away.

If you’ve lost weight with Ozempic or another GLP-1 and want to restore your skin, strength, and confidence—book a complimentary consultation today.

Our expert therapists will design a safe, personalised plan to help you feel like yourself again—only stronger, firmer, and more confident.